This post has been sitting in my drafts for the last month. I wasn’t even sure if I should even share it. I’m still on the fence, considering the current political climate. To be frank, I don’t think I’ve ever really understood politics. No, let me rephrase that, I don’t understand Republicans anymore.
Obviously, there’s a line that must drawn when it comes to understanding what politics is and who you’re going to vote for in the next election.
It is unsettling when the political ideas you believe to be reasonable, moral, and most conducive to prosperity are drowned out by a loud and reactionary political rhetoric. I do not believe the current Republican Party is representative of the wisdom and moral goodness of the majority of Tennesseans, a state that I have called home since the fall of 2019. It advocates a political ideology intent on repealing the 20th century, as one commentator recently suggested. Indeed when you clear away the “talking points” of the Republican Party, you discover a selfish moral philosophy with few genuine solutions.
Yet the Democratic Party sometimes seems unable to give meaningful and simple expression to ideas that could reinvigorate America as well, but still is the better choice for moving America forward.
So, here is my attempt to give expression to the ideals I find within the Democratic Party, and why I believe they represent the best values of most Tennesseans, and quite frankly, our nation as a whole. Here are several reasons why, if we want to renew 21st century America, our better choice is the Democratic Party.
I am a Democrat because I believe in the following principles:
I believe in economic security for everyone, not just the top 5 percent of Americans.
I believe that government giving money to the rich doesn’t create jobs for the rest of us.
I believe government should reward businesses only after they have created jobs for Americans.
I believe in a free enterprise system for the working and middle classes, not just global corporations.
I believe in both limited government and limited big business.
I believe in free competitive economic markets for local and small businesses, not just distant and monopolistic corporations.
I believe, neither in raising nor lowering taxes, but in a fair tax system — one that promotes innovation and industry, not an imbalanced tax system that rewards greed and excess.
I believe no one should go bankrupt, lose their home and life savings, or die because they can’t afford health care and don’t have reasonable health insurance.
I believe in the family; specifically in policies that support the family — like paid parental leave, more support for public schools, a safe and sustainable environment, more prenatal health care, better support for working moms, better day care programs for our children and immigration policies that don’t punish children or split up families.
I believe in women’s reproductive healthcare, that it is a women’s right to choose what she can do with her body, and that neither the Federal government, nor the state should create laws against such a fundamental right.
I believe only the moral pursuit of political goals can be justified; the end doesn’t justify the means.
I believe in personal responsibility and social responsibility.
I believe that my opinions, beliefs, and values should be based on reason, evidence, and compassion, not on fear, anger, and ignorance.
I believe undocumented residents are my brothers and sisters first, and “illegal” immigrants only second.
I believe in fiscal responsibility, but that sacrifice should first come from those who can afford it, not from the poor.
I believe the rich don’t always earn their wealth, and the poor frequently aren’t to blame for their poverty.
I believe no one should be homeless, hungry, abused, or neglected regardless of the causes.
I believe prisons should be for violent offenders, not drug addicts.
I believe that the justice system, as a whole, needs to be reformed that makes it fairer for citizens.
I believe terrorism is a reprehensible criminal act, not an act of war. Thus the “war on terror” is deeply flawed.
I believe to be great America doesn’t have to be better than every other country, but only constantly improving in providing every American the equal and fair opportunity to flourish.
I believe each person, regardless of race, gender identity, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, deserves equal respect and equal rights to pursue a meaningful life.
Finally, I am a Democrat because I believe we are responsible for each other.
Now, I know you’ll say, “Okay, well that’s Democrats and I just don’t believe all that.” You may also be a Republican, or possibly an Independent. Perhaps you’re a Libertarian, or a Socialist. I get that. I want to now, however focus on what Republicans believe.
Republicans believe the greatest strength of our nation lies in the individual’s right to the pursuit of life, liberty, property and happiness.
Republicans believe in the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, and equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all under the law.
Republicans believe that free enterprise and individual initiative should be encouraged because it has brought this nation exceptional economic growth, prosperity and freedom.
Republicans believe America can best promote peace, prosperity and freedom throughout the world by setting the best example of free enterprise productivity, and individual liberty and responsibility.
Republicans believe in Peace through Strength because strength deters aggression.
Republicans believe that military strength depends on a sound economy.
Republicans believe government and its citizens must practice fiscal and monetary responsibility.
Republicans believe the role of government should be limited to the powers enumerated in the Constitution, because government that governs least governs best.
Republicans believe government is most responsive, effective and responsible when it is closest to the people and therefore most subject to their consent.
Republicans believe that being a good neighbor through compassionate action at the personal, family, faith, and community level, remains the cornerstone of our nation’s social foundation.
Republicans believe that to the extent the Republican Party practices these conservative principles it will be the choice of the American people.
Republicans believe we should include all who share these founding principles and values of our republic in restoring the American Dream.
Unfortunately, I disagree with Republicans. While these are great sentences and ideas, Republicans ignore a lot of their own principles. They mock Democrats over sensible and honest solutions for moving America forward in the 21st Century.
I know there are many Democrats who will read this post and agree with what I said about our principles. Many Republicans will disagree with half the post and, more than likely, forget to read the other half, commenting that the entire post is bull and that it’s completely biased.
I’m sure I left a few things out on both sides, and that’s alright. The point of this post is not to show who believes in what and for which candidate. My job is not to force you to believe one way or the other. I purposely did not include any issues from any voter ballot.
Whatever you decide to believe, know this: Each side has an agenda. Each candidate running for the next election has their own set of values. Each side has a story. Finally, each side will speak a certain way to the American people.
Someone will attack someone else. Are you willing to listen and not vote for someone who only attacks? Are you willing to vote for someone who wants to bring ideas to their elected office that can move America forward?
