My life has taken a violent left turn over the past 15 years. I was born into a Reagan republican household, where my googlied eyed father often spoke of military might, investment in rising companies and American ingenuity second to none. The early 80's sketched an America not far removed from June Cleaver or Howard Cunningham, familes with modest homes, multiple cars, education and a vision. Naturally, this wholesome world (at least my sheltered white world) was sold as the result of a capitalistic society where anyone could achieve the american dream.
While watching the debate last week, one moment summarized the uphill battle Bernie Sanders faces as a democratic socialist. Hillary Clinton, when responding to a question about whether she was a capitalist, hesitated, then demanded we acknowledge the system which created the strongest middle class the world has ever known.
I agree, but wasn’t socialism an equal partner that should be acknowledged?
It is safe to assume she was referring to the period between 1945 and 1985.
Clearly WWII was the catalyst, not only using government dollars to build a formidable military capable of winning, but building morale and patriotism across our great land. Score one for socialism.
As our soldiers returned, proper health support, college programs like the G.I. bill, low interest loans, and free meals awaited. Socialism wins again.
Our budding corporations respected worker's rights, upwards of 40% of the entire American workforce were union members, fighting for reasonable conditions above profits. How very socilaist.
From Savannah to Seattle, proud police and fire departments looked after the community's well being. Public education provided a foundation for students, and Thomas Jefferson's dream of free college was alive and well in state universities. Thanks socialism.
Corporations and the wealthy were taxed at well north of 50%, justifiable considering the playing grounds. What did we do with that money?
An interstate highway system was created, connecting people and cultures. 300 miles was suddenly an afternoon drive away. Ride the socialist roads.
Frontiers were explored. Anyone feel patriotic when Armstrong stepped onto the moon?
Regulatory bodies were ready, willing and able to inspect our food, check our bridges, provide assistance, keep the air worthy of breathing and water safe to drink. Love that socialism!
Social security provided a comfortable existance for our retired and unable...because we gave a damn. Socialism, and FDR of course, did that.
We cared about the country and the people in it. More than money. More than religion. More than the Kardashians. More than LeBron.
Since the billionaires took over in the 1980's, these values, these strengths have diminished through underfunding, misreporting and a concerted effort to isolate us...under the false pretenses of the american dream. Let's wake up and realize Bernie’s democratic socialism has been here before...and is sorely missed.