Perennial Socialist Speaks

Those expecting a consistent socialist theory from Norman Thomas will be disappointed by his latest book. His attempt to restate the essentials of Social Democracy achieves little more than a vaguely appealing program resting primarily upon the dignity of the individual.

Sensing that a broad new philosophy of socialism must repulse the threat of Marxism, Thomas attempts the construction of a rationally based program of universal application.

He analyzes the shift of socialism from an idealistic international movement to a series of national schemes, dependent upon enforcement by the power state. Socialism has been corrupted from its originally democratic purposes and the principle of individual freedom subordinated to the mere satisfaction of economic necessities. This new emphasis has been camouflaged by appeal to the pseudo-religion of Marxism.

Sincerely democratic socialists, hopeful in the early 1900's that theirs was the road to peace and the utopian life, are now confused and frustrated. To fill this void, Thomas draws upon his political experience to formulate a positive program.

Thomas's state would allow for economic activity by both government and private enterprise. Social ownership of natural resources and utilities, nationalization of basic, sick, or essential industries, and central management of financial institutions would parallel individual operation of consumer-producer units. Branding collectivism as a stop towards totalitarianism. Thomas maintains that government planning and adherence to Keynesian economics can effect the desired economic readjustments.

His political program for the new socialism relies upon the sensitive functioning of democratic institutions. In specific recommendations for the popular election of the President, an easier method of Constitutional amendment, and mechanism for direct appeal to the people in the case of deadlock between the President and Congress we recognize the true significance of Norman Thomas and the American Socialist movement.