Winston Churchill once said, “Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.” Of course, socialism has always been the butt of nearly every political joke from Republicans, but it seems now that Democrats are beginning to join in on the fun by poking at those teetering on the left edge of the political spectrum.
As part of a new capital investment program in economically depressed areas, an income tax modification bill moving through the Virginia General Assembly was the topic of conversation during a debate in the House Finance Committee. However, it resulted in great opposition from one member of the Democratic Party and a subsequent trolling move from a member of his own delegation.
Freshman Delegate Lee Carter (D-Prince William) was very critical of the measure, claiming it is just a tax break for billionaires and not a clear legislative measure for what he would refer to as the “working class.” Though, it seems his apparent progressive commentary was not liked by all.
As Carter spoke, seated behind him, Delegate Mark Keam (D-Fairfax) held up a tablet which had a picture of a hammer and sickle, a emblem of Communism from the Russian Revolution. A bold move from someone in his own party in the assembly.
It must be said that Carter is not only a member of the Democratic Party, but also a well-followed comrade of the Democratic Socialists of America. Even after his unorthodox victory as a Democratic candidate, he and his supporters cantillated the union doxology “Solidarity Forever.” Not exactly a man of the party led by Tip O’Neill that worked with President Reagan.
Comrade Carter took to Twitter shortly after an aggravated hyper-left scorned Keam’s move by saying, “What’s interesting is that they fail to realize communism, socialism, and democratic socialism are all separate ideologies.”
Yes, however, they are all based on one undying factor — misery. The tactics of Saul Alinsky may win one an election on a wave of “working class” favor, but it does not mean one is safe from inter-party jokes.