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An Issue to Think about in 2004: The Difference Between Democrats and Republicans

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY

Dean has done a great job at cutting to the heart of a lot of issues that most Democrats seem to dance around. One issue that Dean has failed to clearly hone in on, however, is the very different views of Ds and Rs on the essential role of govt.

Rs seem to believe the role of govt is about:

1. having an intimidating military (so other countries are scared of us),
2. imposing their own personal religious and social norms on everyone (i.e., abortion, "preservation of marriage", abstinence, 10 commandments), and
3. getting out of the way of and/or helping big business and the wealthy (tax cuts, deregulation, rewarding campaign contributors).

In stark contrast, Ds believe the role of govt is:

1. to protect society and keep us safe (terrorism, defense, the "COPS" program, regulate businesses that might harm or take advantage of us, regulate safety issues, protect the environment so we can all not be poisoned by just breathing, etc)
2. to help the helpless and the average Joes and Janes (medicare, social security, OSHA, overtime pay, etc) and
3. otherwise stay out of our personal lives (freedom of speech, anti-discrimination, right to privacy in your personal choices, etc)

If we can talk about this fundamental difference on the role of government, it will work to our advantage, particularly on the social issues that have been dogging Democrats in "swing" states. Democrats need to tell America that the Republicans want government to make all the choices for you on social issues, and business to make the rest of the choices. In contrast, Democrats believe that you should choose for yourself on personal issues such as religion, marriage, abstinence, etc. It's not that Democrats personally favor abortion as the preferred method of birth control or that they oppose any belief in God; it's that Democrats don't believe it is the government's job to tell you what to believe and do in those areas.

In sum, Republicans think it's okay for government to run your personal life; Democrats think you should run your own personal life. This is the real "social" issue Democrats need to focus on. It's time for us to turn the tables on Republicans, particularly on social issues.

A BuzzFlash Reader

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY