By Moses Coleman – An entry on Moses journey into Social Democracy.
I was too scared to be labeled as a socialist, so I didn’t want to become a full member of Social Democrats USA (SDUSA) for a long time. I knew about the org for quite some time before joining, as my brother became more active in it. I paid my dues one night out of impulse and a whim, which I’ve looked back and contributed a lot to Social Democrats USA. I started writing for the nationals blog back in Nov. 2023 called “The Anti–American Machine” where it mentions a critique of economic inequality, corporate power, the political system, and the state of American democracy. I’ve actively managed and engaged Social Democrats, Kansas (SDUSA KS), which has grown to be a local and has its own committee. I’ve also lent my natural talents and networks towards SDUSA, like actively mentioning it in my day-to-day conversations. I have published 16 articles on the national blog.
I didn’t want to be labeled as a socialist because of all the negative Red Scare propaganda that is so instilled into people’s brains. I was more comfortable with being labeled as a Social Democrat, which I believe is different from socialism because social democrats seek democratic revolution and want to manage capitalism. Social democracy is something that everyone can relate to because it’s a mainstream idea. For example, what was called radical and socialist back in the day were ideas like the work week back in 1926. We can thank socialist leader Robert Owen for pushing for the modern work week by means of unionization and strikes.
Social democracy and I are like two peas in a pod. In which I’d say my values align and goals with it. I may not understand it completely yet, but each day that passes, nothing has changed my feelings since originally joining. I do want to say that while that was true, I don’t always agree with the approach of fellow members 100 percent, but as a Social Democrat, I look for pragmatic solutions to problems that arise. I care about what works, what improves people’s lives, and what moves us closer to a fairer, more democratic society. Even when the path isn’t straightforward, that core commitment keeps me grounded.
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