As an Independent that has consistently supported Democrats due to the general evilness of the Repub. I would like to offer some constructive criticism of the Democrats to help them win in 2006. My politics tend toward s moderate, in the middle kind of thinking which, I think, typifies many Independents. I was listening to NPR recently and they were rattling off some information from recent polls. The gist of it was that Democrats were not really all that better thought of then Republicans. People tend to loop them all together despite the unprecedented. power they have wielded. This perception needs to be corrected. There needs to be the thought implanted in everyone's mind that when the Democrats take control of Congress, this is what will happen. Its been mentioned before borrow a page from Gingrich days of contract with America. Love it or hate it, it was brilliant ploy that outlined what they would do. The basic idea is to play 2 sides of each subject. By that, I mean speak about how Republicans screwed up in each case, and then lead to what the Democrats are going to do to fix/improve.
Common Sense suggestions:
1) Ethics/Accountability - Starting with restoration of the Ethic's committee, you really don't need to be too specific given the need for accountability everywhere here. Is there a need for Bi-partisan investigations? Duh.
2) Budget Deficit - This was in Newt's, but it was because Clinton took it up, it actually happened to be addressed. The pillaging needs to stop. I personally, would put back the tax breaks given to wealthier; especially the dividend tax breaks on the table 1st. There is no excuse for with Iraq War and Katrina/Hurricane outlays going on.
3) Global Warming - At a minimum, we should be undoing their industry favored approach of "Clear Skies" and the numerous other things this admin. has done. A better gas mileage standard seems like a no-brainer. There is some consensus that we are too late to do anything, but the biggest gap I see is that none are too sure what is going happen. We need research to know these things.
4) Protection of Privacy Rights. This is good one that would definitely set the Dems apart from Repubs, especially since it was mistakenly thought they cared more about it.
5) Iraq War - This one can be problematic but I believe defining verifiable goals for withdrawal and working towards that end is probably the best consensus getter.
6) Minimum Wage - I think the time is long overdue for raise in this.
7) Campaign Financing Reform. I think it is quite obvious , to everyone, that Big business owns the politicians in Washington, especially with advent of Republican Control.
The Poll: Yes its all important but which should be Top of the Heap.