History of Distributism ~ Global Distributists: 4) Resurgence and Modern Distributism ~ 5) American Solidarity Party

The fourteenth instalment of the series of articles from Global Distributists on the origins of Distributism and how it's been adapted and implemented around the world.

The American Solidarity Party (ASP) is a relatively young political party in the United States, established in 2011. It was originally founded as the Christian Democratic Party USA but later changed its name to better reflect its political identity. The ASP’s platform is heavily influenced by distributism, a socio-economic philosophy that seeks to create a more equitable distribution of wealth, property, and power.

Distributism, which is rooted in Catholic social teachings, has played a critical role in shaping the ASP’s policies and priorities. The party’s platform emphasizes the importance of subsidiarity, which is the principle that decisions should be made at the most local level possible, and solidarity, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of society and the responsibility to care for one another.

The ASP’s commitment to distributism is evident in its policy proposals, which seek to create a more equitable and just society by addressing issues such as wealth inequality, workers’ rights, and environmental sustainability. Some of the party’s key policy positions include:

• Support for worker-owned businesses and cooperatives: The ASP advocates for policies that encourage the establishment and growth of worker-owned businesses and cooperatives, which distribute ownership and decision-making power more equitably among workers.
• Emphasis on localism and regionalism: The party supports policies that prioritize local economies and communities, favoring small businesses and family farms over multinational corporations.
• Environmental stewardship: The ASP promotes sustainable development and resource use, recognizing the need to balance economic growth with the well-being of the environment and future generations.
• Social safety net: The party is committed to strengthening social safety nets to ensure all citizens have access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing.
• Labor rights: The ASP supports policies that protect workers’ rights, such as the right to unionize and collectively bargain, and it advocates for a living wage and fair working conditions.

Despite its clear commitment to distributist principles, the American Solidarity Party remains a relatively small political force in the United States. However, the party has attracted attention and support from individuals who are dissatisfied with the traditional two-party system and who seek an alternative that aligns with their values and priorities.

In summary, the American Solidarity Party is a political party in the United States with a platform heavily influenced by distributism. This philosophy, based on Catholic social teachings, has shaped the party’s policy proposals and priorities, emphasizing the importance of a more equitable distribution of wealth, property, and power. While the ASP is still a small political force, it represents an alternative for those seeking a political option rooted in distributist principles.