A defining goal for the Democratic party

We have long recognized that the Democratic party lacks a comprehensive "mission statement". Even the new Vision for America is a collection of disparate goals that although laudable, do not present a clear, core foundation of beliefs. While we on the left who are generally informed advocates of these goals, we will not see many electoral achievements until we are able to present a clear and concise message about what we stand for. I propose such a statement. Attribution: Although this has been my sense for many years, Thom Hartmann has recently articulated it a public forum and I would like to recognize this fact.

In every aspect of government, there seems to be one common principle that defines how Republicans approach issues and how Democrats approach the same issues. This difference has been recognized and well articulated by may of us in terms of whose interests are being served. The Republicans always support those who already hold power. We refer to this as corporatism. But we have been unable to articulate a counter message. While we are not necessarily purely anti-business, we have not identified what we are FOR. Yes, we are for the little guy. But what does that mean to the common guy who may not be as politically aware as some others are aware. The key is to define a what we stand for so that everyone is able to understand it, and then let the electorate decide which way to vote.

The idea that we should promote basically comes down to one principle: The Commons for the People. To define and validate this sentiment, we can review every single governmental decision that has affected out lives and our country. Republicans have consistently chosen the interests of the powerful in a way that shifts ownership of common, public assets into the hands of the wealthy and powerful elites. Whether it is public lands for oil drilling, or social security, or the Medicare drug benefit, or the occupation of Iraq. In each and every instance the Republicans have succeeded in shifting what belongs to us, whether it be national treasure or other assets, and shifted ownership to their cronies.

Take the Iraq occupation as a prime example. $320 Billion so far. Where has much of the money gone? Into the hands of politically connected contractors...PRIVATE contractors. Where did this money come from? From us and our children and our grandchildren. So this shifting of wealth went from common ownership to private ownership. The occupation is the vehicle.

The Commons for the People - Vote Democratic and we will return what belongs to you.

What do you think?

...I think most Americans don't even understand what "the commons" means.

:(

(how 'bout that?)

:)