I get to read some of the best literature in contemporary America. It is in the "why I want to join" section of applications for membership in CPUSA. Here's a small sample from Oregon:

"All the people around me are beset by survival-level issues that are only getting worse as time goes on. No health care, no food, no work, no money. There doesn't seem to be the political will to respond to these problems in a real way, so I want to join a party that has the insight and will to build and wield power to address these issues in an immediate sense, as well as to take it one step further and introduce the systemic and structural changes that will be necessary for the continued survival and well-being of humanity in the coming decades."

From one heart to the other. The best part of these short testimonials is: They're true!

This is from a young man in Ohio:

"I believe fully in the principles of the communist party. I wish to formalize my membership in, and dedication to working toward a society of, for, and determined by the working class. I see clearly the injustices perpetrated upon the poor and working class, by the privileged few who currently control vast resources and the means of production, to their own benefit. I wish to work to expose corporate cronyism where it exists. I wish to work to educate fellow workers in the divisive tactics of the ultra-right. I wish to work to enlighten others as to the true deceptive nature of power and influence in our current capitalist society in an effort to bring about a more just and equitable socialist society."

From a young woman in New England: 

"As I work my way through college, it is becoming more and more ingrained that our economic and political system is incredibly uneven and flawed. I wish for everyone to know the value of a days work, loving your brother, and taking pride in your work. I want to see the day where education and healthcare is free of charge, for the good of the people. I have known many homeless friends, and have almost been homeless myself. I desire to see everyone have a home, clothes, and food to eat no matter their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, what have you. The only way to have these things is to fight exploitation, which I believe is at the heart of Communism. Because I live in a peaceful, rural area, it is difficult to be involved in some of the bigger movements of this time. By joining CPUSA I can finally be part of something larger than myself, and try to make a difference in the world that I care about."

Of course, not everybody is as fluent with language as everybody else. I like the applications that just say, "to get things done" or "because I care what happens" as well as the longer ones. I like pretty much all of them, even the repetitive ones. Here's the best part of it all: THEY JUST KEEP COMING!

This is my favorite from today:

"I am joining to make a difference for my family and my community. I am joining to fight for equality"