In a time when political parties and organizations are vying for control of the public trust, one local group is hoping to make its Marx.
Speaking to a crowd of about 20 at the Civic Media Center Wednesday night, the Gainesville branch of the International Socialist Organization made their case for a system they described as a bottom-up democracy more sympathetic to the common worker.
“When a worker goes to work every day in this country, he’s going to work under tyranny,”said Joe Cenker, a member of the International Socialist Organization. “In order for capitalism to survive, people must be paid less than what their work is worth.”
In a forum that lasted more than an hour, the International Socialist Organization panel discussed topics ranging from politics and economics to women’s rights and social issues.
The panel laid out their political philosophy and attempted to address common misconceptions of socialism and institutions associated with it.
In a socialist view of society, Cenker said all men and women would be entitled to enjoy a better quality of life.
Donna Lee, a transgender activist, ordained minister and recently converted socialist, was one of four panel members.
A self-described lifelong Democrat, Lee started studying socialism last year, although she is still a registered member of the Democratic Party.
She expressed discontent with the current political status quo, particularly with local politicians’ non-commitment to social issues, such as feeding the homeless.
“If my party can’t come out and feed people once a day,” she said, “I want nothing to do with that party.”
