This interview with the co-chair of the Houston Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) should dispel the haunting fear many on the Right and some on the Center-Left have of the group and specifically the word. When what it stands for is articulate, it garners majority support as I have written about before.
Houston DSA co-chaWatch the entire episode here.
Nick Bunce, DSA's co-chair, was circumspect as he explained the concept of Democratic Socialism and what his group does in Houston and more. Amy Zachmeyer is the other DSA co-chair.
It is evident that an egalitarian society is more conducive to a more fulfilling human existence than one where unadulterated greed by a few is the driving force. And based on the growth of both DSA nationally and Houston DSA specifically, more and more Americans are seeing the light.
Nick points out that in less than two years, Houston DSA went from 4 members to over 500. Monthly meeting attendance is high, on the order of 80 to 100. In this business that is huge.
Nick pointed out that Houston DSA does more than political work and education. They are still helping people affected by Hurricane Harvey, gutting houses and much more. Nick believes that had we had a democratized economy," we would have averted the 2008 meltdown. Bunce points out that in the broader scheme of things, the goal of the DSA is to democratize our economy.
When asked about the difficulty in removing the fear that some have for the words Democratic Socialism, paraphrased, Nick, points out the lack of mobility and indoctrination of the masses. Americans want a more societal existence but are made to believe there is something inherently wrong with that as if greed was a redeeming virtue.
Be sure to visit the Houston DSA Events page here for upcoming events. Visit their website here. Follow their twitter @HoustonDSA.
Democratic Socialism defined: Democratic socialists believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically--to meet public needs, not to make profits for a few. To achieve a more just society, many structures of our government and economy must be radically transformed through greater economic and social democracy so that ordinary Americans can participate in the many decisions that affect our lives.
Young, dynamic leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others including Houston DSA leaders Nick Bunce and Amy Zachmeyer are emerging. This is a movement that will be molded and led by the young. After all, they are being left a mess to clean up.
Note: My next book "How to make America, Utopia" will cover many of these topics. I am writing and releasing one chapter at a time. I just released Chapter 1, The Introduction, this week. There is a corresponding Facebook Group for discussion as I write the book. I will cite with permission, anyone giving suggestions and information that make it into the book. My first book, "As I See It: Class Warfare The Only Resort To Right Wing Doom" is still available.
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