This is my first time posting to Daily Kos. I'm writing this in response to Kos' posting on the "D Brand". He wrote:
"Democrats are the party for people who work for a living"
I specifically came to Daily Kos with the idea of trying to find and discuss what it was that the Democrats are about today. I feel that the Republicans have branded themselves expertly, while the Democrats are seen by many as the limp-wristed, tree-hugging, idealists who hate god and love to give checks to the professionally unemployed. Personally, I had considered myself an independent for years and that changed with the past elections. Why? I think it was that I realized that I am a Democrat. Now, we just have to figure out what that is.
As for the idea of a slogan, I think I can offer up:
Democrats: We defend ALL Americans.
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This is my first time posting to Daily Kos. I'm writing this in response to Kos' posting on the "D Brand". He wrote:
"Democrats are the party for people who work for a living"
I specifically came to Daily Kos with the idea of trying to find and discuss what it was that the Democrats are about today. I feel that the Republicans have branded themselves expertly, while the Democrats are seen by many as the limp-wristed, tree-hugging, idealists who hate god and love to give checks to the professionally unemployed. Personally, I had considered myself an independent for years and that changed with the past elections. Why? I think it was that I realized that I am a Democrat. Now, we just have to figure out what that is.
As for the idea of a slogan, I think I can offer up:
Democrats: We defend ALL Americans.
Now, what does that mean? I think that democrats believe that the government is there to care and defend its citizens. I mean this from the obvious of physically defending our country from those that want to hurt us to the idea that sometimes Americans need a little step up in society. There is also the concept of defending American's rights from an over-zealous "war on terror". Lastly, I think it includes defending Americans from unfair corporations or industries.
Most people believe that democrats don't support the military. I don't think this is true. While we might not want Reagan's anti-missile platforms in orbit, I don't think we are supportive of having a strong defensive force. I think we want a SMART one, as well. The best defense starts with good foreign policies. Having a responsible America that deals even-handedly with its neighbors is a good start. After that, I think building a consensus with the world community is important. We need allies in this world, not enemies. A good intelligence network is important. Finally, we need to have strong armed services to defend our national interests (in a non-empirical manner). I think this will resonate strongly with those that realize that the Bush administration has bungled many things.
With the economic downfalls of the past five years, most people have seen hard times. If someone hasn't personally experienced it, they know someone who has. While the usually comfortable middle class has seen its woe, it also draws attention to Americans who aren't lucky enough to be middle class. There are many people in America who are having a tough time making ends meet. Also, their communities are in trouble. Having drawn unemployment checks during the past few years, I can admit to how my government has helped me. We also need to destroy the illusion that most people on welfare stay that way. I recall something like 70% of those on welfare get off the system in a year (note: this is not a fact and I don't claim it to be one). Everyone has seen how things have been bad in the past few years and most Americans like the idea of helping the less fortunate. By appealing to the basic values of most religions, the democrats can gain ground with the religious without ever having to claim religion.
The Patriot Act and other developments have caused a stir on those who fear the police state. I believe that the Democratic Party can tap into the believes of the Founding Fathers and revive the Bill of Rights. The idea that democrats are there to defend the freedom to believe in what you want is a strong one. The Democrats can defend the individual's right to privacy and be a watchdog against those that want to interfere with our American way of life. While the republicans are going off the Right Wing and securely into the Christian Conservative, the democrats shouldn't try to follow suit. They should stand up for the Freedom of Religion. This means that they believe in ALL of our citizens' belief systems and that they aren't about to cram one of them down the nation's throats. It is possible for the Democrats to steal some thunder from the Libertarian Party and stand up for the basic human rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Lastly, the American government should be there to protect the livelihood and economy of Americans. The economy should be strong and allow ALL Americans to flourish. The government should not control the economy, but should step in to defend the public's interest. Examples include anti-trust laws and stopping harmful business models such as predatory lending. I think defending American's ability to get affordable health care is included in this as well. It doesn't matter what particular effort one makes to improve health care, but the democrats should be known as those want to defend and assist the average American in staying healthy.
So, overall I believe that the Democratic Party should be there to defend ALL (not just the rich or just the poor) Americans in every facet of life. When one thinks of our party, they shouldn't think of some left-wing whacko who is out of touch with reality. They need to imagine someone who believes in what America is really about. It is a place where all people can get a fair shake and actively defends the average Joe against the deprivations of foreign enemies, an intrusive government, religious zealots, and greedy corporations. The Democratic Party is the party of freedom.