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Chasstev365

(8,459 posts)
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:06 AM Monday

How to handle the Democrat equals Communist Bull Shit:

Be it a reporter or a Republican opponent, here is what I would say;

"I'm a New Deal Democrat. I believe that capitalism is the best system, but there need to be rules in place to protect the people and the rich need to pay their fair share in taxes "

"Now let me ask you: Tell me exactly what is so radical about that?"

111 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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How to handle the Democrat equals Communist Bull Shit: (Original Post) Chasstev365 Monday OP
the proud boys will not be at our doors to discuss graduate school philosophy rampartd Monday #1
lol - grad school philosophy? TBF Monday #23
The response was about likelihood of an academic discussion with Proud Boys and MAGAts Roy Rolling Monday #94
The point was the content, not the reading level. nt TBF Monday #95
But only in groups! enigmania Monday #103
When talking to the immature, one must speak at their level. liberal N proud Monday #104
I thought dems were socialist? Now we are communists? Do they know ,? Srkdqltr Monday #2
i got called a communist pinko pig in high school by my rop instructor. i wear thatt badge proudly!!!!!! AllaN01Bear Monday #40
There isn't a Republican alive who knows the damn difference anymore, if they ever did. They've been pushing this shit Karasu Monday #96
Yes i know. Srkdqltr Monday #99
I have heard MAGAts use them together describing Democrats liberal N proud Monday #105
Exactly! LakeVermilion Monday #3
"I'm becoming a believer in a flat income tax rate for everyone with no deductions." MichMan Monday #12
You'd be surprised what the "investor class" - TBF Monday #24
I'm in. Joinfortmill Monday #34
The rich typically have little "income" as it is defined in the tax code. harumph Monday #15
This is exactly why we need and must implement a wealth tax in place of the income tax... Moostache Monday #35
I could not have elaborated on this better. harumph Monday #41
How would total wealth be calculated? MichMan Monday #65
First off you'd need to define "wealth" - TBF Monday #75
So, we don't want people to associate Democrat with Communist, but reference the writings of Karl Marx ? MichMan Monday #76
Lol - I have never disparaged Marx - that's all you TBF Monday #77
Marx correctly diagnosed a problem - even though the proposed cure was no good. harumph Monday #80
I'd be happy with simply going after financial assets. KPN Monday #97
Excellent summary of where we're at. nt TBF Monday #73
hence "the rich need to pay their fair share in taxes" Skittles Monday #86
A flat tax harms the poorest of us the most Bettie Monday #56
100%. nt TBF Monday #85
I don't think it's anything to get worked up about Kaleva Monday #4
Even fewer know what an oligarch is. MichMan Monday #53
With probably little effect Kaleva Monday #71
If you are explaining why you aren't a communist, you are losing. gab13by13 Monday #5
So let Fox the GOP give you a label and do nothing so it sticks with idiot voters Chasstev365 Monday #9
I'm a Democrat, I support Democrats gab13by13 Monday #79
Calling them idiots and ignoring them hasn't exactly been working for the past 30 years either. meadowlander Monday #93
Personally, I would just LMAO..... lastlib Monday #6
Simple explanation: There are some things we can agree to share the cost of - Ocelot II Monday #7
We currently have all of that under the current status quo MichMan Monday #52
Yes, but the whole point is to avoid calling any of it socialism, Ocelot II Monday #91
I'm not a pedophile! (Logic and discussion are cbabe Monday #8
Easier: "Define communist/communism". No? Bye." niyad Monday #10
Exactly. He who's explaining and defining... is losing. QueerDuck Monday #67
Actually, that was not what I meant at all. When someone uses those niyad Monday #100
Yes. My point was to agree with you... that Democrats (or liberals, or progressives) should... QueerDuck Monday #102
Not afraid of Randall (republicans) anymore Blue Full Moon Monday #11
I say they've only won 3 primaries out of the whole country creeksneakers2 Monday #13
But they are using a handful of candidates who call themselves socialists. SamuelAdams Monday #14
They call themselves Democratic Socialists, not Socialists Wiz Imp Monday #18
lol - they'll just come up with something else to call them TBF Monday #26
The upcoming general election will pit candidates with an "R" behind their name against candidates with a "D"... Escape Monday #16
Don't say New Deal SocialDemocrat61 Monday #17
I always say I like the Nordic model. That usually shuts them up. Joinfortmill Monday #36
Nordic? SocialDemocrat61 Monday #42
Oh, for heaven sakes. Joinfortmill Monday #54
Shouldn't we recognize SocialDemocrat61 Monday #58
I'm talking about the economic sytem... Joinfortmill Monday #64
And the term Nordic SocialDemocrat61 Monday #68
I didn't create the name. It can be used to develop a basis Joinfortmill Monday #69
So why shouldn't we come up with a better SocialDemocrat61 Monday #72
Editorial or a cite? Torchlight Monday #59
Both and neither SocialDemocrat61 Monday #60
Editorial. Torchlight Monday #61
Yes, SocialDemocrat61 Monday #62
Or anyone else under 100 years old. BannonsLiver Monday #82
More importantly, a majority of Americans don't know what the New Deal is. progressoid Yesterday #106
Very true SocialDemocrat61 20 hrs ago #109
It really should not be hard to show people why they should be way more afraid of billionaires and... Ol Janx Spirit Monday #19
Sounds good in theory BUT, Dave Id Monday #20
Agree. When someone refuses to accept basic facts and reality, there spooky3 Monday #31
How about this angle MoseShrute Monday #21
Given current beef, coffee and gas prices Torchlight Monday #22
I don't believe in capitalism Farmer-Rick Monday #25
Exactly capitalism needs poor people in order for that system to exist Alpeduez21 Monday #29
Gee, there are some capitalist countries out there with robust safety nets... harumph Monday #90
Exactly right. Those countries have the "safety nets" but very few folks are falling into them. FadedMullet Monday #101
Here's the problem with capitalism Farmer-Rick 20 hrs ago #110
Yet, there appear to be many countries that somehow successfully regulate their particular capitalist system harumph 18 hrs ago #111
Maybe the Dems in charge could get on board with the reality that socialist Dems are what the voters want Alpeduez21 Monday #27
Communism for billionaires keeps the oligarchs afloat bucolic_frolic Monday #28
"In Communism, the government owns businesses (the means of spooky3 Monday #30
A 5th Grader could look up and understand the definition of "communist" William Seger Monday #32
I like it. Short and simple. Even these bums can get it. Joinfortmill Monday #33
Actually just let him ramble Blue Full Moon Monday #37
Stop telling people you are a socialist Boo1 Monday #38
Way Simpler ProfessorGAC Monday #39
Nope. Being affirmative with an unassailable label... reACTIONary Monday #46
Nope - What I Said Is Not A Denial ProfessorGAC Monday #63
What about both? The accusations about communists are stupid lies..... reACTIONary Monday #74
That's Pretty Good ProfessorGAC Monday #78
How defensive. That's a losing approach. David__77 Monday #43
As opposed to what? What would your approach be? reACTIONary Monday #47
Go on the attack on something else. David__77 Monday #83
So, do a "pivot" to avoid .... reACTIONary Monday #87
Yes he wants to play word games instead of talking about material issues David__77 Monday #88
Excellent! Avoid the socialist smear.... reACTIONary Monday #44
No Cirsium Monday #45
Found this on Facebook catbyte Monday #48
Time to call Trump/GOP Nazis DemocracyForever Monday #49
Great advice, totally logical and reasonable. But MAGAts will never accept the Democrats aren't communists because Martin68 Monday #50
Hand them a dictionary? krawhitham Monday #51
We also need to attack: Here are three reasons why we say the Republican Party has been taken over by fascists... Doodley Monday #55
Dem counties produce 70% of US economy. GOP counties contribute just 29%. blm Monday #57
Keep it simple Blumancru Monday #66
You're going to be a "communist" to them no matter what you say ck4829 Monday #70
This. Been that way for like 80 years. Why are people acting like this is news? This is the oldest trick in the book. Karasu Monday #98
Jesus H Christ BannonsLiver Monday #81
also add... mdbl Monday #84
Basically a Democratic Capitalist. hadEnuf Monday #89
Stay clear of Party for Socialism and Liberation. They are the communist party and trying infiltrate the LeftInTX Monday #92
I like it. Timeflyer 22 hrs ago #107
"Tell me exactly what is so radical about that?" OldBaldy1701E 22 hrs ago #108

rampartd

(5,762 posts)
1. the proud boys will not be at our doors to discuss graduate school philosophy
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:13 AM
Monday

but in the unlikely event that this gets past the night riders to a jury or an inquisitor.....

TBF

(37,773 posts)
23. lol - grad school philosophy?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:05 AM
Monday

That is a sixth-grade description at best, and that was at my small rural school in the Midwest.

Roy Rolling

(7,761 posts)
94. The response was about likelihood of an academic discussion with Proud Boys and MAGAts
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 03:50 PM
Monday

Here is the sentence analysis for measurements of grade level.

Flesch Kincaid Grade Level: 4.88
Gunning Fog Score: 8.31
Coleman-Liau Index: 7.25
SMOG Index of Text: 7.17
Automated Readability Index: 6.02
Linsear Write Formula: 20
FORCAST Readability Formula: 7.5
Average Grade Level Score: 8.73

Violent groups don’t exist for diplomacy. They talk with their fists.

AllaN01Bear

(30,256 posts)
40. i got called a communist pinko pig in high school by my rop instructor. i wear thatt badge proudly!!!!!!
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:49 AM
Monday

Karasu

(2,421 posts)
96. There isn't a Republican alive who knows the damn difference anymore, if they ever did. They've been pushing this shit
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:55 PM
Monday

since the fucking '40s.

liberal N proud

(61,211 posts)
105. I have heard MAGAts use them together describing Democrats
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:12 PM
Monday

They like to use commie liberal socialist all in one phrase.

LakeVermilion

(1,691 posts)
3. Exactly!
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:17 AM
Monday

Capitalism, by itself, will eat everything in its path. Capitalism needs to have limits.

Consider this: Corporations won big after the "Big, Beautiful Bill." Did the corporations say thank you and fire their lobbyists? No, they are preparing to return to Washington and request more tax cuts. Capitalism's job is to generate a profit. So, they will act again to get more profit.

We are the only conscience that capitalism has.

On edit: Investors pay a lower tax rate than laborers. I'm becoming a believer in a flat income tax rate for everyone with no deductions.

MichMan

(17,738 posts)
12. "I'm becoming a believer in a flat income tax rate for everyone with no deductions."
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:26 AM
Monday

I doubt you will find much support for that here.

TBF

(37,773 posts)
24. You'd be surprised what the "investor class" -
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:07 AM
Monday

ie retirees who don't give a shit anymore, will actually go for. And they are not nearly as rich as they think they are.

harumph

(3,606 posts)
15. The rich typically have little "income" as it is defined in the tax code.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:37 AM
Monday

They make sure of that. What they do have is capital gains and loans against their wealth. That's why talk about increasing taxes on income will not impact them. Corporations should pay more and there should be some tax on electronic trades at the very least. These solutions are out there - but discussions about them are suppressed by the media because the media owners don't want you to know the difference between income and capital gains for example. A hike in income taxes is just going to gore the lower and middle classes.

Moostache

(11,359 posts)
35. This is exactly why we need and must implement a wealth tax in place of the income tax...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:37 AM
Monday

The federal government has run up a debt so large and so unthinkable that the only ways to retire it are - 1) runaway inflation, 2) systemic collapse and 3) jubilee and wiping out the banking sector and starting over fresh.

In general, the powers that be see these in about that same order - the LAST thing they will EVER do is allow themselves to be impoverished for the behavior and unconscionable theft of wealth that has gone on since Reaganomics first rolled out in '81. The top 0.01% of the wealthiest should be liquidated of all but a subsistence level (to them) $100M holding. If they cannot figure out how to survive on that much, well, then I guess they perish.

There is nothing underpinning the current stock market that is not part and parcel of this time - it is all BS, propped up by lies and misdirection while a select few try to abscond with the goods to presumably go to their private islands and live out their days in semi-hiding but with palatial estates and comforts while the rest of us burn and die. FUCK THEM! Eat the rich sounds better by the minute...

harumph

(3,606 posts)
41. I could not have elaborated on this better.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:51 AM
Monday

"There is nothing underpinning the current stock market that is not part and parcel of this time - it is all BS, propped up by lies and misdirection while a select few try to abscond with the goods to presumably go to their private islands and live out their days in semi-hiding but with palatial estates and comforts while the rest of us burn and die."

Our modest 401ks are all caught up in the bullshit too. It has the perverse effect of making liars out of all of us - even though we know better. We are afraid to shout about the emperor's new clothes for fear of ruining it for all of us. Bigger fool theory and all of that. JFC! We're in a pickle. Sometimes I get a hankering to simply liquidate - take the tax hit - and purchase a remote property and raise goats and chickens. I'm not joking.

Spot fucking on.

MichMan

(17,738 posts)
65. How would total wealth be calculated?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:41 PM
Monday

Total accumulated wealth consists of real estate, investments, businesses, art, jewelry, cars, aircraft, boats, collectibles, furniture and anything else that is property.

Just how do we determine the values of all those things, without a team of assessors physically looking at all of them and calculating current values? Honor system?

First off, they have to determine the values to know who is even eligible for the tax and after that, determine how much people would owe. It seems like they would have to assess everyone.

TBF

(37,773 posts)
75. First off you'd need to define "wealth" -
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:19 PM
Monday

and a good way would be to re-read Marx on private vs. personal property.

MichMan

(17,738 posts)
76. So, we don't want people to associate Democrat with Communist, but reference the writings of Karl Marx ?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:24 PM
Monday

TBF

(37,773 posts)
77. Lol - I have never disparaged Marx - that's all you
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:27 PM
Monday

and the rest of the team that started in yesterday on this.

I am simply pointing out that the way you are defining "wealth" is your opinion, ideally it wouldn't look anything like that.

harumph

(3,606 posts)
80. Marx correctly diagnosed a problem - even though the proposed cure was no good.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:40 PM
Monday

Even some middle of the road economists will concede that he correctly identified many of the vexing conditions associated with inequality. They do this while still being capitalist. Hence, it is widely understood in academia that Marx still has things to say.

Wikipedia on "Marxian" economics:

"Considered a heterodox school, the Marxian school has been criticized by claims relating to inconsistency, failed predictions, and scrutiny of nominally communist countries' economic planning in the 20th century. According to economists such as George Stigler and Robert Solow, Marxist economics are not relevant to modern economics, having "virtually no impact"[5] and only "represent[ing] a small minority of modern economists".[6] However, some ideas of the Marxian school have contributed to mainstream understanding of the global economy. Certain concepts developed in Marxian economics, especially those related to capital accumulation and the business cycle, have been fitted for use in capitalist systems; one such example is Joseph Schumpeter's notion of creative destruction." (emphasis mine)

Now of course, you're right inasmuch as even the mere mention of Marx will get you tarred and feathered by the right wing.

That doesn't mean intelligent people should restrict their reading and information gathering to only resources deemed "acceptable" by the pearl clutching right.

KPN

(17,623 posts)
97. I'd be happy with simply going after financial assets.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:56 PM
Monday

Those are reported to the holder every year at a minimum. The vast majority of wealth exists in the form of financial investments that provide an annual return or loss. Unliquidated gains could also be taxed on a progressive rate schedule. And as many have suggested, tax every financial transaction at a minimum. Those actions alone would capture a significant portion of “wealth” — not a majority by far but nonetheless substantive. Decrease the amount exempted from inheritance. There are many ways to collect a fairer share if not outright fair.

Skittles

(173,845 posts)
86. hence "the rich need to pay their fair share in taxes"
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:51 PM
Monday

I would presume that to mean addressing ALL their wealth

Bettie

(20,061 posts)
56. A flat tax harms the poorest of us the most
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:26 PM
Monday

and the wealthy find ways to classify their money as "not wages" to avoid taxes entirely.

Kaleva

(40,511 posts)
4. I don't think it's anything to get worked up about
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:18 AM
Monday

It’s an archaic term. I don’t think there’s that many young people or even middle aged folks who really know what a communist is.

gab13by13

(33,141 posts)
5. If you are explaining why you aren't a communist, you are losing.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:29 AM
Monday

If someone asks you, have you stopped beating your wife yet, do you go into a lengthy explanation about how and why you don't beat your wife, or do you do what I do, call them an idiot?

Chasstev365

(8,459 posts)
9. So let Fox the GOP give you a label and do nothing so it sticks with idiot voters
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:06 AM
Monday

This is why we lose.

Card Carrying Liberal 1988
Slick Willy 1992-1996
Lock Box, He says he invented the internet 2000
Swiftboated 2004
Pal's Around With Terrorists 2008
Her Emails 2016
Sleepy Joe 2024

Not all of these worked, but most did. Democrats should NOT be afraid to say, YES; I'M A NEW DEAL DEMOCRAT!

gab13by13

(33,141 posts)
79. I'm a Democrat, I support Democrats
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:33 PM
Monday

I responded what I did when the editor of my newspaper publicly called me his pinko commie buddy. I went to his office, told him not to renew my subscription and told him I thought he was an educated person and not an idiot.

If you are debating with a Magat about whether or not you are a communist you are losing, he/she is winning.

It's like if I asked you if you have stopped beating your wife yet. Do you think that stupid question deserves an answer?

meadowlander

(5,209 posts)
93. Calling them idiots and ignoring them hasn't exactly been working for the past 30 years either.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 03:00 PM
Monday

lastlib

(28,919 posts)
6. Personally, I would just LMAO.....
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:50 AM
Monday

because clearly the accuser doesn't know shit about what communism is.

Ocelot II

(131,971 posts)
7. Simple explanation: There are some things we can agree to share the cost of -
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:06 AM
Monday

things like schools, roads, law enforcement, national defense, etc. Since no individual can afford to buy those things on their own, we pool our resources so we can all have them. If you call it pooled resources or something like that, you never have to breathe the scary word "socialism" or argue about what it means.

Ocelot II

(131,971 posts)
91. Yes, but the whole point is to avoid calling any of it socialism,
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:37 PM
Monday

because it isn't socialism. Socialism is an economic system in which the government owns and controls the means of production and distribution, and we don't have that. What we have is a capitalist system in which some functions are managed by the government using money paid into it by taxpayers. Even so, the government does not own or control many of those functions; it pays private businesses to build roads, for example, because it is less efficient and cost effective for a government to own and assume the costs of all the aspects of road construction than it is to hire private contractors to do it. Health care, even that which is currently subsidized by the government (e.g., Medicare), is not a system in which the government owns hospitals or clinics or employs doctors; it just pays some of the costs of treatment by private providers. In a truly socialist system the government would own and manage the medical providers. Universal health care, as we understand it, is Medicare for everybody, but not supplied by government-owned clinics.

The word "socialism" gets some people's panties in a bunch because it carries the implication that the government would own and control everything. We don't have or want that. What we do want is a stronger social safety net.

cbabe

(7,051 posts)
8. I'm not a pedophile! (Logic and discussion are
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:06 AM
Monday

meaningless. Interrupting the game works.)

Classic. Massie asks fox reporter if he watches gay porn:

Thomas Massie Humiliates Fox Reporter Over Gay Porn!

https://m.

&ra=m

QueerDuck

(2,354 posts)
67. Exactly. He who's explaining and defining... is losing.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:47 PM
Monday

In the far corners of the internet, and elsewhere online and youtube, I've seen many things that sound and read like:

"Well, I’m a socialist, but not a socialist socialist. I believe in socialism, but also a heavily regulated, Nordic-style capitalism, which is actually more socialist than capitalist, except for the parts that aren't. So I call myself a Democratic Socialist. Now, technically, 'Democratic' is modifying 'Socialist' here, which makes me a type of socialist, not a type of Democrat, so my branding is already working against my electoral viability in a swing district. I realize using 'Democratic' as an adjective makes it sound like I'm prioritizing the socialism part (which I am, theoretically) but pragmatically, I’m a Democrat who just wants the government to own the means of data production. Not all production, obviously. Just the servers. But don't worry, I’m absolutely not a communist... unless we are talking about municipal broadband, health insurance, and AI data centers, which we should definitely nationalize tomorrow. But like, in a totally market-friendly, decentralized way that requires a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation to explain to a moderate voter at a supermarket."


...followed by...

"I don't want to overthrow the system; I just want to nationalize the tech sector, decommodify housing, and restructure the global economy. But in a gentle, non-threatening, suburb-approved way. See? It makes total sense if you just take the time to read this 80-page manifesto I brought with me."


... and finally...

"So... in conclusion... I'm not a communist, I’m just a guy who thinks Karl Marx had some solid points about cloud storage. Why is everyone walking away? I haven't even explained our stance on worker-owned bakeries yet!"

niyad

(135,732 posts)
100. Actually, that was not what I meant at all. When someone uses those
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 06:21 PM
Monday

words as accusation, I just look at them and say, "define it. what do you think that word means?" "oh, you cannot actually define it? Then you and I have nothing further to discuss. Go away." I used to carry papers with the dictionary definitions of "capitalism", "socialism", "communism", "fascism", etc., all written out. Saved time, and my temper, and my voice. And possibly lives.

I have had such interactions all my life. Define "demonic". Define "egghead". Define "heretic". Define "feminist". Define "witch". Define. . .ad infinitem.. ad nauseum, etc., etc.

QueerDuck

(2,354 posts)
102. Yes. My point was to agree with you... that Democrats (or liberals, or progressives) should...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 06:27 PM
Monday

... not be the ones explaining and defending. Our message should be clear and not bogged down with "we'll we're not really socialists".

creeksneakers2

(8,129 posts)
13. I say they've only won 3 primaries out of the whole country
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:29 AM
Monday

And they won those over anger at Israel, not because anybody supports socialism.

SamuelAdams

(442 posts)
14. But they are using a handful of candidates who call themselves socialists.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:37 AM
Monday

It's hard to fight against a term when some of your candidates embrace it. It would be better if we could convince our side not to use controversial labels and advocate radical policies. If we could call ourselves Democrats and run on liberal policies, that would be great.

Wiz Imp

(10,994 posts)
18. They call themselves Democratic Socialists, not Socialists
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:42 AM
Monday

there is a significant difference

Bernie Sanders calls himself a Democratic Socialist and he is one of the most popular politicians in the country. The label has not hurt him. In fact a fair number of Republicans/Trump voters have positive views of Sanders.

TBF

(37,773 posts)
26. lol - they'll just come up with something else to call them
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:10 AM
Monday

I mean seriously. Republicans have been doing this for ages, and the McCarthyism on display this weekend is Trump pulling out very old cards since everything else has gone to shit for him.

They are going to take any term anyone uses and put a negative spin on it, it's what they do, and then the press they own will repeat the talking points.

Escape

(572 posts)
16. The upcoming general election will pit candidates with an "R" behind their name against candidates with a "D"...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:39 AM
Monday

That's all we need to know.

SocialDemocrat61

(8,461 posts)
42. Nordic?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:51 AM
Monday

That will resonate with non-white people. Maybe we should consider language that all people will connect with.

SocialDemocrat61

(8,461 posts)
58. Shouldn't we recognize
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:30 PM
Monday

that the Democratic Party is a multiracial party and just not only speak to white people.

Joinfortmill

(22,014 posts)
64. I'm talking about the economic sytem...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:39 PM
Monday

known as the 'Nordic Model'. It can be applied anywhere. Jeez.

Joinfortmill

(22,014 posts)
69. I didn't create the name. It can be used to develop a basis
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:57 PM
Monday

for something similar. I'm done with this discussion.

Ol Janx Spirit

(1,145 posts)
19. It really should not be hard to show people why they should be way more afraid of billionaires and...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:48 AM
Monday

....trillionaires gobbling up all the wealth in the world and relegating them to doing the sewer work that AI can't be bothered to do than to be afraid of affordable housing and healthcare, but here we are....

We think that if there are going to be billionaires and trillionaires they should be doing good things for you and your family--not stealing your wealth, paying no taxes, and destroying your children's' futures. Call it whatever the hell you want--we don't care.

Billionaires and trillionaires steal your family's basic dignity and right to affordable healthcare, housing, retirement, and living wages to fund their lavish lifestyles and insatiable appetites for everything you will allow them to take from you. They do not care. We do.

The alternative is handing your and your family's future to a group of people that will take everything from you and demand more. And one day you can try to explain to your grandchildren how the two words Democratic Socialism were so scary that you just couldn't possibly even try to keep the billionaires and trillionaires from vacuuming up every piece and every card and every bill on the Monopoly board and leave them with nothing.

Dave Id

(382 posts)
20. Sounds good in theory BUT,
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:48 AM
Monday

try having a reasonable conversation about an opposing position with a biased idiot is a waste of time. My brother is one of them.

spooky3

(39,050 posts)
31. Agree. When someone refuses to accept basic facts and reality, there
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:20 AM
Monday

are no facts you can present that will make a dent.

MoseShrute

(185 posts)
21. How about this angle
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:54 AM
Monday

After they flounder with the definition of communism, point out the characteristics of fascism and ask the magat if it sounds familiar to the current administration.

Torchlight

(7,361 posts)
22. Given current beef, coffee and gas prices
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:00 AM
Monday

I simply point them to those meritless price increases and mention, "whatever *this* is, it ain't workin' out too well. For anyone. "

The Commie assertions are just this month's meritless words from meritless minds and hold neither concern nor consequence in contrast to the substantive issues we walk into the mid-terms with.

Farmer-Rick

(12,887 posts)
25. I don't believe in capitalism
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:09 AM
Monday

I would never tell a MAGAT that I believed in capitalism. I believe that form of economics exists but it is a destructive form of economics that consolidates wealth, in the already rich. Capitalism forces most people to live with poverty level resources.

It's just as destructive as feudalism and slavery. In fact, capitalism works quite well with feudalism and slavery.

Like we evolved past feudalism, we need to evolve past capitalism. It's a destructive force for evil. It's what really caused WWII.

But I would never talk to a MAGAT about economics, it's a waste of effort. They are too stupid to have coherent thoughts. It's all about feelings for them...mostly hate....not about facts.

harumph

(3,606 posts)
90. Gee, there are some capitalist countries out there with robust safety nets...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:13 PM
Monday

BUT, in such cases, it's properly regulated capitalism. One could argue what you're seeing in the US is a degraded capitalism - though we call it simply "capitalism." Maybe it's crony capitalism, anarcho-capitalism or some other kind, but it's neither free nor transparent. I do believe in the profit motive but also believe that when making said profit, there needs to be a tangible public interest/benefit. It is disheartening that people throw around and wrongly conflate terms that have an actual meaning in economics. The Nordic countries are capitalist countries, but their form of it is very different from ours. Proper regulation retains the profit motive but channels it into productive activity. Most Americans have no idea about well regulated capitalism. Philosophically, I'm more of a fixer than "Let's trash the system and start entirely over." type of person. The reason for this is that when we (trash) a system, chaos ensues and then meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

FadedMullet

(1,130 posts)
101. Exactly right. Those countries have the "safety nets" but very few folks are falling into them.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 06:22 PM
Monday

Farmer-Rick

(12,887 posts)
110. Here's the problem with capitalism
Tue Jul 7, 2026, 09:38 AM
20 hrs ago

Why do you need to regulate it? Why not just start with an economic system that doesn't have so many destructive forces that it must be kept in a tight little box...so to speak.

In the past, America has put tough regulations on capitalism. The Filthy-rich use to pay a 90+% tax. Today they don't pay hardly any taxes. What happened? In capitalism, capital is power. If you allow it for any length of time eventually you will get a class of people with most all the money and the power. Are these people grateful? Of course not.

The filthy-rich then go about destroying the very same system that gave them all their wealth. And they have the power to do it in a capitalist system. Capitalism is just too destructive to let it be. It should be replaced.

harumph

(3,606 posts)
111. Yet, there appear to be many countries that somehow successfully regulate their particular capitalist system
Tue Jul 7, 2026, 11:55 AM
18 hrs ago

I suspect it's lack of civic involvement and navel gazing on the part of Americans that allows things to slip out of control. Plus we have a significant number of religious people who don't understand it as simply wisdom literature and metaphor. In other words, many Americans believe in magic. You're advocating for a system that restrains the worst impulses - I get that. But any system can be compromised when people expect it to be on auto-pilot (you know, "it should just work&quot . To that end, let me submit that the educational system comes first and the economic system follows. Reading comprehension in the US is terrible and math proficiency is worse. People can't understand non-linear systems. They can't wrap their minds around climate change, partly because they believe "god" wouldn't allow that to happen. I don't think the problem is capitalism FR, it's a critical mass of some of the most privileged brain-washed dumb asses a western society has ever seen.

Alpeduez21

(2,090 posts)
27. Maybe the Dems in charge could get on board with the reality that socialist Dems are what the voters want
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:16 AM
Monday

I’d start with that

bucolic_frolic

(56,465 posts)
28. Communism for billionaires keeps the oligarchs afloat
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:16 AM
Monday

Tax breaks, write-offs, subsidies. Billionaires know how to feed at the public trough.

spooky3

(39,050 posts)
30. "In Communism, the government owns businesses (the means of
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:18 AM
Monday

production). No way would I want this President, or any other, to run business.”

William Seger

(12,586 posts)
32. A 5th Grader could look up and understand the definition of "communist"
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:27 AM
Monday

"Are you dumber than a 5th grader?"

Blue Full Moon

(3,830 posts)
37. Actually just let him ramble
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:41 AM
Monday

Donald is now a least popular name.
Despite what the billionaire owned media says he is despised.
Any democrat you can add 20 points to their poll numbers.
And a very liberal candidate almost took TN election that area is gerrymandered to the nth degree.
They have been saying this crap for decades. His dementia must be putting him in The All in the Family era.

reACTIONary

(7,461 posts)
46. Nope. Being affirmative with an unassailable label...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:04 PM
Monday

.... is much better than denying a smear.

reACTIONary

(7,461 posts)
74. What about both? The accusations about communists are stupid lies.....
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:14 PM
Monday

....I'm a New Deal Democrat. Now let me ask you: Tell me exactly what is so radical about that?

ProfessorGAC

(77,768 posts)
78. That's Pretty Good
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:31 PM
Monday

But, I'm concerned about how the most of the electorate reacts to a restrained answer in today's politics.
Your idea would work on me, but I'm thinking the masses need to see a more aggressive & confrontational approach.
If that's not what they want to see, Hillary would have been our 45th president.
I very much like your reply, I am not sure convinced however, that it punches hard enough for people, unlike you & me, are not attuned to political philosophies.

reACTIONary

(7,461 posts)
87. So, do a "pivot" to avoid ....
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:51 PM
Monday

.... answering directly?

That seems to work in some of these cases. Sometimes the "pivot" seems to me to be basically an admission that the accusation is true.

Don't know if that would be best, but it might work.

David__77

(24,929 posts)
88. Yes he wants to play word games instead of talking about material issues
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:58 PM
Monday

And it shows who he is serving

Cirsium

(4,289 posts)
45. No
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:04 PM
Monday

If you are explaining, you are losing.

Why are you worried about us appearing radical? Why are we talking about identity - "I am such and such." Don't operate within the Republican framing. That is extremely weak.

Trump is not trying to win voters with the "Communist" charge. He is playing us. He is trying to get us to flail around defending ourselves and arguing with each other, and it is working. Do not take the bait.

Don't people recognize the Republican playbook yet?

Trump: "they are Communists."

Gullible Democrats: "We are not Communists."

Trump: "they claim they aren't Communist, but who knows. Some very well respected people are saying, I saw that somewhere."

MSM for the next 6 months "let's discuss this hot issue. Trump claims Democrats are Communists. Is there any truth to that? Democrats claim they are not Communists, Our panel will discuss both sides."

DemocracyForever

(403 posts)
49. Time to call Trump/GOP Nazis
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:07 PM
Monday

and put Trump/GOP on the defensive. Their agenda is clearly taken from Hitler's paybook as in forcing women to give birth against their will, hatred of immigrants, hatred of anyone who doesn't look like them, no dissent, no holding the government accountable, no protesting, government telling companies how to run their business's and the list goes on.

Martin68

(28,395 posts)
50. Great advice, totally logical and reasonable. But MAGAts will never accept the Democrats aren't communists because
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:11 PM
Monday

their world view requires that their enemies be scary and dangerous. These people do not listen to reason. They don't want to listen to reason. They will stick their fingers in their ears and go "La-la-la-la-la-la..."

Doodley

(12,175 posts)
55. We also need to attack: Here are three reasons why we say the Republican Party has been taken over by fascists...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:25 PM
Monday

Blumancru

(416 posts)
66. Keep it simple
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:42 PM
Monday

We are dealing with yamheads.

Anyone running for anything needs to loudly condemn communism as the bankrupt failed philosophy that it is.
Make the point that communism always ends in totalitarianism.
Don’t try to explain the finer points. That is like explaining calculus to a cat.
They need to hear this from us. Say it over and over. Stop letting that squealing snot Stephen Miller (aka Roy Cohn’s reincarnation) define us.

ck4829

(38,214 posts)
70. You're going to be a "communist" to them no matter what you say
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:58 PM
Monday

They could be for throwing virgins into volcanoes to appease the billionaires and you would be a "communist" for being against that.

Karasu

(2,421 posts)
98. This. Been that way for like 80 years. Why are people acting like this is news? This is the oldest trick in the book.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:58 PM
Monday

To a Republican--least of all a modern Republican--everyone on the left is a communist. Period. Full stop.

mdbl

(9,075 posts)
84. also add...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:45 PM
Monday

Last edited Tue Jul 7, 2026, 09:33 PM - Edit history (1)

"I also like breathable air and clean drinking water"

LeftInTX

(35,111 posts)
92. Stay clear of Party for Socialism and Liberation. They are the communist party and trying infiltrate the
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:55 PM
Monday

Democratic Party.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_for_Socialism_and_Liberation

The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) is a communist political party in the United States. PSL formed in 2004, when its members split from the Workers World Party.

PSL describes itself as a revolutionary socialist party in the Leninist tradition, because the party believes that only a revolution can end capitalism and establish socialism. PSL pursues this goal by participating in local protests, running candidates in elections, and conducting political education.[7][8]

Notable members include Claudia De la Cruz, Eugene Puryear, Gloria La Riva, Jodi Dean, and Michael Prysner.


I wished Biden would have investigated their financial scheme, but Trump is investigating them. I blame them for the 2024 presidential loss.

Sorry about the RW link. I googled "federal investigation of party for socialism and liberation" and this is the most recent. I find it ironic that Trump is investigating the political party that put him in the WH in 2024. I have heard that some of the GOP, like Roger Stone supported them financially. So, I think this is going nowhere.
https://nypost.com/2026/06/29/us-news/doj-investigating-marxist-millionaire-neville-roy-singham-over-potential-financial-crimes/

House Republicans have alleged ties between Singham and the Party for Liberation and Socialism, the People’s Forum, the ANSWER Coalition and more than a dozen other far-left groups.


Another article more in-depth. It's a yahoo version of a Fox News article
https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/doj-launches-grand-jury-probe-120011239.html
(I don't know if any of the DSA candidates have any ties to PSL, but Democrats should not have ties to other pollitical parties. We don't have ties to the GOP and we also should not have ties to the PSL, whose goal is to destroy the Democratic Party. We're the Democratic Party, we support electing Democrats. We should not have support for any group that wants to destroy our party)


Note: The DSA, which endorses Bernie Sanders etc is not a political party. It is not the same as Party for the Socialism and Liberation. But they do have ties unfortunately. The DSA can decide who it wants to endorse. They can endorse a candidate from any political party.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neville_Roy_Singham
Neville Roy Singham (born May 13, 1954)[1] is an American businessman and social activist. He is the founder and former chairman of Thoughtworks, an IT consulting company that provides custom software, software tools, and consulting services, which he sold to a private equity firm for $785 million in 2017.

In 2019, Singham started a consulting business with partners in the publicity department of the Chinese Communist Party; the partners are co-owners with Tongren City (Guizhou province) of a "media company that promotes anti-poverty policies" according to The New York Times.[3][4]

Singham, a socialist, is a benefactor of far-left causes, and an admirer of Maoism. According to The New York Times, he has provided significant funding for media outlets, organizations, and politicians around the world that promote pro-Chinese government propaganda.[5]


India also investigated Singham and pretty much came up empty handed.

________________

Anyway, stay clear of them. There is always a little bit of truth to what Trump says. These PSL groups are everywhere and they have been protesting amongst Democrats. (You can tell PSL by their signs on wooden stakes) Democrats should not take pictures with them or get friendly with them.

Anyway, just say, "I can't stand that Party for Socialism and Liberation" and you're good to go!

We're the Democratic Party. We are not the communist party. We are not the Green Party. We do not support them!

Timeflyer

(3,823 posts)
107. I like it.
Tue Jul 7, 2026, 07:48 AM
22 hrs ago

"Communist" is the current GOP playbook slur for Dems and others because the scary, scary midterms are coming--ooh, better ramp up the fear-inducing words before November. "Woke" doesn't give MAGA the fear-tingle it once did.

OldBaldy1701E

(11,889 posts)
108. "Tell me exactly what is so radical about that?"
Tue Jul 7, 2026, 07:52 AM
22 hrs ago

You are a Democrat.

That is all that matters to them. Logic, common sense, intelligence... all lost on those who refuse to even help themselves in their zeal to hurt others.

The United States is anything but these days. Pining for the 'old days' is just going to make things worse.

I know that capitalism is not the best system, but it is the one that we use (whether we like it or not), so we have to regulate the shit out of it, as well as remove any ability that a corporation has to affect the political process of this nation. Also, since they are so freaking 'all-in' on this personhood thing, start charging corporations for the murders that they and their products commit. Then, charge the entire board with being accessories to the crime. The main goal is to remove corporations ability to do anything other than make their widgets/offer their service ands that's IT.

Of course, with our entire system being completely corrupted by that same philosophy, it is difficult for a single person to do anything in our society any more. Then, add the people who have the ability to make changes being content to leave things as they are because they re doing great, so who cares about the rest?

What is radical to them is that the rest of us are still human, while they sold their souls a long time ago.

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