Time to Reform the Democratic Party

By: Jason Cunningham (11/04/2004)

After Senator John Kerry's defeat in the Presidential Election, it is now time to reform the Democratic Party. Several issues need to be modified in order to have a more plausible ideology that would be in the best interest of the country.

For some reason, the Democrats allowed President Bush and other Republicans to make them appear as elitist who do not understand the wants of the American people. Well it is now time for a makeover.

On Religion: It is time for the Democratic Party not to run from their religious faith, because we do not want to offend others beliefs. Just because you talk about your religious ideas, does not mean people will be turned off;  maybe others will share their experiences. Since we are the party of diversity, it is our job as Democrats to rid America of some of fundamental prejudices that exist against Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hindu, and many other faiths. This will ensure that the right to practice the religion of your choice remains protected as a Constitutional Right. In regards to gay rights, civil liberties must be passed and explain why to the American people in simple language. It is about hospital visitation, property rights, and insurance for the time being. Reach across the Republican aisle for support on civil liberties, so it does not hurt the Democratic Party politically.

On School Prayer: The Democrats have to address this issue and not waver at bit. We must allow voluntary school prayer and stand firmly behind it. I prayed silently before lunch during my two years in public school. This probably failed to influence others in a negative manner, nor did anyone know what was being said. Should we entertain school led prayer? Absolutely, and the Democratic Party should encourage the Republicans to start a school payer referendum where on one day of the school week it can be a Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jehovah Witness, or Jewish prayer, etc. Also, prayer groups should continue to be able to meet on school grounds after school hours and compete for funding just as any other organization.

On Terrorism:  The Democratic Party ought to define themselves by this subject. It is time to protect our borders, 3 million illegal individuals enter this country on a yearly basis and we are safer! How easy would it be for a terrorist organization to smuggle people from Mexico into this country, or what if they started to recruit from that country? Homeland Security as I see it, has many more holes to fill, than just protecting an airport's cargo. We should also ban semiautomatic weapons. If a terrorist got their hands on one these weapons, what damage could they do at a day care or school? The last thing we need to do is help terrorist kill us. Gun background checks really need to be enforced now more than ever. Our foreign policy should not engage in fighting more wars at this time, otherwise a draft is a certain in the future. It is time to become diplomatic in areas that could become future hotbeds for terrorism, including the Sudan.

On Faith Based Initiatives: Nor should we within the Democratic Party oppose faith based initiatives. The separation of Church and State can be kept intact. Congratulations should go to President Bush for all of the money that has gone to religions outside of the Christian and Jewish faith. We should shower him with praise from Capital Hill, while encouraging those non-traditional faiths to continue to apply for faith based initiatives. If we are to spread a message of faith and love, it must be without having government pushing one over the other. Individuals need help in this world, and the people have spoken.

On Abortion: We should welcome new blood in the party that is pro-life. While pro-choice will continue to be the platform, a clear doctrine needs to be established. A fetus should no longer be considered a thing or anything of the sort. It is a developing baby in its early stage. First and foremost, abortion for women who have been raped or when life could be endangered by continuing the pregnancy, abortion as an option must always be protected, even if the Republican Party attempts to overturn Roe vs. Wade. We should explore greater private funding for education concerning alternatives of having an abortion. As the Democratic Party, it is in the country's best interest if the woman makes the best decision for them.

On Education: A new education plan should be developed as a means of not having teachers teach the test. National testing is necessary every three years, and should focus on the necessary skills that would get any child into Yale or Harvard. If states wish to test more than this, then that is a decision they need to make. When it comes to the cost of education, there should an effort to come up with a strategy to keep the rising college costs  to less than three percent on a yearly basis. The amount of loans individuals are taking out to attend undergraduate and graduate programs is becoming increasingly alarming, most other countries do not resemble our system for the better.

On Healthcare: All children should be covered under a universal health insurance plan, and this should be one of the Democratic Party's strongest issues. We should talk intelligently about Health Saving Accounts, which only work best for healthy individuals, while others need a full blown insurance plan in most cases. While on the campaign in 2006, Democrats must advance the argument of importing name brand prescription drugs from Canada, and buy drugs in bulk for Medicare as stated by Senator John Kerry. So what if drug companies decide to pledge all of their money to the other party, it will come back to haunt them. Every person, no matter their medical health condition deserves to have an opportunity to purchase health insurance.  Just as if your employer offers it, or your college or university supplies certain insurance plans at a specific cost. It is time for the new Democratic Party to be heard.