According to the Democratic Socialists of America or DSA for short, they’re an organization — not a political party — that believes “that both the economy and society should run democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. [They] are a political and activist organization, not a party; through campus and community-based chapters DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people.”  These beliefs are compatible to those of the 2016 presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders.  In fact, he is apart of Democratic Socialists of America. This has actually been one of the most debatable issues during Sanders’ campaign.

Many people have accused him of being simply a “socialist” while not being aware of what the term “democratic socialist” actually means.  This organization does believe that the government’s laws should be regulated or similar throughout the entire country, this put in simpler terms would mean that our country would operate with central government standards more than it already does.  Examples of central or federal government actions being enforced would involve the advisement of Obamacare throughout our country, taxes (returns and all exchanges), same sex marriage being legal in the US, and freedom of religion, speech, the rights to petition, etc…  This is a heavily debated topic obviously; some of these issues seem to never go away.  We as uninformed and misinterpreting audiences of biased and heavily generalized opinions, can assume as we please if democratic socialism is really an issue or simply something we want to make an issue out of.

After considering each candidate carefully, it’s easy for anyone to either come to a pause where they’re full of questions on who to like or hate in the 2016 race.  Some people simply don’t care or feel that they couldn’t make a difference by voting.  At Riverbend as far as voting students go, 47% of senior and junior students determined that they would vote for Bernie Sanders.  In a mass of people, that’s not a lot when looking at the wide range of things.  Out of a poll featuring three republicans and two democratically involved candidates, the parties equally clashed.  However, Bernie Sanders stood strong.  In second place was his opponent, Donald Trump with 14% of votes.  This may mean nothing for the real race this year, however.

Be sure to vote for the primaries on March 1 if eligible.  As a message from hopefully every voter, don’t assume.  Do your research before voting; it means something.