Exploring Sanders' socialism

See this excellent article. Some excerpts:

"Socialism is not a unified economic theory. There are many types of socialism. On one end of the spectrum is the old, totalitarian Soviet system in which the State controlled the means of production as well as distribution. On the other end is libertarian socialism, which calls for decentralization of power as well as worker ownership, control and self-management of the workplace."

"Bernie Sanders identifies himself as a Democratic Socialist.


Democratic Socialism in the U.S. arose in the late 19^th and early 20^th Centuries in opposition to growing corporate power and increasing militarism. One of the movement’s early founders and champions was Eugene V. Debs – a historical figure for whom Sanders has great admiration.  Sander’s Democratic Socialist views are not incompatible with free enterprise, nor even capitalism. Sanders simply believes, as do a growing number of Americans, that capitalism should play by the rules and be subject to the same laws and regulations as everyone else. Sanders, like those who support him, understands that private corporations that grow 'too big to fail' threaten democracy while exercising the kind of tyranny that is endangering the very existence of life on Earth. Sanders also understands that, while free enterprise does many things well, there are institutions and resources that belong to all of us together and none of us alone – and therefore, should never be subject to a system focused on profits. These are the Commons: water, infrastructure such as roads, bridges and utilities, health care, education, public transportation, the right to basic housing, energy resources and communications. The last thirty years have demonstrated how badly private corporations have administered the Commons, using them almost exclusively for their own benefit to the detriment of society and the environment."