Can Democratic Socialism Pass the Electability Test? It Already Has

[RiverLover]

Can Democratic Socialism Pass the Electability Test? It Already Has
11/19/2015
by John Nichols
The Nation

Long before Bernie Sanders, socialists were winning elections—and debates about the direction of the United States.

...snip....

...When Sanders delivered his much-anticipated address on democratic socialism at Georgetown University Thursday, he linked his vision to that of a repeatedly-elected Democratic president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who did not identify as a democratic socialist but who borrowed freely from the platforms of his Socialist Party rival, Norman Thomas.

In particular, Sanders connected his contemporary vision to the one outlined by FDR in the 32nd president’s 1944 appeal for a “Second Bill of Rights” that would guarantee:

 The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;

The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;

The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;

The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;

The right of every family to a decent home;

The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;

The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;

The right to a good education.

FDR ran for a fourth term in 1944 advocating for that program, and arguing that “We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. ‘Necessitous men are not free men.’ People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made. In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident.

We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all—regardless of station, race, or creed.”

In his speech at Georgetown, Sanders quoted FDR’s words and recalled that “almost everything he proposed was called ‘socialist.’ ...

Please read in full here~
http://www.thenation.com/article/can-democratic-socialism-pass-the-electability-test-it-already-has/

Thank you Bernie!! I am an FDR Dem. I am a Democratic Socialist!! Thanks for reminding me why Bernie!

"We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence."

[PatrickforO]

1. Sure it can.

More than half of Americans actually want what Bernie wants.

[sabrina 1]

2. I'm an FDR Democratic Socialist also. The answer is, it HAS!

[RiverLover]

3. I like that Sabrina, thanks!

FDR Democratic Socialist. Its a mouthful but its very clear.

Now if we could just get some representation....I don't think I've ever had any true representation to date. They've only talked like it while campaigning...

GO Bernie!!!!