The Democratic Socialists of America aren't just winning elections. 

They're winning something even more important: the battle over how young Americans see themselves.

Over the past decade, DSA membership has surged to120,000, and a third of Democrats identify as democratic socialists. If we want to understand why, we have to look beyond policy proposals because before socialism becomes an economic system, it first takes root as a mindset.

Daniela Ionescu shared her story with YAAS of what it was really like to grow up as a young woman living throguh Romanian communism. YAAS’ mission resonated with Daniela because she noticed a troubling trend: she hears young people in Romania today saying, “Ceaușescu and Communism were good.”

Most strikingly, she shared that watching certain events unfold under the former United States administration brought back chilling memories, “I began to say, this reminds me of communism.”

A dangerous complacency has set in, an unintended consequence of the consolidation of a certain anti-Left echo chamber in the U.S. and in other Western nations.

It is true that the triumph of the Trump-Vance ticket in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election brought back an interesting Center-Right coalition to the White House.

It is also true that this triumph locks in some potential pro-America gains brought forth by a slim Republican majority in both chambers of the U.S. Congress. These electoral successes are strategic victories – in absolute, political terms.

However, in relative terms, these wins are no more than victorious tactical skirmishes in a much, much larger war. In fact, the current era is very far removed from being a time of celebration.

Throughout history, political and economic ideologies have shaped societies, influenced governance, and sparked both unity and division. Among the most discussed are Socialism,  Communism, and Fascism, each representing distinct approaches to economics, governing, and power.

Understanding these ideologies is crucial, especially when it comes to preserving American freedom and upholding the U.S. Constitution. Misusing and misunderstanding these terms can lead to confusion about history, politics, and policy decisions.

When Ludwig von Mises published his groundbreaking essay "Economic Calculation in the Socialist Commonwealth" in 1920, he issued one of the most important critiques of socialism ever written. At its heart, his argument was simple but devastating. Without private property in the means of production, rational economic calculation becomes impossible. 

This insight continues to be a cornerstone for those who want to understand why socialist economies consistently fail to deliver economic growth and abundance.For liberty-minded individuals and citizens interested in preserving our republic, this guide is essential reading.

Socialism isn't always introduced through revolutions or bold declarations. Often, it spreads gradually through institutions, culture, and crisis. Socialism often looks like a slow transformation of values, language, and political order.

Whether you view this as “societal progress” or ideological subversion, understanding these tactics can help you recognize them in real time.

For liberty-minded individuals and citizens interested in preserving our republic, this guide is essential reading.

Throughout history, political and economic ideologies have shaped societies, influenced governance, and sparked both unity and division. Among the most discussed are Socialism,  Communism, and Fascism, each representing distinct approaches to economics, governing, and power.

Understanding these ideologies is crucial, especially when it comes to preserving American freedom and upholding the U.S. Constitution. Misusing and misunderstanding these terms can lead to confusion about history, politics, and policy decisions.

On the night of February 27, 1933, flames engulfed the Reichstag building, home to the German Parliament in Berlin. The fire, which reduced much of the structure to ruins, became a pivotal event in German history, as Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party exploited it to tighten their grip on power.

The circumstances surrounding the fire remain a subject of historical debate, but its consequences were undeniable: it marked a decisive step in Hitler’s transformation from chancellor to dictator.

Gaby was born in 1990 in Havana, Cuba, during a time of extreme hardship following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Her early years were filled with love and strong family values, but also economic struggle.

Her family’s ultimate goal was to leave Cuba, a dream her father pursued and overtime, he fled to Bolivia and Peru before finally reaching the United States with her siblings.

Gaby was separated from them for almost 10 years, a painful separation that deeply impacted her view on the importance of the nuclear family.

​The Cambodian Genocide, orchestrated by the Khmer Rouge regime under the leadership of Pol Pot from 1975 to 1979, stands as one of the most devastating tragedies of the 20th century.

This period saw the systematic extermination of nearly two million Cambodians, approximately a quarter of the nation's population, through forced labor, starvation, disease, and mass executions. ​

The Panama Canal has long been a focal point of international interest, given its strategic importance in global trade. Recent developments have brought the canal back into the spotlight, particularly concerning U.S. foreign policy, China's involvement, and historical perspectives on its control.

Understanding the Panama Canal’s history is key to grasping today’s discussions about it. The concept of engineering a canal through Panama dates back to the 16th century, with Spain being the first to envision such a passage during the colonial era. 

Few voices in history have been as fearless, as unwavering, and as influential as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Born on December 11, 1918, in Kislovodsk, Russia, he grew up in a country ruled by fear—a place where truth could mean imprisonment and where speaking out could cost you everything. 

And yet, he refused to stay silent.

In recent years, the debate surrounding socialism has intensified, with many young Americans being drawn to its promises of equality and fairness. However, understanding socialism's true implications is crucial in defending freedom. 

The truth is, young people are constantly being bombarded with pro-socialist rhetoric—whether it’s in conversation with their peers, seeing content on social media, or hearing it in the classroom. 

It’s up to us to intentionally reveal the destructive realities of socialism and demonstrate how economic independence truly shapes their future.

When thinking about genocide over the course of history, we tend to forget about the brutal killing of around 2 million that took place in Cambodia, under the leadership of Pol Pot.

When thinking about genocide over the course of history, we tend to forget about the brutal killing of around 2 million that took place in Cambodia, under the leadership of Pol Pot.

Was Mao Right? What is a ‘lumpenproletariat’ and why do socialists enable lawlessness?

The Soviets reigned for 74 years after the Bolshevik Revolution causing absolute chaos, terror, destruction and death to millions of innocent people. But what happened prior to the communists seizing power in Russia, transforming it into a Communist state?

Old ideas. Old customs. Old culture. Old habits.

Our guest Andy Ionescu lived through decades of socialism and eventually, communism in Romania. He experienced mass indoctrination in the Romanian army and saw the 1989 Romanian Revolution take place, firsthand. After the 1989 Revolution, communism was outlawed in Romania after 42 painful years of rationing, famine, tyranny, oppression and death.