The Rose Outlook

What is Democratic Socialism?

Democratic Socialism is an ideology that seeks to achieve socialism primarily through electoralism. It also emphasizes democracy (as you cannot have true socialism without democracy and vice versa) both in trying to achieve socialism and once socialism is achieved. Democratic Socialism argues that capitalism is inherently bad, as it rejects true freedom, equality and democracy.

Democratic Socialism rejects authoritarianism and previous ideologies that claim to be socialist, for example Marxism-Leninism. Democratic Socialism comes in many forms. This includes forms of reformist socialism, revolutionary socialism (but not primarily), state socialism, and libertarian socialism. It aims to transition beyond a mere ‘welfare state’.

How is socialism different from communism?

Socialism is when the workers own the means of production (i.e. their workplaces), while Communism is an ideology that seeks a stateless, classless, and moneyless society where private property is abolished and all property becomes publicly owned. Communism is often grouped in with Socialism, however many Communist experiments failed to provide sufficient conditions that would allow their respective nations to be called “socialist”.

Has there ever been a socialist state?

Most Democratic Socialist nations were overthrown within a few years. For example, Chile was Democratic Socialist for a while under Salvador Allende, the People’s Republic of Korea (not to be confused with the very antisocialist North Korea) was Democratic Socialist, as was Spain under the Popular Front, and Czechoslovakia under the Prague Spring. Many socialist(-adjacent) experiments such as the Kruševo Republic, Strandzha Commune, and Paris Commune also existed and could be described as socialist.

What would (democratic) socialism look like?

Socialism, if it came to the U.S. for example, would provide a system that prioritized people over profit. Everyone would be able to get healthcare, housing, and education, all industries would be worker-owned under a form of economic socialism, democratic planning of resources would be implemented, and poverty, capitalist exploitation, imperialism and the rule of the bourgeoisie would be ended as we know it.

Life would be much better under a socialist government, and Americans would finally be able to call themselves ‘free’ without lying to themselves and others around them.

Are you affiliated with any political organization?

The Rose Outlook is not affiliated with any political organization, however there are many good Socialist organizations that further the cause of Democratic Socialism. Endorsed organizations including resources can be found in the Reading List.

How often is new content posted?

I usually post new content every couple days, however it may depend on my schedule. Some days I may be busy, and others I might just pump out articles.

Why is it called The Rose Outlook?

I came up with The Rose Outlook because a common symbol in leftist spaces, usually Social Democracy and Democratic Socialism, is the rose. It was created by the Socialist Party, a French social democratic party in the late 1960s, symbolizing a better life under a socialist government. It’s my favorite symbol!