I, for one, am thankful for the elevation of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democratic Socialist, to the national stage.  Progressivism has always been premised on deceit.  Progressive Democrats for a century have operated in the shadows, increasingly expanding state services in exchange for votes.  We now have a clear delineation between our respective ideologies – constitutional republicanism, premised on free-market capitalism, versus democratic socialism. Of course, democratic socialism is socialism (or, more particularly, Marxism), but for the sake of clarity, it is important that we understand the distinction and its appeal, in order to defend against its rise. Who doesn't want free stuff? Free health care?  Sure, why not? Free tuition?  Where do I sign up? Free or subsidized housing?  Yeah! Universal basic wage?  A thousand dollars per month of free money.  Whom do I need to...(Read Full Post)