#224 / The Socialism Scare

I have to confess that I am not really too interested in debates about "socialism." Lots of people are. The New York Times Magazine, for instance, carried an article on July 22, 2018, called, "Red Flags." That was the hard-copy title. Online, you'll find the article has this label: "America Can Never Sort Out Whether ‘Socialism’ Is Marginal or Rising."

To reiterate, I am not very much concerned about the label. I am quite interested in the reality of the policies that are either "socialist" or not. I don't actually care what you call them.

Bernie Sanders, whom I supported for president in 2016, calls himself a "democratic socialist." So does Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who just beat out one of the most powerful Democrats in the United States Congress, in a Democratic Party primary held in New York City. 

I am a little impatient with those who suggest that Ocasio-Cortez' victory, and the persistent public admiration for Senator Bernie Sanders, should make everyone want to decide whether or not "socialism" is "marginal or rising." I suggest the question ought to be this: Would policies for universal health care, and efforts to reduce or eliminate income inequality, be good or bad for the country?  

I am in favor of those policies. I don't care what you call it. 

Image Credit:

http://www.governmentvs.com/en/socialism-vs-feudalism/comparison-27-35-0