Granted that the idealism of young socialists can be presented in manifestos that to many of us may sound overwrought or even divorced from reality, but to conclude, as in Richard Fein’s Aug. 24 column [“DSA: What would they do to America?“], that these democratic socialists would “destroy much of what’s good about our country” seems particularly out of touch.
For one thing, just head to the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) website and bask in the idealism of universal healthcare, the Green New Deal, anti-racist and pro-feminist goals. Some of you may demur at the antagonism to capitalism in their manifesto, and the complexity of that issue is worth thoughtful debate. But democrats (small d) and Democrats (capital D) should take great pride and pleasure in the success of this new generation of politically minded idealists who are fighting to find a path for our country free of the racism, militarism, and economic injustice that is now endemic.
Where we disagree, let’s argue. But let us lend our love and support for these folks who are actively working for a better future for us all.
Charlie Morgan
Northampton