r/leftist

The truth is I wanna join DSA I have always admired left of center politics because I have reference for the new deal because I liked that idea of the only way of saving capitalism was through providing a strong social seeking app for the working class to alleviate fears. And I have started leaning more towards a Democratic socialism because I took a political science class called democracy and dictatorship, and I noticed that for many capitalist powers the reason why they live at access to the boat is precisely because the more people that have the right to vote the more about affect capitalist interest. also, my biggest tenants are ending the electoral college having multiparty democracy and having universal healthcare. When I found out that DSA is a supporter of the stuff that I am mentioning, I wanted to join, especially being in New York after zohran mammalian has an amazing first year as mayor.

Here is my dilemma in joining. I come from a very upper middle class wealthy capitalist, family I go to a great school without any student loans. I have never had a minimum wage job apart from helping out with my family because they own condos in national city of California. And the only reason why I don’t identifies as a democratic socialist frankly is because out of guilt because I’ve benefited so much from capitalism. I mean, God forbid my own. Grandpa owned a contracting company that made money off of the military increased of Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush. And I also want to say that the only dilemma I have in exploring other more far left ideologies out of Democrat socialism as I do feel that I do believe that the people should have a voice in political matters instead of authoritarian bureaucracy because I think the human inclination for power always takes over despite the noble intentions of creating a classless society. I know all of this seems like a lot and I’m kind of writing this off the dome but I’m just asking. Does anyone else come from privileged positions like me with DSA in New York aCity and how do you reconcile wanting to advocate for Democratic socialism or social democracy, while coming from a system, you would inherently benefit from even though your critiquing.

ai summary: If Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) decides to challenge Chuck Schumer in a 2028 Democratic primary, early polling suggests she would be in a surprisingly strong position. A hypothetical matchup from a Data for Progress survey showed AOC leading Schumer by 19 points (55% to 36%) among likely New York Democratic voters. However, she has not announced a Senate run and is also weighing a potential 2028 presidential bid. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Factors Favoring an AOC Primary Win

• Voter Dissatisfaction: Polling indicates Chuck Schumer’s favorability among New York Democrats has hit multi-year lows, partly due to progressive frustration with establishment compromises. [1, 2]
• High Name Recognition and Favorability: AOC commands a massive national and statewide fundraising apparatus, paired with high popularity among the Democratic base. [1, 2, 3]
• Poll Numbers: Head-to-head metrics show a solid double-digit advantage for Ocasio-Cortez in a primary scenario against the incumbent senator. [1, 2] apologize for ai use. comment down below if you agree or disagree if it would be that easy for AOC.

In 2024, students at Columbia University set up an encampment to protest the war in Gaza and demand their university divest from companies tied to the Israeli military. University President Minouche Shafik authorized the NYPD to clear it. Over 100 students were arrested. Faculty who supported the students' right to protest were brought up on charges, including humanities professor Bruce Robbins whose tenure was over twenty years. 

This episode of Vital Signs begins with Robbins recounting what led to his arrest and the legal consequences: he was found guilty of violating Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act for taking his atrocity studies class to witness the encampment on the day it was set up. He walks Ahmed through the timeline of his arrest through the punishment handed down by the Department of Education.

In this conversation, Robbins traces how the Trump administration's interpretation of Title VI is used to silence dissent in teaching settings. He doesn't mince words about Columbia's Task Force on Anti-Semitism, which he says was designed to generate political cover rather than protect Jewish students. He talks about how Gaza has affected domestic politics, arguing the Democratic Party's support for Israel was a factor in Kamala Harris's loss and in Zohran Mamdani's win. 

About Vital Signs: A podcast by the Center for Progressive Research. Each Ahmed Ragab sits down with the authors, scholars, and experts whose work follows the signpost topics shaping progressive policy and theory.

Substack for readable transcript.