My guess is that there were a hundred and fifty or more at Saturday’s general meeting of the Detroit DSA. I was one of the smattering of older folks in attendance. This is a bright energetic group of young people doing the elusive “right thing” – living it. There was a beautiful eagerness for life across the entire body. It was an optimistic celebration of accomplishments, featuring their work on the recent elections, deservedly so.

The meeting started and ended about a half hour late, covering a full agenda over the course of two hours. The Detroit DSA meeting was at Candela Detroit on Vernor Avenue, a nice venue going forward for the growing group.

Co-chair Mikal Goodman kicked the meeting off saying we are part of the “movement to fight and resist fascism.” People showed and mentioned the Bernie Sanders influence, as well as labor issues and the building of political power. As there were new members present, they spent some time on who and what is DSA.

Comments heard: the socialist approach wins; the people have to get away from the weak, useless Democratic party; it’s not really that we are against Democrats but we are for Socialists.

Member Testimonials for Detroit DSA

A few members told the group of their satisfaction and excitement, seeing Detroit DSA as a vital and effective progressive effort. Too many people are vulnerable and are afraid to speak, barely getting by paycheck to paycheck. One woman told of her success in getting past work and life challenges through things she learned through the group. Another described how she overcame nervousness to knock on doors and talk to strangers about the elections.

State Representative Dylan Wegela expressed his appreciation for the Detroit DSA. He said the local group was skilled and helpful in organizing and executing a recent teacher’s strike, which they had to do outside of the union. He mentioned Labor Notes as an important resource for labor issues and support. Like others, Dylan said the DSA needs structure and inroads outside of the Democratic party. He makes the distinction of being a Democratic Socialist, and emphasized the need for progress on healthcare, public utilities, and election reform.

Detroit DSA Election Support

Chris and Jess gave a compelling report about the DSA’s support for progressive candidates. Everywhere DSA was involved, the candidates over performed. Jess and Chris were articulate, speaking in terms of lessons-learned, and nuance. They had the passion and the numbers. So, the reporter in me wished they were recorded.

They described the value of getting candidates to be seen as meaningfully independent, no matter the ballot. “The community-focused socialist approach to legislating and organizing works.” In Dearborn, Rashida Tlaib out performed Trump and Harris by far. Another meaningful success story was progressive Jonathon Ross being elected to the Ferndale library board, against the resistance of the board itself.

Democracy History Featuring Detroit

Steve Babson delivered part of a fascinating history of democracy, titled How the Democrats Won a Mass Base in Labor… and Lost It. The material covered the New Deal (1930s); the Red Scare (1945-1952); and the Accelerating Erosion of the Base (1969s onward). Unfortunately, time did not allow him to fully cover it.

It was interesting to see Detroit’s touchpoints with the history. We saw well researched information. Of what we got to see, it was organized and flowed in nice context. Steve is a valuable asset to the Detroit DSA. So, we want to see it all.  

Tis Better to Light a Single Candle Than to Curse the Darkness