For years I've considered myself a Democratic Socialist. I first discovered the Democratic Socialists of America back in college and a lot of what they said made sense. Plus I had a lot of admiration for democratic socialist politicians and initiatives around the world (i.e. Michael Manley and the People's National Party in Jamaica and the kibbutz system in Israel). So I was surprised when I downloaded the "Where We Stand" publication of the International Socialist Organization. As I read it, I began to realize that I really didn't agree with a lot of their key issues (such as the producers of goods {workers} owning the industries and services they create).
So I decided that before I go on too much further, I should perhaps take some sort of political quiz to see where I stand. I was quite surprised that the political party that is most closely aligned with my own values and beliefs is the Green Party. Quite a bit of a surprise to me, since I hardly consider myself to be either an environmentalist or a pacifist.
Digging a little bit deeper, it seems that the Green Party and the Socialist Party, USA do have some ties; with several prominent members of the Democratic Socialists of America backing Ralph Nadar in his 2000 presidential bid. I've also heard some people refer to some Green Party members as being "watermelons"; green on the outside, but "red" on the inside (having a socialist core).
It also puzzles me that Libertarian came up as the next closest political party that agreed with my beliefs...even over the Democratic Party. Unlike the Green Party, I do have previous exposure and knowledge of the Libertarians. I dated several Libertarians...and my current boyfriend also has strong Libertarian leanings. In my experience, Libertarians are like Republicans who either aren't so socially bigoted; or simply don't care about social problems at all. This is definitely not me. Yes, I want the government to stay out of the media; I abhor censorship; I support the right to own firearms (I see what outlawing guns can do by watching Jamaica succumb to violent crime). And yes, I firmly believe that the government has no say in private affairs such as drug use and sexual behavior. But that's pretty much where I draw the line. I'm not an isolationist. I feel that having a strong military is important and yes, if a country is committing genocide somewhere, we should be able to step in and do something about it. I support a strong federal government; as long as that government is concerned with protecting its citizens and providing infrastructure, health care, food and shelter options, and education.
Ideally, I should be a Democrat (and in our two-party system...that is what I am registered as). However I am (like many other Democrats I'm sure) very disappointed in the modern-day Democratic Party in the US. It seems to be the party where anything goes. Major Democratic leaders are easily swayed by big business and capitalists. There is a weak stance on or total avoidance of moral issues. I mean I support the idea that homosexual couples should be afforded every legal right as a heterosexual couple. But have a civil union...don't have a marriage. Don't try to blot G-d name and the idea of religion out of our civil landscape. No, I don't want prayer in schools....but let's keep his name on our money. Let's not feel ashamed of religion and G-d just because we are progressive liberals. And finally I greatly oppose the fiscal irresponsibility of the party; to tax people first then be accountable for it later. To perpetuate ineffective programs and processes. To be an enemy to small business and entrepreneurship.
So getting back to socialism, it is pretty easy to stand up and say that you are a socialist (although I must admit, it is easier here in Southwest Pennsylvania, than it was in Southeast Florida). However it is much harder to live as a socialist...especially in a society that is not. Let's face it; this is America. It is in our beloved culture that the disadvantaged pull themselves up by the bootstraps and make success happen for them. We love the rags to riches stories; more so than the stories of massive charity and social reform.
I also am not blameless. I've worked since I was 15 and have always had it in my mind, "I either work...or I starve". And that has kept me going. Yet all around me are people who are younger than me, sitting on their porch and watch me go out to work and come home every day. They live in a stand-alone house and I do not. They have newer cars, and I do not. They have plenty of food in the fridge and new clothes and I do not. I work hard for my wages, but lose 25% to taxes. It's very hard...facing this every day. Seeing people who do not work live lifestyles comparable or even better than what I am living. Yet something in me tells me it is the right thing to do. Not everyone has had the opportunities that I have had. Everyone does not have the fortitude and tenacity to earn a college degree. Just because they are lacking in those areas (or any of the plethora of others), does not mean they should starve and be homeless.
No, I would much rather fight the urge to look down my nose at others and work alongside of them, together, to collectively make my neighborhood, my country a better place. We could be great...if we could just come together.
So any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Which political party would you suggest for me?