This week, we are giving AOC a break.
Let’s talk Socialism! Since Draft AOC aims to be a broad coalition but other leftists still aren’t ready to engage in preparing the Democratic Party, let me take a moment to present Social Democracy.
Why We're Here?
Our mission is simple and urgent: to dispel the myth that Socialism is a boogeyman and to reclaim it as a proud, compassionate tradition—one that’s been evolving for over 146 years across the globe.
When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was first elected in 2018, she was a newly minted card-carrying member of DSA.
Her early interviews, including her appearance on Meet the Press, reflected the fresh enthusiasm of someone just discovering the Socialist tradition—not a critique, just a reality. We all begin green, and AOC is, at her core, a Social Democrat.
To contrast, consider Senator Corinne Narassiguin, who in 2012 was the Socialist candidate for the French Parliament representing French citizens in the U.S. and Canada.
She appeared on Charlie Rose to explain the stakes of the French election—not just for France, but for Europe’s fiscal and policy direction.
Senator Narassiguin can speak at length about the legacy of French Socialist leaders and the history that shaped our party. Meanwhile, in 2018, AOC—though brilliantly charismatic and principled—could not name DSA’s founders, let alone articulate their contributions to the American Socialist tradition.
This isn’t a failure of character—it’s a reflection of the failures of the American educational system and the disconnect between today’s activists and those who built the Socialist movement in the United States.
SDA exists to bridge that gap. We’re here to reconnect, educate, and organize—so that the next generation of Social Democrats stands on a foundation as deep as their convictions.
What We Believe
The Social Democrats of America are training activists to navigate and reclaim the Democratic Party while fighting for: Free Education, Universal Health Care, The abolition of the death penalty, Reproductive Freedom (Pro-Abortion Rights), a living wage and Universal Basic Income, the Right to Unionize, the sanctity of the Separation of Church and State, and the belief that the Government should make life bearable for all and ensure citizens' Liberties.
If you believe in all of these principles—well, as Jeff Foxworthy might say, "You just might be a Socialist."
Where We Stand
If you don't agree with all of them, that's okay. You may want to explore other political leanings using this helpful tendencies table: https://www.repmyblock.org/about#tendencies.
To our Right: The Liberals
To our Left: The Communists and Greens
Even further Left: The Democratic Socialists of America
Our goal is to organize within the Democratic Party--not shout from the sidelines. Even disgraced Governor Andrew Cuomo couldn't help but admit, in this revealing clip www.youtube.com/shorts/yNhqY8MkNis, that real power comes from within. And when he sneers about 'those other people'--make no mistake--he's talking about us, the Socialists. He threw down a challenge, and we're rising to meet it.
What You'll Face
You will encounter resistance. Liberals may dismiss you. Some will mock the word "Socialism."
When that happens, I often respond bluntly: "You spent $2 billion on Kamala and brought back fascism. We're rebuilding the Democratic Party. What are you doing?"
You'll find your own tone. We'll help you develop it—with knowledge, confidence, and solidarity.
Learn What They Fear
To fight ignorance, you need to understand where it comes from.
The right-wing Hillsdale College offers an online course on "Marxism, Socialism, and Communism." It's biased and flawed—but studying it helps us anticipate and defuse the opposition's talking points: https://online.hillsdale.edu/courses/promo/marxism-socialism-communism
On the other hand, Hulu's documentary The Big Scary "S" Word offers a more sympathetic—but still imperfect—view of American Socialism: https://www.hulu.com/movie/d475fb5e-774e-4ef4-814e-26755aff5a39.
Both help reveal how we Americans have been conditioned to fear the very language of liberation: Socialism. Communism. Anarchism. Solidarity. Manifesto. Comrade.
You Are Not Alone
You may feel isolated at first. That's normal. But it won't last. We are millions around the world.
Remember: Greta Thunberg sat alone for months before the world joined her. Your county is waiting for its own spark--and that might be you.
Watch How the Machine Works
PBS recently aired a powerful documentary exposing corruption inside the Democratic political machine in New York City, and the grassroots organizers fighting to reform it. https://www.pbs.org/video/county-kigzrj.
These resources provide a great primer on why we fight within the party--not outside it.
I look forward to seeing you on Zoom on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 9:00 pm Eastern / 6:00 pm Pacific.
Feel free to share this email along with the Mobilize link: https://www.mobilize.us/socialists/event/773488. You're also welcome to reply to this email and introduce yourself to the group that signed up for the intro Zoom.
In solidarity,
Hasta la victoria, ¡siempre!
Theo Chino