[NYer]

#1

Eugene Debs (1855–1926)

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Through his leadership of the labor movement, his five campaigns as a Socialist candidate for president and his spellbinding and brilliant oratory, Debs popularized ideas about civil liberties, workers’ rights, peace and justice and government regulation of big business. In 1893 he organized the nation’s first industrial union, the American Railway Union, to unite all workers within one industry, and he led the Pullman Strike of 1894. He was elected city clerk of Terre Haute and served in the Indiana State Assembly in 1884. In 1900, 1904, 1908, 1912 and 1920, Debs ran for president on the Socialist Party ticket. His speeches and writing influenced popular opinion and the platforms of Democratic Party candidates. His 1920 campaign took place while he was in Atlanta’s federal prison for opposing World War I; he won nearly 1 million votes.

[NYer]

You may find this interesting.

[TennesseeProfessor]

I’ve never understood why they call themselves Progressives when they are against all forms of progress.

[freedumb2003]

The usual suspects — bunch of anti-American commies for the most part.

[Islander7]

Ping to commies . . . er . . . democrats, but I repeat myslef

[x]

Today’s progressives get annoyed if you call them socialists.

There are progressives and progressives. Nation readers might get mad if you call them socialists, but the anger isn't as sincere as it is with some others who have taken on the progressive label. If you find Nation readers willing to speak candidly some would admit that something that could be called socialism was their original ideal, though perhaps they didn't think could be realized. That doesn't necessarily go for all Democrats who've gotten tired of calling themselves liberals and have settled on calling themselves progressives.

The Socialist platforms Debs ran on had two parts. One was the far goal of collective ownership of property. The other part was the nearer political and industrial demands that fell short of the distant goal. These were things that could be done under the existing system -- things that actually have been done in the years since Debs ran. Based on these later demands, today's liberals or progresives don't have a problem with Debs, however they might feel about his belief in the class struggle or the abolition of private property.

Check it out for yourself: The Socialist Party Platform of 1912

[Islander7]

Bookmarked - Great reference material. Thanks for posting.

[NYer]

Didn't check it but the list should include ...

NYC HEALTH BOARD: WHY STOP AT SODA? BAN MILKSHAKES AND POPCORN, TOO

As Rush Limbaugh pointed out today, like every day, Liberals are the greatest robbers of freedom in that they impose their philosophical beliefs on the populace. They never question the purported science behind the actions they choose to ban.

[ansel12]

His 1920 campaign took place while he was in Atlanta’s federal prison for opposing World War I; he won nearly 1 million votes.

He won 38% of the Jewish vote that election.