Congressmen Fail to Disclose "Democratic Socialists of America" Membership

FrankRep

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DSA-Members: American Socialist Voter - Democratic Socialists of America - Oct 1, 2009
http://www.scribd.com/doc/35733956/...oter-Democratic-Socialists-of-America-10-1-09

American Socialists Release Names of 70 Congressional Democrats in Their Ranks
http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.co...f-70-congressional-democrats-in-their-caucus/


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CONGRESSMEN FAIL TO INCLUDE ‘DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA’ MEMBERSHIP IN THEIR ELECTION CAMPAIGNS


The Cypress Times
August 13, 2010


Sheila Jackson Lee (Dem, TX 18th) serves as Vice Chair

An article appeared nearly one year ago in the Canada Free press outlining the intertwining relationship between the progressive movement, the socialist movement, communism, the Democratic Socialists of America, The Congressional Black Caucus and elected representatives of the United States House of Representatives. The article was completely ignored by the U.S. press.

On August 13, 2009, JB Williams of the Canada Free Press wrote the following:

“After decades of failed attempts to take over America via their third party initiatives that couldn’t break America’s two party system, leaders of both the Communist Party USA and Socialist Party USA chose a new strategy.

“Both being the ultimate 'party of the working class stiff,' they joined forces in a new venture that would work within the US two party system, by hijacking control of one of the two primary parties. As the Democrat Party had already spent years identifying itself as the “party of the working class,” engaging in socio-economic class warfare as its primary method for expanding its political power, it was ripe for the hijacking.

“Together, Communist Party and Socialist Party leaders established the Democratic Socialists of America, and they share a common ideology which is now the platform and mantra of today’s DNC – CPUSA.

“To gain full control of the Democrat Party, DSA leadership established two congressional legislative bodies, headed by DSA/CPUSA/SPUSA members. Today, these are the two congressional bodies in control of congress.

“They are the Congressional Progressive Caucus established by Socialist Party member Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and the Congressional Black Caucus established by Communist Party member John Conyers of Michigan.

“ALL members of these two congressional committees represent the Democratic Socialists of America, as both committees are the creation of, and operate under the control of DSAUSA.”

Is Mr. Williams way off-base in reporting that the DSA is working with the hope of dramatically changing America? The answer to that question is found in the stated beliefs of the Democratic Socialists of America.

A publication written by the DSA titled “What is Democratic Socialism? Questions and Answers from the Democratic Socialists of America” explains their agenda for America.

The DSA’s view of private corporations – (emphasis mine)

In the short term we can’t eliminate private corporations, but we can bring them under greater democratic control.”

On the notion that a Socialist society would create a lack of desire to work:

“Although a long-term goal of socialism is to eliminate all but the most enjoyable kinds of labor, we recognize that unappealing jobs will long remain. These tasks would be spread among as many people as possible rather than distributed on the basis of class, race, ethnicity, or gender, as they are under capitalism. And this undesirable work should be among the best, not the least, rewarded work within the economy.”

Targeting America’s youth in promoting a socialist agenda:

“Young people are needed in today’s struggles as well: for universal health care and stronger unions, against welfare cuts and predatory multinational corporations. Schools, colleges and universities are important to American political culture. They are the places where ideas are formulated and policy discussed and developed. Being an active part of that discussion is a critical job for young socialists.”

How does the DSA propose to pay for a Socialist USA?

“Most advanced industrial democracies provide these goods through progressive taxation, control of health care costs (either by providing publicly funded national health insurance or regulated insurance options offered by nonprofit health care providers), and the expenditure of a smaller portion of their GDP on the military than does the United States.”

Sound familiar yet?

Regarding separation and differentiation from the Democrat party, the DSA both asks and answers the question emphatically.

“Aren't you a party that's in competition with the Democratic Party for votes and support?

No, we are not a separate party. Like our friends and allies in the feminist, labor, civil rights, religious, and community organizing movements, many of us have been active in the Democratic Party. We work with those movements to strengthen the party’s left wing, represented by the Congressional Progressive Caucus.”

What is the Congressional Progressive Caucus? The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus within the Democratic caucus in the United States Congress with 83 declared members. A list of all 83 members, broken down by state is available HERE.

The membership includes these notable Representatives:

Sheila Jackson-Lee - (TX-18, Houston)*

Eddie Bernice Johnson – (TX 30, Dallas)*

Charles Rangle - (NY 15, Harlem)*

John Conyers – (MI 14, Detroit)*

Barney Frank – (MA 4, Newton)

Alan Grayson – (FL 8, Orlando)

6 Representatives from Illinois are members –

Bobby Rush - (IL-1, Chicago)*

Jesse Jackson, Jr.- (IL-2, Chicago Heights)*

Luis Gutierrez - (IL-4, Chicago)

Danny Davis - (IL-7, Chicago)*

Jan Schakowsky - (IL-9, Chicago)

Phil Hare - (IL-17, Rock Island)

California has the most members with 15 –

Lynn Woolsey (CA-6, Santa Rosa) - Co-Chair

George Miller (CA-7, Richmond) – Chairman

Barbara Lee (CA-9, Oakland) – Chairwoman*

Pete Stark (CA-13, Fremont)

Michael Honda (CA-15, San Jose)

Sam Farr (CA-17, Monterey)

Henry Waxman (CA-30, Los Angeles)

Xavier Becerra (CA-31, Los Angeles)

Judy Chu (CA-32, El Monte)

Diane Watson (CA-33, Los Angeles)*

Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34, Los Angeles)

Maxine Waters (CA-35, Inglewood)*

Laura Richardson (CA-37, Long Beach)*

Linda Sánchez (CA-39, Lakewood)

Bob Filner (CA-51, San Diego)

There is also one stand out former member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus:

Nancy Pelosi (CA -8) who resigned her membership upon becoming minority leader of the house.

There is a great deal of overlap in the membership of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus as noted above by an “*”. These two powerful Caucuses within the United States Congress have combined forces to push the agenda of the Democratic Socialists of America.

The Democratic Socialists of America also boasts an impressive list of your elected representatives, currently seeking your vote again in November.

CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA

Co-Chairs Hon. Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07)

Hon. Lynn Woolsey (CA-06)

Vice Chairs

Hon. Diane Watson (CA-33)

Hon. Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX-18)

Hon. Mazie Hirono (HI-02)

Hon. Dennis Kucinich (OH-10)

Senate Members

Hon. Bernie Sanders (VT)

House Members

Hon. Neil Abercrombie (HI-01)

Hon. Tammy Baldwin (WI-02)

Hon. Xavier Becerra (CA-31)

Hon. Madeleine Bordallo (GU-AL)

Hon. Robert Brady (PA-01)

Hon. Corrine Brown (FL-03)

Hon. Michael Capuano (MA-08)

Hon. André Carson (IN-07)

Hon. Donna Christensen (VI-AL)

Hon. Yvette Clarke (NY-11)

Hon. William “Lacy” Clay (MO-01)

Hon. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05)

Hon. Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Hon. John Conyers (MI-14)

Hon. Elijah Cummings (MD-07)

Hon. Danny Davis (IL-07)

Hon. Peter DeFazio (OR-04)

Hon. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)

Rep. Donna F. Edwards (MD-04)

Hon. Keith Ellison (MN-05)

Hon. Sam Farr (CA-17)

Hon. Chaka Fattah (PA-02)

Hon. Bob Filner (CA-51)

Hon. Barney Frank (MA-04)

Hon. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11)

Hon. Alan Grayson (FL-08)

Hon. Luis Gutierrez (IL-04)

Hon. John Hall (NY-19)

Hon. Phil Hare (IL-17)

Hon. Maurice Hinchey (NY-22)

Hon. Michael Honda (CA-15)

Hon. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL-02)

Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30)


Hon. Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Hon. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Hon. Carolyn Kilpatrick (MI-13)

Hon. Barbara Lee (CA-09)

Hon. John Lewis (GA-05)

Hon. David Loebsack (IA-02)

Hon. Ben R. Lujan (NM-3)

Hon. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14)

Hon. Ed Markey (MA-07)

Hon. Jim McDermott (WA-07)

Hon. James McGovern (MA-03)

Hon. George Miller (CA-07)

Hon. Gwen Moore (WI-04)

Hon. Jerrold Nadler (NY-08)

Hon. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (DC-AL)

Hon. John Olver (MA-01)

Hon. Ed Pastor (AZ-04)

Hon. Donald Payne (NJ-10)

Hon. Chellie Pingree (ME-01)

Hon. Charles Rangel (NY-15)

Hon. Laura Richardson (CA-37)

Hon. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34)

Hon. Bobby Rush (IL-01)

Hon. Linda Sánchez (CA-47)

Hon. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09)


Hon. José Serrano (NY-16)

Hon. Louise Slaughter (NY-28)

Hon. Pete Stark (CA-13)

Hon. Bennie Thompson (MS-02)

Hon. John Tierney (MA-06)

Hon. Nydia Velazquez (NY-12)

Hon. Maxine Waters (CA-35)

Hon. Mel Watt (NC-12)

Hon. Henry Waxman (CA-30)

Hon. Peter Welch (VT-AL)

Hon. Robert Wexler (FL-19)

Since all of the elected representatives listed above have made the decision to give their time and energy to serving in one, two or all three of these groups, how come little is mentioned about this particular activity in their individual campaigns?

A search of both Sheila Jackson Lee’s official website as a member of Congress and of her campaign website finds no mention of the DSA whatsoever.

The campaign website doesn’t mention Lee’s involvement with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, but Lee’s Congressional website does say that she is a member of 45 caucuses and both the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus are listed on that site.

California’s Pete Stark who recently made headlines by saying, "the federal government can do anything," also fails to mention his association with either the Congressional Progressive Caucus or the Democrat Socialists of America. And on and on. As you look into the information these politician filter back to the public about their actions and their involvement, you will find no mention of their activities with the DSA, and little to no mention of their involvement with the CPC.

In November Americans will go to the polls to elect a new congress with every seat in the U.S. House up for grabs. Is your elected representative on any of the above lists? Do you agree with the stated policies and agenda of the DSA?

The DSA concludes its propaganda with a pitch to join them:

“We are part of an international movement fostering solidarity across national borders in order to construct an alternative to the current order. But as residents of the most powerful capitalist nation, we recognize that our greatest act of international solidarity is to build a vibrant, multicultural left in the United States. We invite you to join us in this effort, an effort worthy of a lifetime of commitment.”

If you’re not ready to join in building a new world order and vibrant left, then ask yourself who has the responsibility to protect America from this type of socialist agenda?

That’s easy. You do.

Vote!


SOURCE:
http://www.thecypresstimes.com/arti..._MEMBERSHIP_IN_THEIR_ELECTION_CAMPAIGNS/32227
 
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Hitting the News:

Exposed! The long list of elected officials that were members of the Democratic Socialists of America in 2009.
http://beforeitsnews.com/story/136/...emocratic_Socialists_of_America_in_2009..html

American Socialists Release Names of 70 Congressional Democrats in Their Ranks
http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.co...f-70-congressional-democrats-in-their-caucus/

Democratic Socialists of America Claimed 70 Congressional Democrats as Members Last October
http://www.bluegrasspundit.com/2010/08/democratic-socialists-of-america.html

Democratic Socialists of Congress
http://www.rightsidenews.com/beta/us/democratic-socialists-of-congress.html

Congressional Democrats Who are Registered Socialists
http://www.politicalwrinkles.com/us...onal-democrats-who-registered-socialists.html

Long list of Congressman who were members of the Democratic Socialist of America in 2009
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2570155/posts
 
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Exactly

Don't understand why this is news. :confused:

It's not like these people hide their voting record. We know what they are.

In the past four years this has become so pronounced , I cannot believe many people have missed it if the pay attention one day a week.
 
A little similar to how Dick Cheney and others hide their memberships in the CFR...
 
Does their being socialists make them worse than most of the other representatives whose statism takes other forms?

I hate socialism. But I really think that conservatives make it too much of a boogey man. The big government Republicans love having our focus on socialism as the one enemy that must be avoided at all costs, so that they can offer up their capitalist versions of government control of major parts of the economy (a la Medicare part D) and tout how great they are because they involve privately owned, rather than state owned, means of production.

Obamacare is another example, where I actually find it odd that smearing it as "socialist" has been so successful, given how much it resembles just the type of capitalist government controlled healthcare that the Republicans would have passed had they been in control, that Mitt Romney led the way on in MA, and that pseudo-conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation were touting before they had to be against it for purely partisan reasons.
 
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It looks like these sources are using the Democratic Socialists of America and Congressional Progressive Caucus interchangeably. After a little research, I can't find a direct or documented connection between them. Any sources on that?
 
The first link:

DSA-Members: American Socialist Voter - Democratic Socialists of America - Oct 1, 2009
http://www.scribd.com/doc/35733956/...oter-Democratic-Socialists-of-America-10-1-09

In that document, at the end of the list of Congressional members it says "Fair use notice cited from Congressional Progressive Caucus." It's not clear how the connection is being made between the two organizations. The list seems to be coming from the Congressional Progressive Caucus...it would be nice to have a clearer connection before distributing this info.
 
In that document, at the end of the list of Congressional members it says "Fair use notice cited from Congressional Progressive Caucus." It's not clear how the connection is being made between the two organizations. The list seems to be coming from the Congressional Progressive Caucus...it would be nice to have a clearer connection before distributing this info.

Interesting bit of background:


House Progressive Caucus--Socialists in Office

Sodahead
Oct 23, 2008


Ever heard of the House Progressive Caucus, or as it is now referred to as the Congressional Progressive Caucus?

The House Progressive Caucus (HPC) is just another name for the Congressional Progressive Caucus , which, according to
Discover the Networks, is a “radical caucus of nearly six-dozen members of the House of Representatives”, which, until 1999, “worked in open partnership” with Democratic Socialists of America, the “largest Socialist organization in the U.S.”

The March 29, 1999, issue of The New American describes the House Progressive Caucus (HPC) as

… a consortium of radical congressional collectivists whose stunning success in November remains one of the most under-reported stories of the election. Fifty-five of the 58 members on last year’s HPC roster ran for re-election; every one of them was re-elected.

This success occurred in spite of the fact that there is a symbiotic relationship between the HPC and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) — a relationship that has been ignored by the major media. The DSA is the principal U.S. affiliate of the Socialist International, the world’s oldest and largest hodgepodge of socialist, social democratic, and labour parties. The Socialist International proudly boasts that it is the successor to the so-called “First International” of Karl Marx, founded in London in 1864.

HPC/DSA “goals”

The New American informs:


According to one DSA position paper, its collectivist agenda includes “massive redistribution of income from corporations and the wealthy to wage earners and the poor and the public sector”; “a massive shift of public resources from the military … to civilian uses”; and “expanding [Medicare] eligibility to people of all ages and income regardless of health or employment status” so that “the federal government can serve as the single payer” for the nation’s health care. After all, the DSA contends, “Free markets or private charity cannot provide adequate public goods and services. [...]

The HPC’s list of legislative goals includes “a more progressive tax system” (Karl Marx would be pleased), deep cuts in the military budget, and a “cradle-to-grave” single-payer health care plan. In the following pages we survey a rogues’ gallery of HPC congressmen and others with a similar ideological bent.

The Wikipedia article on the Congressional Progressive Caucus says:

According to their website, the CPC advocates “universal access to affordable, high quality healthcare,” fair trade agreements, living wage laws, the right of all workers to organize into labor unions and engage in strike actions and collective bargaining, the abolition of significant portions of the USA PATRIOT Act, the legalization of gay marriage, strict campaign finance reform laws, a complete pullout from the war in Iraq, a crackdown on free trade and corporate welfare, an increase in income tax on the wealthy, tax cuts for the poor, and an increase in social welfare spending by the federal government.

Anything sounding familiar? It should. We’ve certainly been hearing a lot of sound bytes on the evening news and in political TV and radio ads that sound just .. like .. this:

redistribution of wealth? – √
increase income tax on wealthy? – √
tax cuts for the poor? – √ Note: 40% of Americans pay zero taxes now.
more progressive tax system? – √
crackdown on corporate welfare? – √
increased social welfare spending? – √
“cradle-to-grave” health care? – √
complete pullout from Iraq? – √
cuts in military budget? – √

CPC founding

The New American continues:

The House Progressive Caucus was founded in 1992 by Representatives Bernard Sanders (Independent-VT), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Lane Evans (D-IL), Maxine Waters (D-CA), and then-Congressman Ron Dellums (D-CA).

Although Congressman Sanders, who currently chairs the HPC’s executive committee, is a self-avowed socialist, he is one of the group’s more “moderate” members. During the previous Congress, 51 of his HPC colleagues scored lower than he did on this magazine’s “Conservative Index” voting guide!

Sanders, DeFazio, and Waters are members of what is now called the Congressional Progressive Congress.

DSA hosted CPC

Would it surprise you to know that the Democratic Socialists of America hosted the CPC on its website?

Until 1999, DSA hosted the website of the Progressive Caucus. Following a subsequent expose of the link between the two entities, the Progressive Caucus established its own website under the auspices of Congress. But DSA and the Progressive Caucus remain intimately linked. All 58 Progressive Caucus members also belong to DSA.

The CPC’s “own website” for the current 71-member CPC is an extension of that maintained for its co-chairwoman, Rep. Barbara Lee (Calif.) — cpc.lee.house. The other CPC co-chairwoman is fellow Californian, Rep. Lynn Woolsey.

The CPC-DSA relationship was confirmed by Trevor Loudon in his November 12, 2006, article The Socialists Behind the “Progressive Caucus”:

As the Congressional Progressive Caucus is the most powerful and radical group in the new US Congress, it might be useful to find out who is behind the organisation.

The most obvious backers of the CPC are the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Wikipedia article on the DSA:

During the 1990s, DSA began looking to the Religious Right’s activism within the Republican Party as a model for how the Left could gain a greater foothold within the Democratic Party…

The result was the “Congressional Progressive Caucus, a group of 65 Democratic legislators in the U.S. House of Representatives anchored by US Rep. Bernie Sanders, a DSA sympathizer….DSA’s website included commentary supportive of the legislative caucus throughout much of the late 1990s.

CPC supporters

The Wikipedia article on the CPC also provides the names of a number of organizations which support the CPC.

Included in the “array of national progressive organizations” that “work to support the efforts of the caucus” are a few that top the list.

Institute for Policy Studies (IPS)
The Nation magazine
Progressive Democrats of America (PDA)
for Institute for Policy Studies

Members of House Progressive Caucus:

....


SOURCE:
http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/house-progressive-caucus--socialists-in-office/blog-22785/
 
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