I have a profound commitment to democracy, as means and end. I am an committed not only to extending political democracy but to demanding democratic empowerment in the economy, in gender relations, and in culture. Democracy is not simply one of our political values but our means of restructuring society. Our vision is of a society in which people have a real voice in the choices and relationships that affect the entirety of our lives.
I have a vision of a more free, democratic and humane society.
I reject an international economic order sustained by private profit, alienated labor, race and gender discrimination, environmental destruction, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.
I Have a vision of a humane international social order based both on democratic planning and market mechanisms to achieve equitable distribution of resources, meaningful work, a healthy environment, sustainable growth, gender and racial equality, and non-oppressive relationships.
2007-03-26 11:46:26 · 19 answers · asked by uab_skinhead 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Do you agree with that statement?
If so, you are a socialist. Don't believe me. Visit
http://www.dsausa.org/about/index.html
2007-03-26 11:47:57 · update #1
Answer: Real democracy is presently impossible. The number of issues, the complexities of government, etc. are far beyond the capabilities of our educational system and human physiology to make wise decisions on all issues as a democracy. That's what specialists are for.
That's what elected representatives are for.
That's why we don't have a democracy and never have.
As we grow, as voting becomes more possible online, as communication gets easier, we may bring back democracy as a form of government. But carefully, carefully!
Answer: More free and humane? I love it.
More freedom for criminal behavior, and required charity? NO! I'll fight that any time.
Answer: Private profit? You mean get rid of capitalism. Replaced with socialism, a failed experiment throughout the world? Capitalism has created one of the greatest and most poweful nations and people in the world.
No thank you. I believe in personal responsibility, and the opportunity for all those who want it to make their forture, NOT have a government give me the minimum whether I work or not, or worse, have to work at a job that I know I can never get rewarded for doing extra, so that I end up doing the minimum since there is no reason not to.
That is not the way to greatness, and it is why the Soviet Union fell. Why try?
Alienated labor? Easy to solve. Remove unions, replace with government incentives to small business and education (not freebees, but rewards for success).
When people EARN what they get, they don't spend time whining about getting something for free. They are satisfied knowing they are paid what they are worth.
Answer: race and gender discrimination? Yes. Less than any country in the world in the U.S.
What a wonderful goal! Thank goodness we've experimented with that for two hundred years here in the United States of America! We experiment with lot's of things, and many nations have graceously supported and cheered the experiment.
Oh, we've had problems, but less than other countries (though FAR MORE publisized - freedom has it's price when it comes to the press), and we aren't done! We still want more! THAT is wonderful!
Environmental destruction! No one sane wants that. Thank goodness we have cleaner air than what we can find even pre-industrial revolution, and more forests than we have ever had in the United States than at ANY time in the written history of the country! We've done a great job!
And we still want to improve! We discuss it in all sorts of ways! What a great country!
The brutality and violence I read about historically and in the news is terrible. South America, Asia, Africa, it's just terrible. Europe has some, but mostly it seems to be rioting Islamic students. Australia has a bit, but barely visible compared to the constant fighting the the other continents I mentioned. Here in the U.S. the worst we have to deal with is the constant barraige our free citizens can throw in constant sedition at our President and elected officials without ANY fear of getting arrested or in trouble! What a country! It's a little crazy making, but I'd rather have them have that freedom (though we have free speech, too, and we answer them) than have a country that arrested or hurt them, like most Islamic countries.
Good goal! Let's get rid of ALL the brutality and violence of people trying to force their way on other countries! Let's stick to things like attacking back when countries try to kill our President, attack our allies, fire at our troops across a no-fly zone, murdered thousands of their own people, ran rape rooms in the government, killed all dissenting opinion by killing the dissenters, supply money to suicide bombers who kill civilians, and break every cease-fire they agreed to...
...like Iraq did. That was reasonable after a decade of restraint and constant second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. chances. Kind of like the little kid who picks on a nice big kid thinking the big kid will never hit back.
What a surprise! Good thing we're here, because they've been doing it to a lot of countries, including some smaller than them (Israel, Kuwait, etc.)
Interesting vision.
Too bad we can't agree on everything.
Oh, I am a Democrat. I just believe in the following:
Equal rights (for everyone, not special rights for special groups)
Free speech (even for Republican talk radio hosts)
Free expression (even for Christians)
I'm not a republican, not a Christian, and I'm partially First American.
But first, and foremost, and always, a patriot.
How about you folk?
2007-03-26 12:13:07 · answer #1 · answered by mckenziecalhoun 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Its an interesting concept and one that has been thought of before. In the present state of the world it is not possible. But we must start the ball rolling.
The insulated and extremely nationalist US would be hard, if not possible, to get on board. Americans consider socialism to be a synonym of communism and fascism. How can you get these people to change their views and understand.
With all the crime on the streets today and radicalism world wide I am not
I think a good start would be to educate about the socialist countries of Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Chainsaw -- In the world today the Democrats are conservatives.
Finland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Finland
Sweden
http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2028/a/79449
Sweden's economy is growing strongly and the public finances are in surplus. This is the message in Sweden's eighth updated convergence programme, which has been delivered to the EU Commission and Council today
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Sweden
Norway
http://www.regjeringen.no/en.html?id=4
mark k -- another uninformed terrorist type remark.
2007-03-26 19:12:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
" I reject an international economic order sustained by private profit"
Nope I like to make and keep my own money.
"I Have a vision of a humane international social order based both on democratic planning and market mechanisms to achieve equitable distribution of resources"
No what I earned is mine. I earned it.
2007-03-26 18:55:24 · answer #3 · answered by kittenbrower 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What's wrong with a healthy dose of socialism? I fail to see why caring for fellow human beings is such a bad idea. What is the purpose of a government if not to provide for those in times of need, to provide a fair and uncorrputed marketplace, and to provide for the common defense.
That being said, I am solidly opposed to a welfare state. A true socialist government is going to work for equitable opportunity and a fair wage system to reward WORKING people and not lazy bums.
So in general I agree with the ethos of the statment provided. If you are implying that that this makes me a socialist so be it. Labeling is really a pointless waste of time; it's far better to devise solutions to problems than to bicker about differences of opinion.
2007-03-26 19:01:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, socialism looks very pretty on paper, but as humans...we mess everything up. A balance works better, not a complete rejection of the philosophy.
But since we are playing this game...
Well...who exactly does this sound like?
"Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."
--Hermann Goering(1893-1946) Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, President of the Reichstag, Prime Minister of Prussia and, as Hitler's designated successor, the second man in the Third Reich.
That sounds like Bush and his war supporters to me....
2007-03-26 18:56:47 · answer #5 · answered by ♥austingirl♥ 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Yes, and one doesn't have to be a socialist to agree with this statement. This statement is about democracy. When it becomes socialist is when you administer programs by the government for others. Being humane, democratic and everyone having a voice isn't a socialist view necessarily and is a view our founding fathers advocated.
2007-03-26 18:54:43 · answer #6 · answered by CC 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
There are worse things in the world then socialism....it is great in theory, but does not work in the real world. Are you saying you are against equality and people having a voice in govt?Watch "The Corporation" one day if you think Capitalism is so wonderful...
2007-03-26 18:52:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Good luck.
Democrats are either Socialist or Communist.
"The masses are asses. They are to be used and abused".
The argument between Democrats running for president is: some want Socialism, like the old Soviet Union, and some want Communism, like North Korea.
Socialists are "nice Communists". The Soviet Union was Socialist, like many of the people answering you. They murdered over 20,000,000 people.
Check your answers. All those Socialists think that's cool: murdering 20,000,000 people.
Kinda Scary, eh?
2007-03-26 18:54:43 · answer #8 · answered by wolf 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Socialists believe in pretty flowers too. So do I. Does that make me a socialist as well?
Vague statements don't define.
2007-03-26 18:53:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Whats so bad about being socialist? Real life socialism has only failed because of poor leadership. I think that only selfish assholes would disagree with these ideals.
2007-03-26 18:53:22 · answer #10 · answered by juddthestud1987 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋