I'm interested in feedback on this. The idea is for a Democratic rallying cry based on the GOP's Contract with America in 1994 -- that exposes their 10 years in power as having broken the faith with that contract, and then presenting the Democratic alternative in value-laden language.
This has been cross posted on my blog: www.ilpundit.blogspot.com
The Contract with America - Breaking the Faith
10 years after the historic 1994 elections and after a decade of GOP rule in Washington, it has become clear that the proponents of the "Contract with America" have failed to uphold the values that they claimed in their sweep to power.
Consider:
Although the Contract with America called for a Balanced Budget Amendment, and "restor(ing) fiscal responsibility to an out of control Congress, requiring them to live under the same budget constraints as families and businesses..."
...total GOP control of the Federal Government has left us drowning in red-ink, with massive spending increases, massive tax cuts, and budget and trade deficits that threaten the economic security of the United States.
Although the Contract with America promised to promote family values through the use of targeted middle class tax relief to show that the "respect the values and share the faith of the American family"...
...total GOP control of the Federal Government has led to a greater share of overall tax burden on the middle class, and unfunded federal mandates that are forcing states to rely on revenue from vices, like smoking, liquor, and gambling to pay for education, health care and the elderly. These are not middle class values.
Although the Contract with America called for the United States to "strengthen our national defense and maintain our credibility around the world."
...total GOP control of the Federal Government has led to an overextended military incapable of quickly responding to new threats, an overwhelming loss of American credibility abroad, and a military policy in the Middle East that increases the new terror threat.
Although the Contract with America promised "job creation and wage enhancement" initiatives "to create jobs and raise worker wages"...
...total GOP control of the Federal Government has led to unprecedented job loss, outsourcing of good paying jobs, and no increase in the minimum wage.
Although the Contract with America promised to "...replace career politicians with citizen legislators."...
...total GOP control of the Federal Government has led to a staggering increase in the power of incumbency, with only a small handful of Congressional seats contested, and unprecedented attempts at gerrymandering to protect incumbency and the party in power - spearheaded by the GOP House Majority Leader
In short, the GOP has abandoned the values and commitments that led to their majority. They have broken faith with the American people.
THE NEW CONTRACT FOR DEMOCRACY:
It is time for a new vision for America.
An American vision where "family values" means policies that value families.
An American vision where "security" is not a word used to induce fear, but a policy to ensure safety of our loved ones.
An American vision where we recognize that the value of democracy is its value in respecting all voices and criticism; and does not value the politics of division, suppression of dissent or new ideas.
Be it resolved the the Democrats of the United States Congress that we support the New Contract for Democracy, which stands for the following:
1) Responsible and Accountable Government
Democrats stand for zero based legislation guidelines - no new spending initiatives will supported by the caucus without clearly identifying the funding source for the new spending. In addition, the Democrats will support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution.
2) Economic Security
Strengthening the family requires a commitment to helping them earn an honest days wage for an honest days work. Democrats support an increase in the minimum wage, which is indexed to inflation, so the people who work hard and play by the rules don't slip into poverty.
3) Comprehensive National Security Strategies
Islamic terror is a threat, but the USA has faced down bigger challenges, and will do so again. Democrats recognize that the war on terror - like the Cold War before it -- requires a military responses; but is also requires the rebuilding of our diplomatic alliances coupled with innovative foreign policies. Democrats support enlarging the current volunteer military to take the strain off troops fighting the war in Iraq; and a new commitment to fighting Islamic terror by working diplomatically to end the culture of extremism in the middle east.
4) Fair Revenue Policies based on Middle Class Values
To confront the terrorist threat, and to ensure national economic security, the US Government needs a revenue stream that is both adequate and fair. Democrats support revenue reform policies that would provide tax cuts to the middle class, while shifting the burden to those citizens most able to pay. In addition, Democrats propose federal legislation blocking states from further expansion of legalized gambling, which is being used as a financial crutch across the nation.
5) Returning the People's House to the People
There is perhaps no greater threat to our Democracy than the continuous gerrymandering of legislative districts to protect incumbents and prevent the people's voice from being heard in the Congress via the ballot box. Democrats support national legislation that will standardize the process of drawing congressional district boundaries across all states, modeled on the non-partisan process used in the state of Iowa.