Missy Rolseth 1 4-27-20 the Left Wing of the Political Spectrum: Three Different Ideologies

Missy Rolseth 1 4-27-20 The Left Wing of the Political Spectrum: Three Different Ideologies

In 1949, Albert Einstein posed the question “how should the structure of society… be changed in order to make human life as satisfying as possible?”1 In his book, The Political

Economy of Human Happiness, Benjamin Radcliffe uses this question to define the differences among the left and right on the political spectrum. He develops his division in the context of a free market economy to better conceptualize these differences. He writes that the left-wing of the political spectrum is based on values of equity and justice, with a goal to ensure that the economy is benefiting the public’s interest.2 While these underlying principles are prevalent across the left wing, there are differences among these politicians on how to achieve this economic goal and what specific values to minimize and maximize during this process.

Ultimately, there are varying ideologies within the left wing. While all liberal politicians may share, to an extent, the same verbal image of what constitutes a “good society,” they can differ greatly in how to attain this.

Methodology

For the purpose of this paper, I will be focusing on three major factions within the left wing: progressivism, socialism, and democratic socialism. These three groups are of significance in the current state of political affairs. Democratic socialism and socialism, although fundamentally different, are often lumped together at even equated with communism.

Progressivism and democratic socialism factions are increasingly competing in politics, most notably in this current election cycle, to become the face of the Democratic Party.

1 Benjamin Radcliff, The Political Economy of Human Happiness: How Voters' Choices Determine the Quality of Life (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2013), 1. 2 Ibid. Missy Rolseth 2 4-27-20 This paper will continue with a discussion on the basic foundation of each of the three factions, followed by an analysis on how they are different in approaching three political questions: climate change, healthcare, and the wealth tax. In lieu of drafting a policy from the basic principles of these ideologies, much of the discussion will be pulled from policy initiatives created by specific politicians who represent these ideologies. It is also important to note that the politicians used here were chosen because of their relevancy in current political affairs. There are many opinions on different ideologies among the Left, both in how many there are and who represents them. This paper will seek to present an accurate depiction based on current research, but given the variety of different policy agendas, many politicians shift on the spectrum on different issues. The categorization in this paper is done to exemplify core differences between the factions; given the continual evolution of American politics, others may identify these politicians in terms of other ideologies.

Progressivism

As an ideology, progressivism is likely what the average American labels as the platform of the modern Democratic Party. Progressivism is a convoluted term on the left wing of the political spectrum and has been used to describe a number of ideologies based on the idea of creating significant progress. For this paper, progressivism will refer to the moderate-left ideology intent on serving public interest, while still maintain a relatively free market, capitalist economy. Progressivism advocates for big government and economic intervention, but to a limited extent.3 This is a focus on providing assistance to the public, but in smaller measures than a robust welfare state. These public assistance programs are typically designed to help the

3 Perry Bacon, “The Six Wings Of The Democratic Party,” FiveThirtyEight, March 11, 2019, https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-six-wings-of-the-democratic-party/. Missy Rolseth 3 4-27-20 poorest Americans, leaving many others still in need. Progressives can be differentiated from the established, rank-and-file Democrats; they sought to push the Democratic Party forward in the beginning of the twenty-first century, focusing on social issues like immigration, climate change, and civil rights.4 President Barack Obama is an example of a progressive, as his win over Hillary

Clinton in 2008 marked a shift in the Democratic Party away from the established party members within the DNC.5 Serving as Obama’s Vice President, Joe Biden is another example of a progressive. Progressives call for reform, but by fixing the current system, not creating a new one. This is a significant difference from the other two factions.

Socialism

Socialism has taken on many different forms since it became popular in the 19th century.6

However, the fundamental basis of socialism is an economic form in which the state owns the means of production.7 This is designed to ensure that economy is functioning in the public’s best interest. Socialists see capitalism as the root to injustice in society and envision a society in which the market is controlled by the government. For strong adherents to capitalism, socialism is the enemy because it seeks to dismantle the free market. Furthermore, many people associate socialism with authoritarian dictatorships and thus decree that socialism will infringe on

Americans’ civil rights and liberties.8 Capitalist supporters also purport that failure is inevitable

4 Perry Bacon, “The Six Wings Of The Democratic Party,” FiveThirtyEight, March 11, 2019, https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-six-wings-of-the-democratic-party/. 5 Ibid. 6 Maggie Astor, “What Is Democratic Socialism? Whose Version Are We Talking About?” The New York Times, June 12, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/12/us/politics/democratic-socialism-facts -history.html. 7 Pablo Gilabert and Martin O'Neill, “Socialism,” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, July 15, 2019, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/socialism/. 8 John Haltiwanger, “Here's the Difference between a 'Socialist' and a 'Democratic Socialist'.” Business Insider, Business Insider, February 11, 2020, https://www.businessinsider.com/difference -between-socialist-and-democratic-socialist-2018-6. Missy Rolseth 4 4-27-20 for socialism, citing cases such as Soviet Communism and the National Socialism of the Nazi

Party.9 However, although some of these states used the word “socialism,” there were not inherently socialist governments. Moreover, the ruin of these states was complex and not simply derived from a socialist form of government.

In the United States, there are no prominent politicians who directly advocate for pure socialism; they instead fall into the democratic socialist characterization. This paper will use the foundational definition of socialism and examples from socialist philosophers to develop the socialist response to the three policies.

Democratic Socialism

Democratic socialism is arguably the most complex of these three ideologies, given its place in between progressivism and socialism on the political spectrum. Democratic socialism sprung to the political forefront of the Democratic Party during the 2016 election cycle with the unexpected success of Senator Bernie Sanders.10 Many on the Right are quick to equate democratic socialism with socialism, but there are fundamental differences between the two.11

Democratic socialism is based on democratic principles that provide the foundation for a socialized welfare state within the confines of a capitalist economy.12 Note that democratic socialism does not want to completely dismantle capitalism, but instead seeks to provide

9 John Haltiwanger, “Here's the Difference between a 'Socialist' and a 'Democratic Socialist'.” Business Insider, Business Insider, February 11, 2020, https://www.businessinsider.com/difference -between-socialist-and-democratic-socialist-2018-6. 10 Nathan J. Robinson, “Millennials Support Socialism Because They Want to Make America Great – but for Everyone,” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, February 15, 2020, https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/millennials-support-socialism-because-they-want-make-america -great-everyone-ncna1109191. 11 John Haltiwanger, “Here's the Difference between a 'Socialist' and a 'Democratic Socialist'.” Business Insider, Business Insider, February 11, 2020, https://www.businessinsider.com/difference -between-socialist-and-democratic-socialist-2018-6. 12 Ibid. Missy Rolseth 5 4-27-20 governmental assistance in light of capitalism’s ails.13 There are two major components of an economy based on democratic socialism. The first of which is a robust welfare state intended to provide basic necessities to all citizens—like healthcare—in addition to government assistance programs. The second component is worker-owned means of production.14 Democratic socialism is intended to minimize the disparity between those who own the means of production and the working class that has grown increasingly wider in our capitalist economy.

Overall, democratic socialists combine aspects of both progressivism and socialism in their ideology. It is safe to say that the left-wing of the political spectrum is concerned with unfettered capitalism and the growing income gap. However, while progressives seek to make minute reforms by helping out those affected and socialists seek to completely scrap the current system and build a new one in its place, democratic socialism seeks to create broad reforms that do dismantle inequitable institutions of capitalism, while maintaining the overall economic structure.15 To address the policy questions in the view of democratic socialism, this paper will utilize the policies of two prominent democratic socialists: Senator Bernie Sanders and

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Both of these politicians refer to themselves as democratic socialists and have put forth policy agendas in line with the ideology.

Climate Change

The question of how to combat climate change has been ongoing for several decades.

That being said, each year the problem becomes greater as the political actions taken are not

13 John E. Roemer, "Socialism vs Social Democracy as Income-Equalizing Institutions," Eastern Economic Journal 34, no. 1 (2008): 14-26. www.jstor.org/stable/20642390. 14 Maggie Astor, “What Is Democratic Socialism? Whose Version Are We Talking About?” The New York Times, June 12, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/12/us/politics/democratic-socialism-facts -history.html. 15 Ibid. Missy Rolseth 6 4-27-20 enough to outweigh the serious environmental degradation inflicted by humans. This problem is exemplified by the rising temperature in direct connection to CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.

The effects of climate change are significant and will soon be insurmountable if appropriate and sufficient action is not taken. Moreover, it is clear that the United States’ capitalist economy and raging consumerism is a key factor in furthering environmental degradation and capitalists are not taking the necessary steps to reverse it. In the recent election cycles, Democratic candidates have made environmental regulation a key part of their platform, but the solutions vary greatly— as do their effect.

For progressives, climate change is a worthy battle, but it can often take a backseat to other policy initiatives. During Obama’s first term in the White House, climate change was not a priority. It would be fallacious to argue that Obama did not care a great deal about environmental degradation, but the state of the economy upon taking office required assistance first.16 In his second term, the Obama administration created several environmental initiatives, including limiting fuel emissions, minimizing leaks in the oil industry, and setting new standards for energy efficiency.17 Perhaps Obama’s greatest recognition was on the global scale, where he collaborated with other countries to tackle this international problem. In 2015, the Paris Climate

Accord was created that set out to cut emissions globally. Although it was not ratified by all of the 194 countries that signed on, this was still a monumental step towards slowing the rising temperature.18 Domestically, one of Obama’s accomplishments for environmentalism was the

“Clean Power Plan” which set out to curb emissions from power plants.19 However, the goal of

16 Marianne Lavelle, “2016: President Obama's Climate Legacy Marked by Triumph, but Also Lost Opportunities,” InsideClimate News, December 26, 2016, https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23122016/obama-climate-change-legacy-trump-policies. 17 Ibid. 18 Ibid. 19 Ibid. Missy Rolseth 7 4-27-20 this policy was to cut emissions only by 32% by 2030.20 Obama’s efforts with combating climate change aligned with progressivism. This was an attempt to serve the public interest by cleaning up the environment, but without causing serious disruption or change to the economy. There were some restrictions imposed on oil and gas companies, but not in way that would completely regulate all emissions.

It is tricky to look at climate change from a socialist ideology, because in a socialist society, it likely would not have gotten to this extreme of a problem. Nevertheless, in an economy where the state owned the means of production, the state would hopefully recognize how vital a stable climate is for public interest and then promptly revolutionize the means of production to completely rely on renewable energy. Given the drastic measures this would entail, the government would also provide subsidies to individuals to minimize their own carbon footprint. The state would also likely take measures on other causes of degradation: limiting meat intake or farming, minimizing consumerism, and ceasing production on single-use plastics.

Socialism at its core seeks to minimize the wealth gap between classes. Climate change is a class issue where the burden typically falls upon the poor and working classes. In a socialist society, the burden to save the climate would primarily be placed upon the wealthiest of citizens and provide subsidies to the poorest individuals.21 Further, seeing as Marx called for a “global revolution,” socialism would search for a global solution, because the climate is a global interest.22

20 “What Is the Clean Power Plan?” National Resource Defense Council, September 29, 2017, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-clean-power-plan-works-and-why-it-matters. 21 Matthew Huber, “Five Principles of a Socialist Climate Politics,” THE TROUBLE., August 16, 2018, https://www.the-trouble.com/content/2018/8/16/five-principals-of-a-socialist-climate-politics. 22 Ibid. Missy Rolseth 8 4-27-20 Democratic socialism recognizes the impossibility to rely on capitalists to move towards greener forms of energy. As mentioned under the socialist solution, the key component to solving the climate crisis is ensuring that the poor and working classes do not bear the burden. In early 2019, Representative Ocasio-Cortez introduced “The Green New Deal” as a nonbinding resolution in the House.23 Later that year, Senator Sanders introduced his own “Green New

Deal” policy proposal ahead of the 2020 election. While the former initiative is more or less a call to action, Sanders’ proposal gives specific steps to realize the goal of a carbon neutral environment.24 These two proposals get their name from President Franklin Roosevelt’s “New

Deal” initiative which sought to provide security to all Americans in light of the Great

Depression. The “Green New Deal” calls for environmental security in the context of a welfare state that provides public assistance to Americans who may be severely impacted by this adjustment.25 Additionally, this plan calls for the eradication of nonrenewable sources of energy by 2030.26 Sanders’ proposal explicitly states how the value of justice underlies the action plan.27

Sanders’ website lists the key points of the “Green New Deal” as follows:

• Transform our energy system to 100 percent renewable energy and create 20 million jobs needed to solve the climate crisis.

• Ensure a just transition for communities and workers, including fossil fuel workers.

• Ensure justice for frontline communities, especially under-resourced groups, communities of color, Native Americans, people with disabilities, children and the elderly.

23 Andrew Chatzky, “Envisioning a Green New Deal: A Global Comparison,” Council on Foreign Relations, January 16, 2020, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/envisioning-green-new-deal-global -comparison. 24 “The Green New Deal,” Bernie Sanders - Official Campaign Website, 2019, https://berniesanders.com/issues/green-new-deal/. 25 Andrew Chatzky, “Envisioning a Green New Deal: A Global Comparison,” Council on Foreign Relations, January 16, 2020, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/envisioning-green-new-deal-global -comparison. 26 “The Green New Deal,” Bernie Sanders - Official Campaign Website, 2019, https://berniesanders.com/issues/green-new-deal/. 27 Ibid. Missy Rolseth 9 4-27-20

• Save American families money with investments in weatherization, public transportation, modern infrastructure and high-speed broadband.

• Commit to reducing emissions throughout the world, including providing $200 billion to the Green Climate Fund, rejoining the Paris Agreement, and reasserting the United States’ leadership in the global fight against climate change.

• Invest in conservation and public lands to heal our soils, forests, and prairie lands.

• End the greed of the fossil fuel industry and hold them accountable.28

From these key points, it is clear that while the “Green New Deal” would take place in a capitalist economy, this policy dictates the creation of socialist programs to ease the transition.

Like the socialist platform, democratic socialism calls for a united global front in this crisis as it seeks to spread democratic principles. In an ideal society, workers would own the means of production and the state would subsidize the transition from nonrenewable sources to renewable.

Because the workers own the means of production, there would be less concern on capitalizing profit and more on protecting the public interest, in this case, the environment. Sanders and

Ocasio-Cortez recognize the steep cost this policy proposal would have and thus each is concerned with creating social safety nets.29 For Ocasio-Cortez’ plan, this means universal healthcare, a living wage, and updated affordable housing.30 As an ideology, democratic socialism seeks to combat climate change in the context of a free market, but with the socialist welfare programs to protect the working class.

28 “The Green New Deal,” Bernie Sanders - Official Campaign Website, 2019, https://berniesanders.com/issues/green-new-deal/. 29 Ibid. 30 Andrew Chatzky, “Envisioning a Green New Deal: A Global Comparison,” Council on Foreign Relations, January 16, 2020, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/envisioning-green-new-deal-global -comparison. Missy Rolseth 10 4-27-20 Healthcare

Healthcare is a popular political question in the decade since Obama rolled out the

“Affordable Care Act” designed to provide health insurance to many individuals who were unable to afford it. Although it had its shortcomings, the ACA set the stage for continued discussions on how to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health insurance. On the campaign trail, Biden unveiled his proposed healthcare policy that is designed to reform the

ACA by creating a public insurer option. The basis of these two plans is that low income individuals receive tax credits that subsidize the cost of healthcare.31 Additional components of the ACA include Medicaid expansion to cover more individuals and initiatives to lower the costs of healthcare services.32 The ACA has increased the number of people with health insurance— which benefits society as a whole—by providing these tax credits.33 However, there is a gap of people who do not qualify for the ACA based on their income but are still not able to afford purchasing their own health insurance. Biden’s plan seeks to minimize this gap by providing the option for public health insurance at a more affordable rate for anyone who wants it.34 Subsidies under Biden’s plan would also increase and cover more people who currently make too much to qualify under the ACA.35 Purportedly, Biden’s plan would provide coverage in some form to all

Americans.

In the realm of healthcare, socialism and democratic socialism advocate for the same thing: a single-payer healthcare system. In a socialist society, this would just be one of the

31 Matthew Yglesias, “Joe Biden's Health Care Plan, Explained,” Vox, July 16, 2019, https://www.vox.com/2019/7/16/20694598/joe-biden-health-care-plan-public-option. 32 “Affordable Care Act (ACA) - HealthCare.gov Glossary,” HealthCare.gov, accessed April 20, 2020, https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/affordable-care-act/. 33 Ibid. 34 Matthew Yglesias, “Joe Biden's Health Care Plan, Explained,” Vox, July 16, 2019, https://www.vox.com/2019/7/16/20694598/joe-biden-health-care-plan-public-option. 35 Ibid. Missy Rolseth 11 4-27-20 features of the welfare state, while in a democratic socialist society, this would be a socialized program of public interest in a capitalist economy. A single-payer program is socialized medicine and is what Sanders advocates for. Sanders calls for socialized medicine because the goal of healthcare providers should not be to make profits, but to keep people healthy.36 A single-payer system is one in which all Americans receive healthcare under the federal government.37 This would eliminate private insurance companies and provide people with the opportunity to choose their doctor, while also eliminating all other associated healthcare costs, with the exception of prescription drugs.38 To cover the cost of this program, individuals would pay more income taxes, but would not have to pay anything for healthcare, which is a significant cost for most Americans.39 By doing away with private insurance companies, the lack of competition will lower healthcare prices that have skyrocketed at the expense of Americans.

Socialized medicine does dismantle one realm of capitalism and is an essential component of socialism and democratic socialism.

Wealth Tax

The wealth tax is a measure proposed by Sanders and other supporters of democratic socialism. Similar to an estate tax, the total value of assets for an individual is calculated and if it is above a specified amount, then that individual would pay taxes on it.40 However, while an estate tax is deducted from the assets a single time once a person passes away, the wealth tax

36 Bernard Sanders, Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In, (New York: Thomas Dunne Books, St. Martins Press, 2018), 319. 37 Sarah Kliff, “Bernie Sanders's Medicare-for-All Plan, Explained,” Vox, April 10, 2019, https://www.vox.com/2019/4/10/18304448/bernie-sanders-medicare-for-all. 38 Ibid. 39 Ibid. 40 Tony Nitti, “Tale Of The Tape: Comparing The Tax Plans Of Joe Biden And Bernie Sanders,” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, March 6, 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonynitti/2020/03/06/tale-of -the-tape-comparing-the-tax-plans-of-joe-biden-and-bernie-sanders/#7d30a1c24443. Missy Rolseth 12 4-27-20 occurs annually. This proposal is designed to target extremely rich individuals whose wealth is comprised in bonds, stocks, real estate, and material items—not part of their annual earnings.

There is some complexity regarding how to measure the value of assets as some items are difficult to value or the value fluctuates.41 Nevertheless, the goal behind a wealth tax is redistribute wealth given the enormous disparity in the United States.

Progressives have not yet advocated for a wealth tax, instead pushing for raising income taxes on the richest individuals.42 Increasing the income tax will allow the government to increase spending on social programs that are in place to support poor Americans. Biden’s tax plan does advocate for raising taxes on corporations and increasing payroll tax for wealthy households.43 Progressivism has not yet supported the policy of a wealth tax, instead looking at other measures to raise taxes that are already in place.

On the other hand, democratic socialists like Sanders have unveiled proposals to institute a wealth tax. Under Sanders’ plan, only those with wealth greater than $32 million would be affected and would be subject to a tax ranging from 1-8% depending on the wealth bracket.44

The purpose of the wealth tax is to combat the massive wealth gap in the United States. In 2019, the top 1% owned one-third of all household wealth.45 The bottom 50% controlled only 1.9%.46

Further, the targets of this proposal accrue money off of their wealth and investments, getting

41 Tony Nitti, “Tale Of The Tape: Comparing The Tax Plans Of Joe Biden And Bernie Sanders,” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, March 6, 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonynitti/2020/03/06/tale-of -the-tape-comparing-the-tax-plans-of-joe-biden-and-bernie-sanders/#7d30a1c24443. 42Danielle Kurtzleben, “How Would A Wealth Tax Work?” NPR, NPR, December 5, 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/12/05/782135614/how-would-a-wealth-tax-work. 43 Tony Nitti, “Tale Of The Tape: Comparing The Tax Plans Of Joe Biden And Bernie Sanders,” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, March 6, 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonynitti/2020/03/06/tale-of -the-tape-comparing-the-tax-plans-of-joe-biden-and-bernie-sanders/#7d30a1c24443. 44 Ibid. 45 Danielle Kurtzleben, “How Would A Wealth Tax Work?” NPR, NPR, December 5, 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/12/05/782135614/how-would-a-wealth-tax-work. 46 Ibid. Missy Rolseth 13 4-27-20 richer every year.47 Democratic socialists intend to redistribute this wealth by taxing it and then channeling it into public assistance programs like the single-payer healthcare system and an increased minimum wage. Similar to the healthcare system, the wealth tax can be construed as a socialist program that is trying combat a capitalism wrong. A socialist society would support a wealth tax, but under pure socialism, it may become unnecessary as socialism is designed to ensure that such wealth disparity does not exist.

Conclusion

Although progressivism, socialism, and democratic socialism are all ideologies spanning the left-wing of the political spectrum, their approach to political problems can vary greatly.

However, in some cases the proposed plan can be similar enough among the three factions, but the context in which the proposal exists differs. In analyzing how these three leftist views approach climate change, healthcare, and the wealth tax, it becomes clear that a democratic socialist approach is the most effective at creating the ideal society that the Left envisions, with principles of equity and justice. Democratic socialism is the best approach to reform the failing aspects of society that are perpetuated by capitalism. The policies under this ideology are efficient and create the extreme change necessary. Although progressivism supports this ideal society, the pathway is much too long and conservative. Socialism, on the other hand, is not a plausible course of action in American society given the ardent opponents to it and because of the strong foundation capitalism has in the United States.

It may help to explain the major differences, in regard to reform, between these three ideologies using a metaphor comparing capitalism to a damaged house. Progressives would try to

47 Danielle Kurtzleben, “How Would A Wealth Tax Work?” NPR, NPR, December 5, 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/12/05/782135614/how-would-a-wealth-tax-work. Missy Rolseth 14 4-27-20 fix the major problems by providing support to the broken areas but leave much of the house untouched. These repairs would not be sufficient to prevent future damage, leading to a continual need for repairs. Socialists would want to tear down the damaged house and start fresh.

Democratic socialists would insist on major renovations but keep the foundation of the house.

Furthermore, you can equate the relative cost of each of these policies in the metaphor as well.

Fixing the major problems may be cheaper, but this is a temporary solution; it will cost more in the long run. To tear down the house and rebuild would be an extremely costly measure and while it may have great payoffs, it also many not. There will also be opponents to completely tearing down the house because there are many benefits to the current house that could not be recreated. You could also be destroying parts that are in working order. To undergo extensive renovations would be more costly than fixing the major problems, but in the long-term the benefits will outweigh the costs as the renovations are a permanent fix. The renovations also safeguard the working aspects.

The Democratic Party, both the party in government and the party in the electorate, need to recognize that democratic socialism is the best solution to create the desired society in which there is a minimal wealth and income gap, workers are paid a living wage, and all people are guaranteed a basic right to healthcare and a stable environment. The continued suppression of democratic socialist candidates will only lead to failed attempts to revert the United States into working order for the public interest. Had the Democratic Party taken larger measures over the past few decades to guarantee these rights for citizens, such drastic reform would not be necessary now. Nevertheless, to obtain the good society based on justice and equity, a robust welfare state is needed to provide for the ails of capitalism.

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