It seems the climate change naysayers are starting to come around. They are anxious to bash the Green New Deal as socialism, which forces them to admit that climate change is real. Now the real work begins. The Green New Deal, and those supporting it, are called socialists. It is an overused word meant to connote fear. Nobody wants to be called a socialist except Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Even Bernie hedges by calling himself a “democratic” socialist.
It is time to call a spade a spade. What we really have in our country is a far-right-wing group that is so pro-capitalism they want no regulations on corporations; they should be called “Super Capitalist.” On the other side is a continuum that ranges from wanting regulated capitalism to a stricter form of capitalism that demands corporations be held accountable for their actions. No longer should we have corporations whose first priority is “profit for the shareholder.” Instead we should demand corporation’s first priority be “to do no harm.” No harm to people, no harm to the planet.
If corporations were held accountable for the harm they cause, they would not be so quick to destroy the planet or produce harmful products. The 2020 presidential race will define the America we want to live in. We should not be afraid of the label socialism, instead we should call out the corporate shills who are in the White House and Senate who would rather let our planet turn to dust than stand up to the fossil fuel industry.
Common sense is all we need to tell us climate change is real: The planet burns an Olympic size swimming pool of oil every 30 seconds, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. That has to stop.
David Deick
Atascadero
This article appears in Feb 21 – Mar 3, 2019.
Well, David, the problem is that Socialism has a poor track record. Where has it been successful in the past? Just because Capitalism has some shortcom8ngs isnt a good reason to embrace this failed system.
Frank, Socialism has worked pretty well in Europe. Works well for Israel. In fact, Socialism is responsible for the enormous increase in living standards in the 20th century world wide. Like the EU, this country is a mix of Socialism and Capitalism and its been very successful. Or Frank would you have us privatize Medicare? Social Security? Why not our military and police force too? Give us some examples of where pure Capitalism has worked well please….
Stories of the wonderful social democracies in Europe don’t mention the disadvantages or failures. Before accepting such myths, do the research to learn about the costs in taxes and long wit times for services.
In a day or two, I’ll pass on some links that refute such claims. Americans need to know the truth.
There is no free lunch. You have to buy the kook aid to get the snack on the bar.
Socialism is when the government does stuff, and the more stuff the government does the more socialister it is.. derp
Democracies cannot deal with problems more long-term than the remaining lifespan of the average voter, ~50 years. Voters are not willing to make sacrifices for benefits that they won’t live to see.