-FROM PROGRESSIVE TO SOCIALIST-
*long thread, please share*

Why don't we just call ourselves the Butler County Progressive Movement? Why don't democratic socialists just call themselves progressives or try to rebrand as some kind of "new" capitalism? 1/

The short answer to those questions is because we need a complete systems change. Any system built on greed (capitalism and derivatives) is inherently unsustainable and exploitative. So any politics that isn't willing to attack the problem at the root is inherently limited. 2/

The long answer...Why is it that you make less while your boss makes more? Why are you doing worse while the stock market is at record highs? These are the kind of questions everyday Americans are now asking themselves. 3/

To meet these questions we must be willing to give an answer on the scale of the question itself. Capitalism. The system is not designed for your wellbeing, and the mechanisms by which it operates lead to these crises. The economic social contract was a pretense. Broken. 4/

A system build around profit and greed and the concentration of economic-political power will always lead to its degradation like this. There IS, in fact, an alternative. Socialism. An economy built on democracy, you control your workplace, and the economy works for all. 5/

The biggest objection however, is likely strategic. "You can advocate the same policies, but if you call it ____ instead, you can get others on board!" The core issue with progressivism is that it is vague. It has no clear definition and can be coopted by anyone. 6/

Socialism has a clear(er) meaning and goal. They will call whoever or whatever socialist, any advocacy of change will earn you that label. Better to own it and play on your own terms. It also rises to the scale of the challenges we face. 7/

Our problems are systemic, so must be the solutions. It is correct to say that most people are not socialists, but they are not staunch capitalists either. Most people are thinking about the wellbeing of themselves and their loved ones. They see the problems. 8/

We call ourselves socialist because it gives the vision of a new system which people are looking for. There can be a system where you can enjoy work, not worry about your friends' and family's survival, a system where you don't need to give your kids "the talk". 9/

Our politics is ultimately about improving people's lives and helping them realize their own power. Socialism is what we advocate for and try to advance, but we will work with progressives, labor, workers, community members, whoever in the fight to improve life here. 10/

If you are a progressive wondering what comes next, I encourage you to consider democratic socialismand/or joining a socialist organization. If you are a progressive candidate, transitioning your campaign into socialist organizing can continue the movement past elections. 11/

To those in Butler County, if you are interested in advancing worker power, civil rights, democracy, and social justice locally please DM us to see how you can get involved. #ButlerCountyOH 12/