Difference between revisions of "Democratic Socialism"
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Voting rights only accrue to party members, and party membership is only granted after years of rigorous [[Revolutionary vanguard|ideological indoctrination]] and training. Theoretically, under Democratic Socialism, one need not gain power by [[murder]]ing party rivals or [[cronyism]]; one must gain the confidence of fellow members as a successful manager among [[policy wonk]]s and [[technocrat]]s. | Voting rights only accrue to party members, and party membership is only granted after years of rigorous [[Revolutionary vanguard|ideological indoctrination]] and training. Theoretically, under Democratic Socialism, one need not gain power by [[murder]]ing party rivals or [[cronyism]]; one must gain the confidence of fellow members as a successful manager among [[policy wonk]]s and [[technocrat]]s. | ||
| − | Despite the fact that Democratic Socialism supposedly counters a single-person dictatorship, its policies of expansive government involvement in peoples lives, massive regulations, and a strong association with [[secularism]] and social liberalism, makes it indistinguishable from [[communism]] and [[Progressivism]]. They all advocate [[statism]] and | + | Despite the fact that Democratic Socialism supposedly counters a single-person dictatorship, its policies of expansive government involvement in peoples lives, massive regulations, and a strong association with [[secularism]] and social liberalism, makes it indistinguishable from [[communism]] and [[Progressivism]]. They all advocate [[statism]] and [[single-party control]] by a [[technocrat]]ic [[bureaucracy]]. |
In the modern era, Democratic Socialism is the realization of [[Mikhail Gorbachev]]'s failed attempt at ''[[Perestroika]]'' - a restructuring of socialist party power and privileges while denying [[equal rights]], power sharing, and a choice of political parties to the masses. | In the modern era, Democratic Socialism is the realization of [[Mikhail Gorbachev]]'s failed attempt at ''[[Perestroika]]'' - a restructuring of socialist party power and privileges while denying [[equal rights]], power sharing, and a choice of political parties to the masses. | ||
Revision as of 02:44, November 19, 2018
Democratic Socialism is a socialist party meritocracy.
In practice, it allows democratic rights of party members under socialist theory. It is a counterbalancing measure to dictatorship and personality cults, and provides a pathway for career advancement through party elections to positions of "collective leadership."
An agreed upon definition of Democratic Socialism ideology remains controversial. Historically, definttions fall into three overall groups: (1) used by Lenin's leftwing opponents; (2) what North Korea calls itself; and (3) what Bernie Sanders and many members of the Democratic Party call themselves.
Contents
What it is
Voting rights only accrue to party members, and party membership is only granted after years of rigorous ideological indoctrination and training. Theoretically, under Democratic Socialism, one need not gain power by murdering party rivals or cronyism; one must gain the confidence of fellow members as a successful manager among policy wonks and technocrats.
Despite the fact that Democratic Socialism supposedly counters a single-person dictatorship, its policies of expansive government involvement in peoples lives, massive regulations, and a strong association with secularism and social liberalism, makes it indistinguishable from communism and Progressivism. They all advocate statism and single-party control by a technocratic bureaucracy.
In the modern era, Democratic Socialism is the realization of Mikhail Gorbachev's failed attempt at Perestroika - a restructuring of socialist party power and privileges while denying equal rights, power sharing, and a choice of political parties to the masses.
Emerging Democratic socialist counties in the Global South include Venezuela and Bolivia (although the former and sometimes the latter are considered dictatorships by many in the American mainstream, it is not known whether this is because of human rights abuses or just an ideological disagreement).
Only power elites vote in a Democratic Socialist system. It's an ideology that is in opposition to the American form of government.
Contrast with Social Democracy
- See also: Mixed economy
By contrast, some "social democracy" countries in the developed world include the Scandinavian countries and France.
It has been claimed that social democracies—particularly the wealthy European countries—are happier than conservative, capitalist countries, but the polls[1] tell only part of the story.[2] The European socialist countries are in turmoil over issues such as unrestricted immigration, , and right-wing parties, such as the Sweden Democrats, Danish People's Party, Austrian Freedom Party, Swiss People's Party, French National Front, among others, are growing dramatically.[3][4] In areas formerly dominated by the left and socialism, right-wing parties are growing dramatically.[5] In addition, the United States of America, which is much more Christian, conservative, and capitalist overall, is still ranked at number 13, despite the existence of inner city slums across the nation.[1]
Contrast with American civil service
In any Marxist state, all government jobs are held by socialist or Communist party members. From the Head of State to village librarian, from military officers, police officers to teachers and social workers.
By contrast, in the United States Civil Service System, government jobs are filled, theoretically, without regard to party affiliation. Appointments are made to government jobs by qualifications, not by ideological indoctrination.
In a typical Marxist society, special schools are set up for the children of party members and students selected by teachers, ages four to fourteen. Separated from the mass of their peers, they are rigidly infused with socialist theory as tomorrow's leaders, and as a privileged few. These groups have been traditionally known as the Young Pioneers.
At fourteen, those who haven't washed out yet go on to join the party Youth Organization consisting of young people ages 14-28, where the hope is in meeting a spouse. By age 28, full party membership and a good government civil service job is granted, replete with all party privileges and voting rights denied to the masses.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hetter, Katia (March 21, 2016). Where are the world's happiest countries?. CNN. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
- ↑ EU Failures Fuel Rise of Right-Wing Populist Parties in Europe. Sputnik. January 14, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
- ↑ Aisch, Gregor; Pearce, Adam; Rousseau, Bryant. How Far Is Europe Swinging to the Right?. The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
- ↑ Adler, Katya (April 28, 2016). Is Europe lurching to the far right?. BBC. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
- ↑ Cohn, Nate (June 27, 2016). Right-Wing Populism Is Prevailing in Left-Wing Strongholds Around the World. The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
