SFDebate Political Discussion Meetup

This discussion will focus on the views of democratic socialists, who vary widely in their views of how a proper socialist economy should function, but generally share the goal of abolishing capitalism rather than improving it through state regulation and tax policy. Specifically, we will discuss the envisioned post-capitalist society advocated by members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), as articulated by members and in various documents on the DSA website or expressed during interviews.

Here’s a sampling of DSA views on capitalism and what should replace it:

1. "We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few." Who we are/DSA
2. "Capitalism is a system designed by the owning class to exploit the rest of us for their own profit. We must replace it with democratic socialism, a system where ordinary people have a real voice in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society..." What is democratic Socialism / DSA
3. "A system of 'market socialism'…would be fundamentally unstable and most likely lead back to capitalism...Socialist society can still be built upon an organizing principle that doesn’t capitulate to market forces, that abolishes labor-power as a commodity, and which places human needs at the center of social concern." For a democratically planned socialism
4. "We have in mind a decentralized and more fully accountable welfare state than exists in Western democracies…decentralized social provision through community-based institutions must make welfare provision more human-scale and accessible…Large, concentrated industries such as energy and steel would be publicly owned and managed by worker and consumer representatives. Many consumer-goods industries would be run as cooperatives. Workers would design the division of labor within their workplaces and thus overcome the authoritarianism of the traditional capitalist firm." Toward Freedom: Democratic Socialist Theory and Practice
5. "Wherever we find organic working class leaders, we funnel them right into the pipeline to our People’s Cabinet. In our movement, today’s train conductor is tomorrow’s presidential nominee! … Through rapid executive action, our intent would be to mobilize the working class to dismantle the capitalist state as it currently exists." Towards a Presidential Platform
6. "Our most hard-fought victories are in danger for as long as the power structure of capitalism remains intact. These are [some of] the systemic transformations we need to win lasting freedom for all: …Abolish the Senate, the Supreme Court, and all other institutions of minority rule. Create a democratic republic with a unicameral people’s assembly elected by universal, equal, and direct suffrage, alongside democratic management of workplaces…Nationalize major industries and medical, energy, and transport infrastructure. Bring the economy under the control of a common plan decided by the working class." Young Democratic Socialists of America - Constitution

We do not assume the above viewpoints go uncontested within the DSA membership or that they exhaust the group's long-term goals or vision of a post-capitalist future. For more on those goals and vision, click on the links provided.

So what do you think? Do you support the DSA vision of a post-capitalist future? Or not? Or some parts but not others? Join SFDebate to voice your opinion and hear those of others, as we debate this explosive issue. The discussion will be conducted online over Zoom. A few days before the event, Meetup will display a link to the online meeting once you RSVP to the event. Initial presentations will be followed by a floor discussion, with everyone invited to speak. Although encouraged to, no-one is required to speak. People with video on are seen as more effective, although this is not a requirement either. This is a Free event.