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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhy are you a Democrat? last week a DUer I respect asked that question in a contentious thread
"What aspects of the Democratic party appeal to you (Why ARE you a Democrat)?" is the exact quote.
I thought that was a grand question and decided that I should answer publically - on the record so to speak.
I am a Democrat because I came of age in the hills of Appalachia watching the mines and mills die while 3 generations of union members were demonized and blamed for it.
I am a Democrat because I watched as Reagan proved that funneling cash to his cronies was easier if he could put a black face on Government services.
I am a Democrat because I believe that providing quality education - even to poor folks - is a vital function of a healthy society
I am a Democrat because I believe that women are fully human, and deserve autonomy in their life and health choices.
I am a Democrat because I believe that ALL citizens deserve equal treatment under law.
And also because that the GOP, a party that used to comfortably include Jack Kemp now embraces a festering cheeto colored chancre
Raster
(20,998 posts)LaydeeBug
(10,291 posts)TexasProgresive
(12,157 posts)I am a Democrat because LBJ got the civil rights act into law.
I am a Democrat because R.M. Nixon was a crook.
I am a Democrat because I came of age seeing the great hope of the working poor and middle class be dashed by Reagan/Bush while generations of union members were demonized and blamed for it.
I am a Democrat because I watched as Reagan proved that funneling cash to his cronies was easier if he could put a black face on Government services.
I am a Democrat because I believe that providing quality education - even to poor folks - is a vital function of a healthy society
I am a Democrat because I believe that women are fully human, and deserve autonomy in their life and health choices.
I am a Democrat because I believe that ALL citizens deserve equal treatment under law.
And also because that the GOP, a party that used to comfortably include Jack Kemp now embraces a festering cheeto colored chancre
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)Not if I put it out as a starting point.
Copy and paste is the best friend of staff action officers the world over.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,627 posts)sab390
(183 posts)There are those who see the problems and want to try to fix them and those who benift from them. For more than a century progressives have been on the right side of every fight. Every fight. Every advance has been gained by progressive wins. The slow horrid slide of the last 36 years should be laid at the feet of the right. We need to shout the praises of the greats before us and make sure all of the failure of the right are squarely laid at their door.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)AJT
(5,240 posts)Thank you
ismnotwasm
(41,986 posts)skylucy
(3,739 posts)mcar
(42,334 posts)HassleCat
(6,409 posts)I believe what government does for and to its citizens matters far more than serving some vague, indefinable principle such as patriotism, democracy, the free market, etc. These things are meaningless without consideration of their costs and benefits in human terms.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)But but but secular humanism is the Devil!1!!1
+
HassleCat
(6,409 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)I agree with the "liberal narrative" described here:
http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2012/08/21/in-the-magazine/trends-and-opinions/americas-painful-divide.html
Once upon a time, the vast majority of human persons suffered in societies that were unjust, unhealthy, repressive, and oppressive. These traditional societies were reprehensible because of their deep-rooted inequality, exploitation, and irrational traditionalism. But the noble human aspiration for autonomy, equality, and prosperity struggled mightily against the forces of misery and oppression, and eventually succeeded in establishing modern, liberal, democratic, capitalist, welfare societies. While modern social conditions hold the potential to maximize the individual freedom and pleasure of all, there is much work to be done to dismantle the powerful vestiges of inequality, exploitation, and repression. This struggle for the good society in which individuals are equal and free to pursue their self-defined happiness is the one mission truly worth dedicating ones life to achieving.
On the other hand, I dislike the shift toward neoliberalism since about the 70's because I think it's counter to democracy, with concentrated corporate power being the result.
https://includingsocialmovements.wordpress.com/the-90s/neoliberalism/
The main points of neoliberalism includes:
The rule of the market freedom for capital, goods and services, where the market is self-regulating allowing the trickle down notion of wealth distribution. It also includes the deunionizing of labor forces and removals of any impediments to capital mobility, such as regulations. The freedom is from the state, or government.
Reducing public expenditure for social services, such as health and education, by the government
Deregulation, to allow market forces to act as a self-regulating mechanism
Privatization of public enterprise (things from water to even the internet)
Changing perceptions of public and community good to individualism and individual responsibility.
Some of the guiding principles behind the ideology of neoliberalism:
Sustained economic growth is the way to human progress
Free markets without government interference would be the most efficient and socially optimal allocation of resources
Economic globalization would be beneficial to everyone
Privatization removes inefficiencies of public sector
Governments should mainly function to provide the infrastructure to advance the rule of law with respect to property rights and contracts.
At the international level then we see that this additionally translates to:
Freedom of trade in goods and services
Freer circulation of capital
Freer ability to invest
The Neoliberal agenda advocated for free trade and reduction of public sector regulation and tried to make people believe it would benefit poor countries. Anti-globalization advocates urged that the environment would suffer, human rights were at risk, and democratic institutes would suffer. Globalization further separates those with the wealth, a very small percentage of society, and those who generate the work.
Poverty and the priorities under our "free market" overlord:
http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats
Global Priority $U.S. Billions
Cosmetics in the United States 8
Ice cream in Europe 11
Perfumes in Europe and the United States 12
Pet foods in Europe and the United States 17
Business entertainment in Japan 35
Cigarettes in Europe 50
Alcoholic drinks in Europe 105
Narcotics drugs in the world 400
Military spending in the world 780
And compare that to what was estimated as additional costs to achieve universal access to basic social services in all developing countries:
Global Priority $U.S. Billions
Basic education for all 6
Water and sanitation for all 9
Reproductive health for all women 12
Basic health and nutrition 13
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)I appreciate your time and effort - I hope we can put together a list of what we are for... Rather than a weak "at least we aren't those guys" argument
Peace
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)You certainly didn't ask for it, but here's the "at least we aren't those guys" answer from the first link (which was published in 2012 before Trump campaigned for POTUS):
Contrast that narrative to one for modern conservatism. The clinical psychologist Drew Westen in his book The Political Brain extracts the master narrative that was implicit, and sometimes explicit, in the major speeches of Ronald Reagan:
Once upon a time, America was a shining beacon. Then liberals came along and erected an enormous federal bureaucracy that handcuffed the invisible hand of the free market. They subverted our traditional American values and opposed God and faith at every step of the way. Instead of requiring that people work for a living, they siphoned money from hardworking Americans and gave it to Cadillac-driving drug addicts and welfare queens. Instead of adhering to traditional American values of family, fidelity, and personal responsibility, they encouraged a feminist agenda that undermined traditional family roles. Instead of projecting strength to those who would do evil around the world, they cut military budgets, disrespected our soldiers in uniform, burned our flag, and chose negotiation and multilateralism. Then Americans decided to take their country back from those who sought to undermine it.
To me, it's basically neoliberalism with pro-religion, anti-woman, anti-minority, anti-LGBT and a pro-military authoritarian message.
FrankfurtCat
(1,213 posts)Thor_MN
(11,843 posts)Republican policies, in general, make no logical sense.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)It must be exhausting to twist contort and reverse your position every few days.
Iggo
(47,558 posts)Women.
Immigrants.
People of color.
Gay people.
Poor people.
Sick people.
Young people.
Old people.
Etc
Etc
Etc
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)And bears repeating.
Or is it bares repeating?
Either way, we need to keep saying this. Basing your actions only on hating your perceived enemies is foolish.
But opposing hate is always wise
BumRushDaShow
(129,064 posts)The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)Although my TIs in basic were the absolute kings of insult comefy
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)because I saw how the gop always took the side of war, billionaires, and the meaner group of clergy.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)Curmudgeoness
(18,219 posts)for a boss that I had who could not understand why I was a Democrat, and a liberal. I could copy and paste that essay here, but why bother. It really is easier than all the words that I used in that essay.
It is because there is nothing about the Republican party that I can align myself with. Not one thing. Every idea (plot) that they come up with is against everything that I believe in.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)IMHO
Curmudgeoness
(18,219 posts)However, I have been a Democrat since before I could even vote...and for the same reason. So it has nothing to do with "what they are now" for me, although I will say that I watched them get progressively worse, starting with the Gingrich era.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)There were Republicans I respected. People I disagreed with but felt were decent and respectable Americans.
I'm hard pressed to think of any since 1992
alfredo
(60,074 posts)Motley13
(3,867 posts)who enacted Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, ACA, and who tried to prevent it?
Who is trying to give people a livable wage & who is trying to prevent it?
Who believes in equal rights for all & who is trying to monitor bathrooms?
Who believes in freedom of choice & who only believes it for themselves, only?
Who believes in freedom of religion & who believes theirs should be forced on everyone?
Who believes in voter rights & who tries to gerrymander & make things difficult for minorities?
Thinkingabout
(30,058 posts)Lee-Lee
(6,324 posts)And too aware to be a poor one.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)Well done.
Pholus
(4,062 posts)Reading every reply was a joy! Thank you!
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)We need to huddle up.
Decide our course and start to come out swinging
Eff these assholes.
NRaleighLiberal
(60,015 posts)The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)Thank you
Smickey
(3,324 posts)resourses of this planet belong to all of us.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)HeartachesNhangovers
(814 posts)immigrants and we lived in a community of mostly first and second-generation immigrants who came from low-income backgrounds in their own countries. The consensus seemed to be that Republicans were rich and Democrats were not.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)But as we grow we learn.
As we learn we wonder.
And when we wonder, we start to wonder why.
alfredo
(60,074 posts)Missn-Hitch
(1,383 posts)Empathy - it keeps me from being repub. Makes me think of our future A.G. who so casually brought up his misgivings about Justice Sotomayor's self-proclaimed "empathy". This was on camera, in a microphone. Now this effing racist a**hole is going to be our top cop.
They pray for me, I think for them.
Cheers.
bdamomma
(63,868 posts)Because I was brought up in a Middle Class family I give my two parents all the credit to instill those democratic ideals in me.
I remember I asked my father what the difference was between Democrats and Republicans
I was told Democrats are for the Middle Class and Republicans are for the Rich. Hasn't changed at all, but Republicans got hijacked by birthers and tea partiers.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)It still might happen, but I'm currently amazed that the propaganda has worked so well for the GOP.
Missn-Hitch
(1,383 posts)Nothing like very real consequences to bring them to their senses....I mean SOME to their senses.
Tough loss for your Buckeyes. I haven't talked to my brother-in-law yet but I am sure he is bummed out.
Cheers.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)They're replacing the QB coach and offensive coordinator, Tim Beck, who replaced Tom Herman after the national title season.
Nebraska fans tried to warn Ohio State about Beck -- e.g., quarterbacks regressing, head-scratching play calls, etc.
I saw signs of problems very soon after he arrived in 2015 (anemic offense), but changes aren't as easy to make when a team keeps winning most of the time.
EDIT: Clemson is also a very talented team, of course.
niyad
(113,325 posts)Missn-Hitch
(1,383 posts)Mz Pip
(27,449 posts)I'm a liberal. I'll support whichever party most aligns with my beliefs. That happens to be the Democratic Party.
dionysus
(26,467 posts)if it comes after the name lieberman, or manchin... or miller...
rwsanders
(2,605 posts)part of the team they grew up with.
Or they have an issue or two they agree with, or they feel financially bound, or they worship one or the other of the candidates. But it appears that those of us who are Democrats because we hold certain principles or standards are rare.
I'd be considered a "purist" because I expect someone in the leadership of the party to reacquaint themselves with the principles of FDR. We need his second bill of rights. We need someone who will stand for the 4 freedoms. And we need someone with some backbone.
Jamaal510
(10,893 posts)brooklynboy49
(287 posts)I'm a progressive and an egalitarian. Given the reality that we have a two party system, the Democratic Party comes closest to representing my views; the Republican Party is anathema to me.
lambchopp59
(2,809 posts)He gives love and wet kisses unconditionally.
He holds no prejudgement against other canine breeds.
He knows nothing of pretentious confabulations that enrich the greedy and harm the planet.
He has stayed with me during tough times when I didn't know if I'd end up homeless.
He would never act with or encourage violence unless he perceived someone was about to do me harm.
And whenever I pull up a video of the crass orange orangutan mouthing off he buries his face under his paws.
NNadir
(33,523 posts)Response to NNadir (Reply #60)
NNadir This message was self-deleted by its author.
lambchopp59
(2,809 posts)with a penchant for torturing their prey. Hmm. Yes, definitively radically republican.
IrishEyes
(3,275 posts)They try to attack my computer screen when Trump speaking. They are six months old and they can tell that he is awful.
SharpProgress
(23 posts)I agree with literally every line. Pretty simple.
The Polack MSgt
(13,189 posts)Spelling out the position of the Democratic party?
That's crazy. I never saw the like.
I've argued with dozens of Republicans, and they've never heard of such a thing.
NNadir
(33,523 posts)I've had my problems with specific issues in the modern party, but I consider Ms. Roosevelt to have been the intellectual founder of the modern party, and by and large, the party has never strayed too far from that vision, expressed in Ms. Roosevelt's 1948 UN endorsed "Declaration of Human Rights."
The declaration has been more honored in breech than practice, but it should be a goal for all humanity to embrace.
classykaren
(769 posts)LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)I think I just fell in love with you!
Your response is the accurately truncated and textualized wisdom of humanity finally finding out who we are.
Coolest Ranger
(2,034 posts)I am also a Democrat because that part gave me my rights as a gay man.
My question to them is if you hate our party so bad, why are you still here?
If you are a so called Independent why do you continue to remain in our party.
Why are you not building your own list your own database and growing your own resources.
I don't want people in our party who are not happy with it.
My momma had a saying. If you are not happy in a group leave it. Nothing is forcing you to stay
TNNurse
(6,927 posts)and taught simple values based on beliefs in equal rights, respect for differences in others, compassion and gratitude. If there were two things that stand out they are "Do unto others........" and "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight......" In other words we are deserving of equality and kindness.
Mc Mike
(9,114 posts)pro-America and pro-Americans.
And I don't hate the rest of the world.
hamsterjill
(15,220 posts)Thank you. I echo all that you set out, and would only add that *I* am a Democrat because despite being confronted with Republican hate on a daily basis, I still have a little bit of humanity left in me, some compassion, and I hope, at least, a little common sense.
heaven05
(18,124 posts)nil desperandum
(654 posts)and that last one...ouch just ouch...couldn't agree more.
McCamy Taylor
(19,240 posts)And without racial, gender, religious and sexual equality the working class is screwed.
louis c
(8,652 posts)As a blue collar working person who belongs to a union, I know that the Democrats are destined to disappoint us, but the Republicans are dedicated to destroy us.
I can live with disappointment, I can't live with destruction.
Hulk
(6,699 posts)Sadly, I'm disillusioned with the Democratic Party. What DWS did with the DNC worked directly against anything I can support. Until the DNC gets new leadership and can pull their heads out of their asses in taking on the fascist party and repuKKKe wing of politics in this country, I'll have nothing to do with them. I'll wait.
With stooges like schumer & co, I have very little faith in the strength and direction of the party. I'm a "progressive", a "liberal" without a party. My issues seem to overlap with those of today's Democratic Party. Where is FDR when you need him???
We are the Dem Party! Are you an active member?
Hulk
(6,699 posts)Does that get me booted?
Starry Messenger
(32,342 posts)the answer to "Which side are you on?"
Angry Dragon
(36,693 posts)IrishEyes
(3,275 posts)There are a million reasons that I'm a democrat. I'm a proud liberal democrat. I always have been and I always will be. I would not want to be part of a party that does not welcome everyone. The Republican Party likes to divide and exclude people.
One thing I like about being a Democrat is that we don't all agree on everything. We can differ in our opinions on issues. Democrats research and discuss issues to find solutions. Studying, thinking and reasoned debate are encouraged.
DownriverDem
(6,228 posts)I'm a Democrat because I don't live by the repub motto of "I've got mine, now you get yours". I have always believed that we should be making this a better place for all. Many repubs are just plain racist. They will not accept who we are as a country. As someone who is white, I hate who the repubs have become.
forjusticethunders
(1,151 posts)Is the party of the working class and the marginalized. That is the reality, and as long as they remain the party of the working class and marginalized, they are deserving of support.