Card 40: What Do We Want?

Do We Want Democracy? Or a Fascist Dictatorship?
Why Does It Matter?

It matters now because your vote empowers you to shape our future and defend our democracy. Your voice is essential.

When America’s democracy and capitalist economy are balanced, and elections are conducted fairly, our democratic republic (a representative democracy) functions for us.

• The people have a say in how we are governed. By electing representatives to Congress through majority vote, we can get a government that works for the people, not for itself.
• Congress protects our rights, including equality before the law and free speech. Your voice and vote help uphold these freedoms for everyone.
• Congress makes laws that defend our well-being, shape policy, collect and spend taxes, regulate business to ensure free markets and fair competition, and safeguard our environment.
• Congress provides a social safety net through programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and SNAP.
• Congress maintains national security and defense through our military, the Department of Justice, and the Department of State.
• Congress ensures equal opportunity to access resources like education.

Democratic Socialists in the U.S. support working within the capitalist system

• Through a representative government with democratic elections and a focus on human rights, social justice, and the well-being of all citizens, incorporating progressive taxation to fund social programs and reduce the wealth gap.

• With government rules that govern markets, protect workers, and prevent monopolies, reducing inequality while encouraging innovation and small businesses to build wealth and own property.

Since January 20, 2025, our democracy has faced serious threats from a fascist government aiming to dismantle institutions and concentrate power, which should alarm us all.  

Fascism is an anti-democratic system. Currently, the Trump Administration is forcing a changeover to this system:

• An ultranationalist strongman leader or dictator concentrates power, supported by a ruling elite.
• Individual rights, opposition, and dissent are suppressed, often through threats, violence, and imprisonment.
• Control over the economy and businesses is seized via government ownership.
• Grievance, victimhood, and racism are used to demonize immigrants, people of color, and others as enemies of the state.
• Social safety nets are eliminated.
• Colleges, universities, research, science, and the media are attacked or co-opted.
• Male dominance and the subjugation of women persist.

The fascist Trump Administration, supported by a rogue and corrupt Supreme Court, is assaulting our nation, trampling over the People, Congress, and our institutions, including our history, our equality, and our ability to vote. Even our iconic landmarks are being destroyed, from National Parks and public lands in the West to the White House and historic monuments in Washington, D.C.

Your vote is a crucial way to protect democracy, oppose threats like fascism, and ensure freedoms for yourself and future generations.

Treasure Your Valuable Vote
Vote for You and Yours on November 3rd