Democratic Ideals: THIS is what we stand for; Hold us to it
In a GOTV email from Howard Dean, he outlines the values that the Democratic Party stands for. And they represent what I stand for and these are the reasons why I am a Democrat. As I have said before, it is not a lack of ideas that is the problem with the Democratic Party. It is a lack of unity in achieving those ideas. Here is a list of Democratic Values according to Howard Dean (and I agree):
Honest Leadership & Open Government
We will end the Republican culture of corruption and restore a government as good as the people it serves.Real Security & A New Direction in Iraq
We will protect Americans at home and lead the world by telling the truth to our troops, our citizens and our allies, and we will heed the advice of our commanders on the ground and force a change in the failed Republican strategy in Iraq.Energy Independence & Lower Gas Prices
We will create a cleaner, greener and stronger America by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, eliminating billions in subsidies for oil and gas companies and developing energy alternatives.More Jobs, Better Pay & College Access for Everyone
We will create jobs that stay in America, raise the minimum wage, and open the doors to college for every American.Healthcare that Works for Everyone & Life-Saving Cures
We will join 36 other industrialized nations in making sure everyone has access to affordable health care, and we will make decisions to invest in stem cell and other medical research based on science, not politics.Retirement Security
We will ensure that a retirement with dignity is the right and expectation of every single American, starting with protecting workers' pensions expanding saving incentives and preventing the privatization of social security.
I would add, and will personally push for, addressing global warming. But by and large it is a good list and probably explains why Working Families Party is working closely with Dems this year. If Democrats win big tomorrow, I ask two things of our readers: First, remember that Bush and the media are still against us and distorting the information you hear about us; and second, taking the above into account, HOLD US TO OUR PROMISES. Remind your elected officials as often as you want that these are what we promise. Remind me, remind Howard Dean. These are Democratic Values and I want to see us achieve them.
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2006 elections | issues | Values | Democratic Party | Democrats | Howard Dean
A few problems...
Submitted by Russ Karlberg (not verified) on 8 May 2008 - 12:11pm.
This is actually a decent list... but unfortunately neither party will deliver anything on it.
There are a few problems, for one example, what do you mean by "We will create jobs that stay in America"?? It's not the governments purpose to create jobs! It should instead focus create the conditions necessary for us to create our own jobs. Great government leaders can also inspire us to do better and not just do the same job every day.
And what jobs do we want to stay in America? All of them?? No, instead we should focus on creating new and better jobs, while happily letting the old ones gradually move to other countries. How about really embracing *change*?? Let's focus on education and new skills, rather than desperately clinging to the same jobs forever.
Slogans and reality
Submitted by mole333 on 8 May 2008 - 1:51pm.
Well, yes of course we are part of an international economy. But I think what Democrats are focusing on is trying to help shift our economy away from the current model that emphasizes oil, which helps Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Nigeria, Venezuela... and instead focusing on domestic energy sources which create jobs here while helping our economy as a whole. The way government currently works ENCOURAGES dependence on foreign oil and doesn't really encourage domestic job creation in the energy sector.
I would add that those "old jobs" could become new jobs if we revitalize our rust belt by becoming the world leader in alternative energy technology. We are behind in this and we shouldn't be. We could do a great deal revitalizing Michigan and Pennsylvania by encouraging factories to reopen producing wind, solar, biofuel, tidal, etc. technology. It's a real win-win solution once you abandon the addiction to Saudi oil.
Stem Cell
The only thing holding up stem cell research is a lack of return on investment. If there was as much promise as promised, money would be flowing like a river into stem cell research...