"If a genuine labor party is organized, its platform will embrace every essential feature a working class program for the deliverance of industrial servitude" Eugene V Debs
Democratic Socialism
The serious and escalating problems faced by our society on all levels (economic, social, ecological and political) are the inevitable result of the capitalist system under which the economy is owned by a tiny handful of extremely wealthy people. This class is engaged in a ruthless struggle at the expense of our living standards and democratic rights to preserve its position in the competitive jungle of world capitalism.
The employers and their owned politicians and corporate media talk about the issues as if it were some unsolvable. It is a crisis caused the capitalist economic system. This system was created by human beings and we can get rid of it and build a better society. We must make it our goal to suit needs and aspirations of the great majority of ordinary ordinary people. All it takes is enough of us to want to do it and the will to fight for it. Society mus change
The Democratic Socialists are fighting for a socialist society where the basic means of production on which we depend, workplaces: the Wal Marts, the Sweatshops, etc would be owned and controlled by society, not a handful of capitalist Zillionaires. The economy would be run according to a democratically-decided plan which would give priority to people's needs for education and healthcare, for decent housing and a quality of urban infrastructure, for protection of the environment, work Place Democarcy.
Capitalist pundants argue that socialism has failed. However, the system that collapsed in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe was a Communist, bureaucratic, Stalinist distortion of socialism. But the brutal "free market" that has replaced it is no less a disaster for the people of these countries. What is needed is a genuine, democratic socialist system.
Capitalism is a dead end for humanity. The current attacks on the welfare state are attacks on ordinary people . It will get much worse. In the Third World the situation is already truly horrible. The fundamental alternatives are stark but simple: either the capitalist system continues and drags humanity down with it, or we, the working class can organise and fight for a new democratic, socialist society.
The Democratic Socialists are working to build an independent, mass workers party which will be needed if we are going to win the struggle for a decent society. Join us in this fight. We need your help in our election campaigns, grassroots, activism and in the ongoing struggle.
Socialist Party USA
The SPUSA strives to establish a radical democracy that places peoples lives under their own control. Where people own and control the means of production and distribution through democratically controlled agencies. Where full employment is realized for anyone who wants to work. Where workers have the right to form unions freely, and to strike and engage in other forms of Job actions; and where the production of society is for the benefit of all humanity. Socialism fights for progressive changes comparable with a socialist future. We support union and electoral actions-independent of capitalist controlled two party system. We present the socialist alternative! We strive for Democratic Revolutions-radical and fundamental changes in the structure and quality of life, economic, political, and personal relations-to dissolve the power now exercised by the few who control the wealth and government. The SPUSA is a democratic, multi-issue organization with structure and practices visible to all members.
Our Progessive Agenda
1.Health Care: State health insurance. All hospitals must be owned by the public and as non-profit organizations.
2.Education: Quality education for all children and adults. Turning Education for success instead of failure and apartheid.
3.Jobs-Creating jobs threw public works, supporting small business and cooperatives.
4.Taxes- A progressive taxe system which gives the poor and working a break. and a reduction of sales taxes and property taxes.
5.Environment-Keeping the land green and unpolluted. Support of Mass transit to reduce Carbon monoxide.
6. Equality-Equal rights for all. Enforcement of the fourteenth amendment.
7. Workers Rights- Workers must have the right to organize. A workers bill of rights for economic and labor democracy.
8. Public Services-Commit to public service on a state society.
9 Transit- Insurance mad non-profit-insurance premiums collected at vehicle registration.
10. Democracy- The state assembly and senate should be elected through a system of proportional representation, and all candidates for statewide office should be allotted free TV and radio time. Individuals should register under party of choice. No more petitions for candidates
Socialism in Hometown USA
Did you know that Places Like Reading PA, Milwaukee WI, San Francisco CA, Bridgetport CT, Schenectady NY, Haverhill MA, Oklahoma City, OK, Haledon NJ, Passaic NJ had Socialist mayors? The SPUSA has a proud history of electoral politics in the cities. With Great success. They introduced and initiated workers rights, public utilities, crime prevention, a living wage, Industrial democracy and worker safety, health care, improved education, Met the needs of the present and built a future. While most mayors where obeying their bosses, Socialists work for THE PEOPLE.
Cooperative Commonwealth
Cooperatives are:
Private independent businesses, incorporated under the laws of the states in which they operate, established to provide at-cost service, owned by the consumers they serve, governed by a board of directors elected from the membership, which sets policies and procedures that are implemented by the cooperatives? professional staff.
Most co-ops are distribution cooperatives that deliver goods to the consumer. Some are professional Cooperatives, ETC
In addition to service, many co-ops are involved in community development and revitalization projects, e.g., small business and cottage industries development and jobs creation, improvement of water and sewer systems, and assistance in delivery of health care and educational services.
Why Cooperatives?
Cooperatives are operated to provide at-cost services to the consumer-owners. On the other hand, investor-owned utilities that are not co-ops are operated to maximize profit for the shareholders. A co-op?s net margin above expenses and reserves does not belong to the utility; it belongs to the individual consumer-owners of the co-op. The margins must either be used to improve or maintain operations, or be distributed to those who use the co-op?s products or services.
Cooperative Principles
All cooperative businesses adhere to seven guiding principles:
1. Voluntary and Open Membership -- Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control -- Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3. Members? Economic Participation -- Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence -- Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5. Education, Training, and Information -- Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives -- Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
7. Concern for Community -- While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
