So my suggestion to all who are certain that democratic socialism cannot possibly work in America is, tell us all how you intend to fix capitalism then, fix it to account for an age in which employment and paychecks from the private sector are not always a reality for half the global workforce.
Jeff, I think America might be ready for "democratic socialism" but not for a jewish 74 year old lefty from Brooklyn (the accent brings back such memories, as I was born in Brooklyn). I know that Obama's election may have done a little to change that, but it is much easier to vote for a half-black christian with a Harvard tie.
Another point that may be relevant is:
I don't think "democratic socialism" solves the problems you and I both think need to be solved. It does little or nothing to change capitalism, and therein lies the rub. The capitalist economic system is based on the exploitation of the working (or middle) class. Yes, the proletariat has changed a lot since Marx's day, but the system he sought to replace has only gotten worse.
I don't think the European examples are a good comparison. The U.S. is far too controlled by right wing forces and the republican (as opposed to parliamentary) system is made for gridlock, as we can see.
Change in North America will have to be a lot deeper and rely on much better education than what currently exists.
Electing a progressive President, while better than letting the Tea Party have its way, is not going to change much. It may help future generations to understand that there are REAL alternatives to the savage brand of capitalism that we live under. That would be a great accomplishment - if it were to happen.
