Throughline American Socialist (2020)
Dec 23, 2021
Eugene V. Debs, a pioneering labor organizer and five-time Socialist Party presidential candidate, shares his vision for a fairer America. Joined by Bernie Sanders, a renowned advocate for democratic socialism, they dive into the origins of American socialism and its relevance today. Topics include the struggles of the Pullman workers, Debs' powerful speeches against capitalism, and how his message resonates in the current labor movement. Together, they explore the legacy of collective action and its potential to reshape society.
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Debs vs. Pullman
- In 1894, Eugene Debs challenged the Pullman Company, risking everything.
- This event transformed Debs into a symbol of national discontent.
Debs' Early Life and Influences
- Debs' upbringing and early experiences shaped his social responsibility.
- He saw wage slavery as a new form of oppression during the Gilded Age.
Debs' Shift to Labor Organizing
- Debs' disillusionment with traditional politics led him to labor organizing.
- He believed in unity and inclusivity, forming the American Railway Union.
