NEPA DSA
Post-Election
Statement

More on the Importance of Building Community, Ranked Choice Voting, and Socialism

The results of this election have only affirmed what we already know: the legacy of white supremacy and violent colonialism that serves as the foundation of the United States is deep-baked into our DNA. One election was never going to rid us of that. Our plan remains the same: continue to build systems of mutual aid and assistance, support the most vulnerable in our communities, and fight for a future that benefits working peoples everywhere.

"So, what now?"

Get involved. NEPA DSA is a perfect place to start. To support our communities, we need to put boots on the ground, so to speak. The defeat of Trumpism will not come from reaching across the aisle to war criminals, excluding Muslim Americans from speaking at conventions, or letting hateful "laws" alienate transgender comrades. It will come from direct action, feeding and clothing folks who need it, gently and educating others (and ourselves!), and protecting and supporting your neighbors.

The electoral system is corrupt. We need a new way. For example, a different approach would be 'ranked choice voting' (RCV). Under RCV, Pennsylvanians would no longer face the "spoiler effect." Third-party supporters would rank their true choice first, but could also choose among the frontrunners as backuo options. If their first choice candidate couldn't win, their votes would simply shift to their next choice, giving these voters a say in the outcome. This also allows for more than two billionaire parties to continue their stranglehold on the country's collective throat.

Another alternative would be proportional representation. This is a set of systems used in many countries including Brazil, Poland, Ireland, and more. In proportional representation, the strength of each faction in government closely matches their popularity, resulting in fairer representation and elections. These are just two alternatives to work towards and are not immediate solutions, but provide an electoral path forward.

Ultimately, we need to understand our neighbor is not the enemy. The enemy is the fascistic ruling class who enact oppressive laws that won't apply to them. As an example, "pro-life and America First" billionaires have been caught footing the bill for abortions and hiding same-sex relationships for ages while helping enact laws that take those rights from everyone else. It is not left versus right, it is the rich versus the rest of us, but they have painted such a vivid picture of propaganda that we are at each others throats. They want that.

Voting may be a strategy, but it is certainly not the only one, nor is it the strongest. Organizing with other leftists is the only way to take our country back from the hands of the authoritarian, billionaire conservative class.

We have your back, comrade. You are our kin. If you agree that everyone deserves food, housing, and their basic needs met; if you believe in queer and reproductive rights; if you believe in liberation for all from oppression everywhere, you belong here. If you find yourself curious to alternate beliefs and want to learn more about liberation struggles, you belong here.Many of our struggles and concerns feel separate, but they are not. They all intersect in one way or another. Now more than ever, we must be there for one another. This uphill battle will be easier with the help of your fellow leftists.

Join NEPA DSA today. Unsure if you want to join? Unable to afford membership dues right now? Come to a meeting anyway, no commitment necessary. Chat with us. Follow our socials and join our mailing list to be kept aware of chapter meetings and events. And, as always, send us an email or message with any questions you may have.

https://act.dsausa.org/donate/membership/