Is Progressivism the New Communism? by Susan Stamper Brown

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Susan Stamper Brown

Apr

2012

Is Progressivism the New Communism?

In politics, truth-telling can get you into trouble, even if you stumble upon it by accident. Just ask Rep. Allen West (R-FL).

West is feeling the heat for a pregnant pause he took during a town hall meeting after he was asked “What percentage of the American legislature do you think are card-carrying Marxists or International Socialists?”

“It’s a good question,” West responded, “I believe there’s [sic] about 78 to 81 members of the Democrat Party who are members of the Communist Party. (Long pause) “They don’t actually hide. It’s called the Congressional Progressive Caucus.” The left became unhinged.

102668 600 Is Progressivism the New Communism? cartoons

Nate Beeler / Washington Examiner (click to view more cartoons by Beeler)

Obviously West touched a nerve; before long, members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) drafted their response: “Calling fellow Members of Congress ‘Communists’ is reminiscent of the days when Joe McCarthy divided Americans with name-calling and modern-day witch hunts that don’t advance policies to benefit people’s lives…”

The CPC’s response is just another sign of the political times we live in. But something about their argument doesn’t pass the “smell test.”

While there may not be large numbers of card-carrying communists lining the halls of Congress, there is a clear tie between the Democratic Party’s Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), Communist Party USA (CPUSA), and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

It really boils down to marketing. In marketing, many times the same product is given a different name or label in order to increase its appeal to certain groups. Names are sometimes changed due to the product’s connection to other products, or the public’s association to a prior name.

Although Progressive share much in common with CPUSA and DSA, they are shrewd enough to understand the terms “communist” or “socialist” are unpalatable for most Americans. Hence, the word “Progressive” was injected into American political verbiage. While the words are not interchangeable, one thing is for sure: The CPC is doing its part to further the goals of modern Communists and Socialists who have found a voice in the Democratic Party.

In 2002, Communist Party USA PAC leader Joelle Fishman reported CPUSA uses the Congressional Progressive Caucus as “an important lever” to “move the debate to the left.” A February 2, 2010 Communist Party USA article “Convention Discussion: A Time to Grow” explained they plan to meet their goals by running for office “within the auspices of the Democratic Party” because “conditions rarely if ever allow us to run open Communists for office.”

The same article praised Obama’s election asserting, “We have the opportunity to build something big, a large, influential and effective Communist Party USA. After the incredible movement to elect Barack Obama, more far-reaching solutions and socialism in particular are back at the dinner table for discussion.”

It seems they are moving toward attaining their goals. Obama’s election, in conjunction with Progressives cannibalizing the Democratic Party by ousting common sense Blue Dogs, aided in a severe shift to the left. Americans have witnessed the deterioration of this nation by way of the same type of race-baiting and class warfare Communism cannot exist without.

Unbecoming to an American president, Obama has led the charge in attacks against job-creators, extended the olive branch to “99 Percent” anarchists, and publicly castigated the third (and his equal) branch of government. Americans have had zero control over the appointments of unsavory anti-capitalist cabinet members like former “Green Czar” and avowed Communist Van Jones.

All things considered, “Washington’s newest breath of fresh air,” West, is dead-on in his assessment of Democratic Party Progressives. West once said Progressive’s should take their message “and get the hell out of America.” I think most of us would be happy if they would just “get the hell out of” the Democratic Party and run on their own ticket.

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Susan Stamper Brown is an opinion page columnist, motivational speaker and military advocate who writes about politics, the military, the economy and culture. Email Susan at writestamper@gmail.com or her website at susanstamperbrown.com.