Weekly Ezine #23

Left Limit, Right Limit: An Approach to Understanding Political Issues Part IV

1. In previous Ezines I have cataloged what Democrats and Republicans say about themselves and each other in their fund raising materials. Now I will begin to analyze what they have to say and propose some left limits for the Democrats and some right limits for the Republicans. This week’s analysis is based on Weekly Ezine #18.

Let me say at the outset that there will be points from each side I agree, as well as disagree, with. My objective is to demonstrate what I as an Independent voter am looking for from a political party that is neither too far to the left nor the right. Hopefully, that will spark some commentary and discussion in response.

Democrats do a good job of classifying where Republicans have gone too far to the right, thereby making voters uncomfortable with Republicans. Specifically, I agree with Democratic assertions that Republicans have and/or will be likely to continue towards:

     Put abuse of power and ideology ahead of personal rights and liberties
     Displayed overall incompetence
     New attempts to privatize Social Security
     More out of control spending coupled with tax cuts for the wealthy
     Inaction on health care (maintenance of the status quo)

So I draw some comfort from the fact that I am less likely to see those abuses from a Democratic President and Congress. If Republicans want my vote, then I want believable proposals from them as to how they will—

     Reject the concept of the Unitary Executive and restore Limited Government 
     Show competence in the operation of the Executive Branch and its Departments
     Cease attempts to privatize Social Security in favor of insuring solvency first
     Balance spending with revenue to reduce both the Federal Deficit and Debt
     Balance the interests of the Insurance and Medical Industries with the Public’s

So should you be completely converted to voting for Democrats? Not when I look at what Democrats offer. Let’s revisit my summary of Democrats’ top objectives.

     Getting our troops safely out of Iraq
     Make affordable healthcare a reality
     Create better jobs and a secure retirement
     Expand college opportunities
     Make public schools the best in the world
     Restore America to a position of respect and leadership.
     Return our country to the people.

Republicans paint Democrats as being “weak on National Defense.” This list shows why. What’s the first thing listed? “Getting our troops safely out of Iraq.” Excuse me, but if that’s not a wimpy statement, then I don’t know what is.

I believe this war has been mismanaged. As time goes by, more and more evidence reveals itself that this was a war we probably should not have fought. At the very least, we should not have fought in the way we have. The fact remains, however, that we are engaged in this war.

So I say to Democrats, why aren’t you using your fund raising communication to offer me policy objectives that show your understanding of warfare (both conventional and unconventional) and tell me the robust strategic plans you have to defeat and deter our present and potential enemies militarily, diplomatically, politically and economically? Why aren’t you linking the shipment of jobs overseas with the deterioration of our industrial base and its capability to keep us armed and safe? Why don’t you equate advanced education with the maintenance of our freedom?

I say these things because if the Party in power running our government is incapable of maintaining our security and sovereignty as a nation, then all other policy objectives (affordable healthcare, better jobs, college, et al) are worthless.

If Democrats want to “Restore America to a position of respect and leadership,” then they can start by demonstrating, through the programs they and their candidates propose, that they are worthy of being in positions of respect and leadership.

I’ll stop here in the interest of keeping things short and readable. Commentary by email reply or on my Blog is encouraged.

Next week I’ll analyze Republican literature. Due to the volume, I’ll probably do more than one Ezine.

2. Hear My Thunder I recently added a new favorite web site to my Blog. Gary Wood is definitely a kindred mind.  I encourage you to check him out at www.HearMyThunder.org. In addition, Gary has a radio show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/March-of-Liberty. I’ll be on with Gary on Sunday, Aug 24 at 7:00 pm EDT.