'…I am proud to be a socialist'

If granting a pathway to citizenship for the 1.25-3.6 million DREAMers, who came to the US as children, speak no other language than English, and are productive Americans in every way that matters, with pride in their families, is socialism, then I am proud to be a socialist.

If providing free tuition to all public colleges and universities, to give every young man and woman an opportunity to get an education and be productive citizens who contribute to the betterment of themselves and their family life, is socialism, then I am proud to be a socialist.

If forgiving the student loan debt of over 44 million Americans (totaling more than $1.5 trillion) – a debt that is only increasing because of exorbitant interest rates, preventing them from progressing further in their lives, is socialism, then I am proud to be a socialist.

If tackling the problem of widespread homelessness, estimated at 568,000 in the United States-the greatest stigma on a country as rich and innovative as America-is called socialism, then I am proud to be a socialist.

If dealing with the epidemic of corruption-starting with the White House and filtering down to many government officials and businesses who make exorbitant profits while riding on the backs of their employees-is called socialism, then I am proud to be a socialist.

If facing head-on the scourge of racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and the rise of white supremacy in America, and seeking to become more inclusive regardless of race, religion, and ideology, is socialism, then I am proud to be a socialist.

If the need to end the political polarization of the American people, which is instilling distrust, hate, and animosity and destroying the very social fabric of America as we know it, is socialism, then I am proud to be a socialist.

If addressing inequality of wages – between men and women, whites and people of color – in their place of work, for people performing the same job with the same responsibility, is socialism, then I am proud to be a socialist.

Enacting rules and regulations and fostering a sense of national unity while embracing the premise that human beings have equal rights, which the constitution provides, does not negate capitalism but in fact enhances it. Capitalism thrives when there is a reason to believe that a better life and more opportunities await us, when despondency is replaced with hope, when equality and social justice prevail, and when national challenges are addressed with a unity of purpose.

This is the true meaning of the American dream; it is the solemn duty and responsibility of every Republican, Democrat, and independent alike to preserve and make America once again a light unto other nations.