(NationRise.com) – The self-proclaimed Marxist group “Democratic Socialists of America,” with full support from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), is significantly trimming down its staff despite leadership’s claims of this being “a really favorable time for DSA.”
One of the organization’s committees recently claimed on the socialist site “The Call” that renewed struggles related to labor and goals for freeing Palestine after its surprise attack on Israel have driven support for their unique brand as an “Independent alternative from the Democratic party.” They accused Israel of genocide after it began defending itself in October of 2023 and said that young people galvanized by the event are looking for alternatives in droves.
However, Amanda Berman, the founding member of Zioness — a left-leaning group that supports Israel — noted that a “rift” began creating a larger gap between DSA and the Democrats that started on October 7th, the day Hamas launched a surprise attack against a concert in Israel. She accused the group of becoming more progressively radicalized to the point of alienating many of their core supporters. Berman also accused the group of resorting to antisemitic speech.
The media has also been critical of the group since its antisemitic claims began earning mainstream appeal. Maurice Isserman, one of the group’s founding and prominent leaders, left over the group’s bashing of Israel. He expressed sympathies for victims on both sides of the war.
The organization projects that it will raise $5 million in 2024 amid the presidential election. That’s a $2 million shortfall of their goal. They have announced a $500,000 proposal that includes terminating many of its employees. They will begin by asking for volunteers to quit before resorting to layoffs. The organization ultimately plans to make “7-figure budget cuts.”
The DSA was founded in 1982 with the goal of making big-government policies mainstream in the United States. They hoped to revive the ideals and popularity of the older Socialist Party of America.
In addition to AOC, the organization is also supported by Squad members Cori Bush (D-MO) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).
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