Festival-goers debate socialism

Takoma Park Street Festival attendees shared differing definitions of socialism.

No single definition exists

Nina Gilden Seavey said there's no one answer to what socialism means.

“The fact is that there's no…one answer”

Jaw Blake's view

Jaw Blake described socialism as available programs for all.

“Just the idea of like, you've been paying all these things to set up these programs and then you're actually giving them to the people”

Public services as socialism

Jenny Sniderman said public services are part of socialism.

“Public libraries, the police department, the fire department, all our public services, utilities”

Property surrender skepticism

Sniderman said she wouldn't surrender private property to government.

“Do I want to give up my private property? Of course I don't want to give up my private property”

Democratic socialism clarified

Seavey distinguished democratic socialism from traditional socialism.

“This is not socialism. This is democratic socialism. It's different. There's socialism, there's communism, there are all kinds of 'isms.' Democratic socialism is essentially what we have a growing movement in this country”

Socialism polling shows growth

43% of Americans have a positive image of socialism according to Gallup.

“A September Gallup poll found that 43% of Americans have a positive image of socialism, the highest level since the polling organization began tracking the question in 2010”