Take Action: House Votes to Condemn Socialist Ideas and Leaders!

On February 2, the US House of Representatives approved, by a vote of 328 to 86, House Concurrent Resolution 9, which condemns socialist ideas and current and former leaders without distinction as to achievements and human rights records. And, in denouncing socialism in its entirety, it ignores the vast benefits that socialist policies have brought to humanity and excuses the United States’ undemocratic regime-change activities in Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and elsewhere.

This attack on the idea of socialism is a prelude to an attack on social benefits in the US and other countries. As Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.) said during House debate: “This resolution is little about intelligent discourse and everything to do with laying the groundwork to cut Social Security and Medicare.” Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said, “Are we talking about public schools? Are we talking about roads? Are we talking about Social Security? I mean, give me a break.”

Similarly, using Nicaragua as an example, we see the benefit of its socialist policy of good universal free health care. Other Nicaraguan socialist policies include the awarding of property titles for lots, houses, and farmland to the poor. They include the best roads in Central America and a massive expansion of electrification (most of it from renewable energy), sewage systems and potable water. They also include free education through university, culture and recreation including parks, sports, music, and even Wi-Fi for all citizens regardless of their economic class. There have been major reductions in poverty, illiteracy, maternal and child mortality. All of these things we see in Nicaragua where there is a mixed economy with socialism as one of the country’s goals. For more information about Nicaragua, visit the web page of the Nicaragua Network/Alliance for Global Justice.

Check to see if your representative voted “aye” or “nay” on this resolution by clicking here.

– If your representative voted “aye,” click on their name which will take you to their contact information. You can phone your rep or go to their web page where you can leave a message using material in this action alert. Tell your representative that socialist policies like free universal health care, free education at all levels, Social Security, publicly-owned utilities, fair labor practices, business regulations, and many others have improved life for millions in countries (including Nicaragua) where they have been adopted.

– If your rep voted “nay,” drop them a line saying you appreciate their vote.

The text of the resolution can be viewed here

This is a concurrent resolution so it has been sent to the Senate as well but is unlikely to make much progress there.

Don’t let this H.Con.Res.9 pass without a reaction from the solidarity community! Act now by checking your representative’s vote and sending them a message! If you have time, please drop us a line to let us know the response you got from your Representative’s office, by emailing us at [email protected].