A recent article in the Daily Kos discusses the ‘democratic socialist’ identity that is attached to  presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.   Several other news stories are also talking about the Four Letter “S” Word

• Bernie Sanders 2016:  Young Americans Say They Support Socialism, Do They Know What it Means?
• The Foolish Socialism of Bernie Sanders
• Bernie Sanders ‘socialism’ May Have Mainstream Appeal
• 7 Charts Show the Socialist Hellscape America Would be Under Bernie Sanders

While the definition of socialism is still not completely understood and some of these articles don’t get it quite right, I for one am grateful that at least the conversation is happening.

At least we are talking about socialism.  At least we are understanding that while capitalism has its place (absolutely it does), socialism has a place as well to bring balance  and provide sustainability to an economy.  At least we are beginning to disassociate the “S” word from communism and understand that they do not exist together.   At least we are examining the word and the positive effects it can have on a nation.

We are already a socialist nation – check out the service our government provides for national defense, we spend over half our tax dollars on this socialist endeavor – and the fact that we are talking about it is a big deal.  Now, let’s hash out a reasonable definition of the word and embrace it as a nation.  Our health and position as a world leader depend on it.

Yours,

Frankie