Democratic Socialists - Who are they?

 In reference to the election of Democratic Socialist, Zohran Mamdani in New York City in November, 2025, we propose to present some defining information on Democratic Socialists.

Our Tastes Are Not the Same

by Frank Zeidler, Democratic Socialist Mayor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  (Reflections:  the Poetry of a Young Frank Zeidler, Milwaukee Public Library)

The 'Brotherhood of Man' becomes a trap and snare

    Unless a man reflects;

For only by a knowledge of our differences can we dare

        To remedy defects.

    Our tastes are not the same;

    We do not thrive in equal ways.

    And useless is the aim,

    Without this sight, for peace that stays.

Frank Zeidler

Frank Zeidler is among Milwaukee's most beloved and respected citizens.  A noted historian and statesman, Zeidler was mayor of Milwaukee from 1948 - 1960 and the Socialist party presidential candidate in 1976.

From The Making of Milwaukee by John Gurda, p. 211, Milwaukee County Historical Society.  Photo from the Milwaukee Public Library

Caption: The party press pictured the Socialist landslide of 1910 as "Milwaukee Welcoming the Sunrise."

After rising to a sustained ovation at the 1910 victory party, Victor Berger spoke, for once, with genuine humility:  

"Comrades, I want to ask every man and woman in this audience to stand up and with lifted hand take a pledge that we will do all in our power to help the men that the people have chosen to do their duty and to fulfill our promises.  The eyes of the country will be upon us.  We must make good for the faith that is in us." 

Victor Berger, the pragmatic idealist who became the Moses of Milwaukee Socialism.  (The Making of Milwaukee, by John Gurda, p. 205)