Call for Democratic Accountability

American democracy thrives on diverse voices and perspectives. However, there have been candidates whose beliefs and actions conflict with constitutional and democratic ideals. Notable examples include:

• David Duke: Advocate of white supremacy and antisemitic theories.
• George Lincoln Rockwell: Open Nazi with presidential ambitions.
• Lyndon LaRouche: Repeated presidential hopeful promoting antisemitic conspiracies.
• Earl Browder: Communist presidential candidate aligned with Soviet policies.

Recent Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates in New York and Colorado have controversial public records. The DSA platform suggests discarding capitalism for social ownership, reducing policing and military power. Their website plainly states capitalism exploits for profit. Their agenda includes defunding the police, withdrawing from NATO, and reducing the U.S. military budget.

The DSA strategy, known as the “dirty break,” involves using the Democratic Party’s ballot line while building towards an independent working-class party. This mirrors Donald Trump’s approach in taking control of the Republican Party. Trump’s tactics included spreading fears over immigration and questioning Barack Obama’s birthplace.

Darializa Avila Chevalier, Democratic nominee for New York’s 13th Congressional District, has advocated for radical changes including police and prison abolition. Her endorsements of controversial figures and actions have garnered criticism. Melat Kiros, who won a primary in Colorado, has made statements regarding the consequences of U.S. and Israeli policies that some see as controversial.

As a lifelong Democrat who served in the Clinton Administration, I emphasize the need for Democrats to maintain the standards we demand of Republicans. Remaining silent against DSA candidates’ policies risks future crises within the party. If Democrats criticize Republican extremism, we must do the same with internal threats.

It is imperative for Democratic leaders to define clearly that the DSA’s policies do not reflect our core values. This involves standing up against the integration of DSA candidates who do not align with our principles. Democratic accountability is crucial to preserving the integrity of our party and our nation.

Join the call to action by signing my Change.org petition urging Democratic leadership to denounce the records of DSA candidates like Darializa Avila Chevalier.

Jamie Metzl is a futurist, author, and founder of OneShared.World. He has served in the US National Security Council and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The opinions expressed here are the author’s own.