BernieSanders

I Bernie Sanders identifies himself as a Democratic Socialist. Democratic Socialism in the U.S. arose in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries in opposition to growing corporate power and increasing militarism. One of the movement’s early founders and champions was Eugene V. Debs – a historical figure for whom Sanders has great admiration. Sander’s Democratic Socialist views are not incompatible with free enterprise, nor even capitalism. Sanders simply believes, as do a growing number of Americans, that capitalism should play by the rules and be subject to the same laws and regulations as everyone else. Sanders, like those who support him, understands that private corporations that grow “too big to fail” threaten democracy while exercising the kind of tyranny that is endangering the very existence of life on Earth. Sanders also understands that, while free enterprise does many things well, there are institutions and resources that belong to all of us together and none of us alone – and therefore, should never be subject to a system focused on profits. These are the Commons: water, infrastructure such as roads, bridges and utilities, health care, education, public transportation, the right to basic housing, energy resources and communications. The last thirty years have demonstrated how badly private corporations have administered the Commons, using them almost exclusively for their own benefit to the detriment of society and the environment. When it comes to products that make life more convenient, more interesting and even enjoyable, free enterprise does a fine job. It produces private automobiles (cars made in old Soviet factories were usually bad copies of American and European vehicles – and their mechanical reliability left much to be desired). Free enterprise creates computing devices that are constantly shrinking in price and size while offering ever-greater capabilities. It provides entertainment (the quality of which may be debatable – but is still better than much of what would come out of government-controlled studios and theaters). Free enterprise drives all sorts of amazing innovations that have the potential to make the world a more comfortable and enjoyable place. But unlike shelter, clean water, safe food and health care, our lives and well-being do not depend on these things. Even education is necessary for a person to realize his/her own full potential and become a contributing member of society. It should never be subject to the profit motive, and students should never be forced into a lifetime of debt slavery simply to receive that education. These are the issues for which Bernie Sanders stands. These are the issues that are resonating with the American People. This is Democratic Socialism."

By JamesMorrison