Teabaggers removed the stigma

Through partisan charged "hate speech" Republicans and Teabaggers have brought Socialism back into the main stream. Starting in January 2009, Republicans began labeling Obama and his policies "socialist". The Teabaggers took it to the next level with signs, t-shirts, etc... However, by over-use and miss-use, the average American no longer "fears" the word socialism.

Any rational person looking at the facts knows Obama is no socialist, and in fact leans to the right. Perhaps no program Obama supported demonstrates his position better than health care. This one program sent Teabaggers off the deep end, and kick started the "Obama is a socialist" rhetoric.

A true progressive program, universal single payer health care was never placed on the table by Obama or the Democrats. The best they were hoping for was a public option, but even this was removed with no real fight and very little protest. What was left was a watered down program that still provided some consumer protections, and this was deemed socialist by the Teabaggers.

The irony of calling Obama's health care "socialist" is that it is nothing more than a national version of the state plan signed by Republican Mitt Romney. The same can be said of the "Eco-socialist" cap and trade bill, which was originally a program supported by McCain and Palin in '08, and the "takeover" resulting from bail outs, the first at the urging of Republican president George W. Bush.

Other "anti-socialist" stands Obama takes is an increase in the Afghan war, continuing the Iraqi occupation, keeping Guantanamo opened, folding on tax increases for the wealthy, etc...

Despite this lack of socialist sympathy, Republicans, Teabaggers, and conservative media pushes the idea that "Obama is a socialist". And this is where their rhetoric is pushing back against them.

Most Americans have been helped, or will be helped, by the health care changes. They have a positive feeling toward the changes, and they are increasingly asking themselves 'is this socialism?'.

Most Americans agree with energy independence, conservation, and environmental issues. After listening to conservatives they are asking themselves 'does this make me a socialist?'.

Americans like Social Security and Medicare, they support universal health care, they want bridges, roads, parks, schools, and public safety. And because of conservatives they have to ask themselves, 'does this make me a socialist?'.

In the United States Senate Bernie Sanders representing Vermont is a self-identified Democratic-Socialist. Sixty years ago he would have faced Congressional hearings and possibly jail. Ten years ago he was a frequently ignored member of the House. Today he is considered as the leader of Senate progressives.

Lawrence O'Donnell, who hosts the show "Last Word" on MSNBC, has stated that he is a Socialist. Just a few years ago this would have resulted in his termination, now it sparks debate. Other leftist and moderate anchors and commentators are also discussing Socialism as just another form of political expression. This stands in stark contrast to the "demon socialist agenda" conservatives attempt to portray.

At a time when the economy is in the tank, unemployment is reaching depression numbers, poverty is increasing, and the middle class is disappearing, the conservatives picked the wrong time to bring Socialism into the mainstream.

There is almost no chance of a "Socialist resurgence" in 2012, however, Socialism and the Socialist platform will be a part of the debate in the years to come.

Because of Republican and Teabagger hatred of Obama, Socialists have their best chance in seventy years to make an inroad into mainstream politics.

Economic Guidelines in Cuba

In May, 2011, the Communist Party of Cuba enacted guidelines which will reform the economic model of the Island nation. These 313 guidelines will improve the economic competitiveness of Cuba, and maintain the Socialist nature of the Revolution.

The most exciting changes are in the areas of Agriculture, Small Business, and Private Property ownership. While there will be government oversight to prevent abuses and exploitation, entrepreneurship and pride of ownership will be beneficial to the people of Cuba.

Agriculture: There have been many acres of un-used farmland, and the new guidelines hope to address this problem. Tracts of un-used land will be made available to individuals and co-operatives, and loans will be made available for the purchase of equipment and other start-up costs. The aim of these agricultural guidelines are to reduce the amount of imported food products to Cuba, provide self-employment opportunities, and in some cases, provide export material that would benefit the general economy.

Small Business: Small businesses such as barber shops, coffee houses, diners, etc... are receiving permits and hiring employees. This may develop into a large part of the Cuban economy as tourism continues to grow. There will be thousands of self-employment/employment opportunities available as people from around the world discover Cuba as a travel destination.

On this same topic, restrictions and regulations on appliances have been eased. This reform is made possible due to improvements in Cuba's electric grid, and the continuing development of alternative energy. These changes were needed to ensure the best chance of success of the self-employed, and the needs of the continually growing tourism industry.

Private Property: With the changes in self-employment and agriculture, it was necessary to make some changes in property law. People will need a place to conduct business, there will be a need for vehicles for deliveries, and farmers will need to get produce to market. Also property owners, especially multi-family units, will invest in repairs and improvements on their property. This will save public funds and provide self-employment opportunities to those making the repairs.

While most of the guidelines were fully supported, two caused some concern, the elimination of some government jobs, and the phase out of the coupon book. The jobs being cut are those that are redundant or unproductive and therefore unsustainable. With transfers to other government positions, self-employment, and the increase in private sector jobs, the impact of the loss of these jobs will be minimal.

The phase out of the coupon book is perhaps the biggest concern for the average citizen. What many don't understand it that continued subsidies are not sustainable, in part because they are across the board. Many who don't need these subsidies are selling these goods on the black market, which is theft of public funds and creates an environment for other criminal activity.

Proper nutrition is important for the workforce, students, and the general health of the nation. Programs will be set up to provide for those who need assistance, and citizens will not be left "in the cold".

Healthcare and Education, two of Cuba's most successful endeavors, will not see substantial changes. They will still be provided by the national government, and any alterations will be re-directing focus and improving services.

The PCC and leadership of Cuba have adopted a pro-active and forward looking view in the implementation of this guideline package. Socialism is a dynamic science, and Cuba is enacting reforms which will carry the Revolution into future generations.