Socialism is a Scare Word

Socialism is a dirty word in America. For some people it invokes the ideas of tyranny, a stagnant economy, or too much bureaucracy. The beginnings of those claims date back to WWII and the anti communist movement. The Ad Council smear campaigns against socialism were rampant during the Truman administration. The Ad Council was reinforced by the government and backed by corporate funds, but Truman backed social welfare programs. Although the Ad Council championed Truman's foreign policy and national security positions, they opposed his domestic strategy. Truman understood the misrepresentation that propaganda had on the ideas of socialism.

Here's a direct quote according to the Truman Library…

“Socialism is a scare word they have hurled at every advance the people have made in the last 20 years. Socialism is what they called public power. Socialism is what they called social security. Socialism is what they called farm price supports. Socialism is what they called bank deposit insurance. Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations. Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.”

~ Harry S. Truman

A society that's completely capitalist will never help the working class. A society that's entirely socialist is vulnerable to totalitarianism. But Capitalism and Socialism can cohesively exist in America. In fact, they already do. Here are some examples of popular social programs in the U.S.A. …

-Social Security

-Medicare

-Medicaid

-SNAP (food stamps)

-Public Schools

-Public Libraries

-The Fire Department

These institutions are aspects of a Democratic Socialist society. We're already living in one!

Ask yourself these questions…

What's so tyrannical about Social Security?

What's the problem with the principles of every major religion on Earth and helping those in need?

How're you pissed off at the fucking Fire Department?

"Call it democracy, or call it democratic socialism, but there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God's children." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Register to vote for the midterm elections on November 3, 2026. Your voice matters!

“Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” ~ John Lewis