Democratic socialism does not mean massive government bureaucracy and totalitarianism, but rather democratic self-management of community and workpla… - Terry Bouricius

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Democratic socialism does not mean massive government bureaucracy and totalitarianism, but rather democratic self-management of community and workplace. The socialism I advocate is akin to that advocated by freedom fighting Polish Solidarity union (which, despite Reagan's expressions of support, is a socialist movement). The principle of democracy is that each person should have a say in the decisions that affect her or his life. This is the essence of the American ideal of equality and the socialist pursuit of economic democracy. Why should democracy stop at the factory gates or the door to the bankers' board room? Both capitalism and authoritarian "communism" violate this basic democratic value. The problem is the concentration of power, whether in the hands of an unrepresentative party or an unrepresentative corporate elite. The quest of the Polish workers for democratic socialism is worthy of support, both in Poland and in the United States.