The resident Republican who posts on my
discussion forum almost every day at Raise the Bar Press talked last night about the Dem's plan to take back America. He referenced a
CNN story and one from the ever-impartial (LOL)
Washington Times He did seem to like
Hillary's plan - "Saving the American Dream" because it emphasizes themes of personal responsibility.
Then I read MALiberal's diary today, We don't need no stinkin' plan, which, while I agree with the sentiment seemed a little more defensive to me than it needed to be.
I'm not going to get into a critique of the individual policy statements or whether I think the Dem's party messaging is what I would emphasize (it's not). However "Staying on message" and "framing the arguments" are not the most important arguments in my opinion.
Here are the reasons why I believe Americans should vote for Democratic candidates in November. They can be applied for all reasonable and competent candidates for Congress.
1. One party rule of all branches of government is just a bad idea.
It does not bring out the best in government. The founders put in checks and balances for a reason. We are seeing for ourselves that one party rule shuts down debate and leads to lopsided and poorly thought-out policies. It also disenfranchises many of our citizens and their views are not represented.
2. There is too much executive control
The people who are in control of our government seem to be more interested in power and control than they are about solving problems or making us safe in the global community or building a sustainable society here at home. They are brilliant at channeling money and power to their friends and will make any compromise in order to do that. They are ignoring the counsel of many in their own party, even when it's clear they are in the wrong.
3. Competency and belief in the value of public service is critical
As in any job, you have to like and believe in what you are doing to do it well. Would you hire a person who thought your company was intrusive, malevolent and manipulative and had no relevant experience? Of course not. When people vilify government instead of viewing it as noble, public service and then put unqualified people in key positions for no other reason than personal and party loyalty, it is inevitable that disasters like failed FEMA response to Katrina will occur.
4. We are less secure under Republican rule
I do not believe the Republicans are making us safer from terrorists. The boorish, arrogant, and short-sighted behavior of our leaders is creating such a climate of hate and fear that we are more at risk than ever before. This administration continues to publicly show disrespect for our allies as well as our enemies and it's a poor formula for world leadership.
5. We need more democracy at home
The very diversity of opinion of the Democratic candidates' positions running for Congress (which is what is primarily in play this year) is a good thing. It allows a newcomer like Ned Lamont to effectively challenge an incumbent like Joe Lieberman and bring important issues into the spotlight. It puts the Democratic party leaders on notice that its constituents want changes.
6. We need reality over rhetoric
The "official figures" not withstanding, we have a lot of citizens in the U.S. who are suffering or who are on the brink of losing their middle class existances. The working poor are falling further and further behind as they subsidize the lifestyles of the rest of us. I believe we are more likely to find reasoned and nuanced solutions to domestic problems as well as the aforementioned global relationships (and issues like global warming and stem cell research) if there are enough Democrats in Congress to be able to have real discussion and debate.
7. The GOP is playing a shell game with the public
The "Illegal alien" crisis is a manufactured CRISIS like the flag-burning and gay marriage and partial-birth abortion ones calculated to inflame the GOP base. These are not the most pressing problems facing our country but if people are diverted, then the true crises and crimes can be hidden from public view.
8. We need to be in this together to succeed
No one person or party has all the answers and it is the process of thoughtful discussion that will let the best possible ideas for the moment to surface and have a chance to be implemented.