The Common Sense Party

jeffcnichols

I just read two articles in The NY Times about what Democrats must do to start winning elections again. I disagree with both authors – they don’t go far enough. I believe what the Dems have lost is common sense, and that’s exactly what a rebranded Dem/liberal party should call its updated strategy – Common Sense. Here are some of the basics of the Common Sense party:

  • We have a democracy that we must defend, and within that democracy there’s room for both capitalism and socialism. Capitalism is our foundation, it drives our economy, and socialism provides for those Americans who need some help. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, infrastructure spending on roads and bridges, federal spending on clean air and clean water, federal spending on national parks and forests, some farming subsidies, are ALL examples of socialistic spending some of America’s wealth to help all Americans – that’s socialism in a nutshell. Socialism has been a part of American culture for over 100 years. Socialism is NOT the same as Communism.
  • There’s nothing wrong with an adult wishing to identify as a sex other than the one they were born as. We should have a society that respects their wishes. However, until children reach adulthood, generally 18 years old, they cannot undergo permanent sex change operations. Once they are an adult, they can choose.
  • There is no upside to American society in allowing men who have transitioned to female to compete in women’s sports. The common sense truth is that even transitioned men have a biological speed and power advantage over women. Let’s keep sports and identity separate, just like church and state.
  • Israel and Palestine both have rights to exist. Neither has a right to genocide or war crimes. Other countries should do what they can to encourage Israelis and Arabs to co-exist.
  • Every study performed on American elections indicates that they are fair and accurate, with very few exceptions. We don’t need armed forces policing polling places. Illegal immigrants are not allowed to vote.
  • Under recent administrations, Presidential power has become too strong. Congress must re-take their role in establishing law and controlling spending.
  • We need a strong border and a working, effective immigrations system. Immigrants who have been inside the US for years, working and paying taxes, without criminal records, should be given a pathway to citizenship without fear of their lives being upended by deportation. This is a country built by immigrants, and we need lawful immigration for our future economy.
  • We do NOT need a masked, nameless, lawless, poorly-trained, ruthless gang of armed men enforcing immigration rules within our borders. ICE is poorly conceived, poorly managed and needs to be curtailed.
  • We need term limits for Congress and for judges. Lifetime appointments make no sense in an era where people may live well past their physical and mental peak abilities.
  • Access to basic healthcare should be a universal right for US citizens. We have the wealth to afford that.
  • Money is not the same as free speech. Billionaires and corporations should not have the ability to buy elections by spending infinite money on media and influence. Restore limits on donations to political candidates and causes.
  • There is no state religion in the US. Freedom to worship as you choose is a basic Constitutional right.

Those are the big ones. If we focus on common sense answers to those issues, I think we stand a chance of rebuilding the reputation of the political party we call Democrats. I’m happy to consult with Dem leaders to move them toward Common Sense.