What is Democratic Socialism?

Lose the fear...



Here's my suggestion.. AVOID LABELS
I think more then a few of us would agree Lindsey Graham, Donald Trump or many of these outspoken individuals on the far right represent little of what traditional conservatives values stand for. I would be more then hesitant to paint all conservatives as being extreme as these outspoken people. Therefore not everybody in the Republican camp deserve to be labeled the same. Some are more radical then others. Same goes for the other side when it comes to Democrats all being labeled "socialists".

I think it's extremely unfair to either side to slap a label on either side without taking the time to evaluate each issue separately. So setting aside the so-called "socialist" label and the so-called "patriotic, Christian right" labels one is left to sort out the actual issues themselves and what those differences might be. I'm assuming regular folks on both sides have more in common then they may think.

For Instance. Can we both agree deficit spending and the national debt is alarming. How do we go about reducing it? Can it be done with moderate increases in defense spending rather then drastic cuts to Social Security, Medicare and some of our other social safety nets?

Should companies go tax free while most Americans are left to deal with ever increasing state and local taxes as a result of reduced federal spending for things like schools, policing, etc. in our local communities?

Can we agree if the minim wages was increased it would result in more revenue for Social Security, federal, city and states without having to raise taxes?

Can both conservatives and liberals agree taxpayers money should not be used for sports stadiums or tax abetments to entice businesses coming into a state or local area?

I'm also certain we can agree both sides have promised time and time again to deliver certain things and it never happens. Lower drug prices, cheaper healthcare, decrease homelessness to name a few and it never happens.

As you can see both sides have more in common then many would have us think. Conservatives want less intrusive government. Don't they think liberals want the same thing? Who wouldn't object to a pipeline coming through their property or government borrowing their Social Security funds because of it's rabid spending? Why would either side be against out of control capitalism that allows for the tremendous wealth for a few while workers struggle to make ends meet?

While we may disagree about the way we resolve these things we should never dismiss our disagreements with each other by painting others as this or that. Each issue is unto itself. I detest this group thinking that somehow everyone can be labeled this or that and should be dissed without due consideration on each of the issues which as it turns out many times they have in common.

What I'm asking in this election is each and everyone listen to what the candidates themselves say. Not what the opponents try to tell you they said. Avoid labels and parties. Ignore the labels, accusations and trash talk. Stay focused on each of the issues.