Don Thompson in his July 3 letter to the editor assumes the Democratic Party is losing elections because it’s too leftist and isn’t taking responsibility for that failing. He recommends Democrats “become a bit more reflective.” And I agree. Except my reason is that the party is now no more than an election machine pandering to big donors while paying lip service to Democratic values.
Mr. Thompson lists as lefty some positions on race, illegal aliens, social services, religion and name-calling that won’t secure his vote. But, if the events I’ve attended are indicative, these aren’t Democratic positions per se, if at all. Likewise, Thompson’s interpretation of Democratic principles regarding capitalism are mistaken. Democrats generally don’t care how much money others have so long as each citizen can afford the cost of living a modest lifestyle. Contrary to Thompson’s complaint, Democrats have no “wealth-envy,” only a pragmatic view that our economy exists to serve society first and benefit particular individuals secondarily. And, yes, Mr. Thompson, that means society in a capitalist economy must often shift some money from our wealthy citizens to those unable to generate a modest income.
I agree with Mr. Thompson on the need for robust debate within and between the parties. He says it can’t happen today. But I see it happening awkwardly in media and believe our elected representatives who say it’s happening in legislatures and Congress. Surely debates can’t happen in The Herald’s letters section because of word limits and the requested 30-day wait between published letters. Still, it would be beneficial to have public debates to formally examine political issues relative to various philosophies, moral codes, and forms of government.
Paul Heckel
Snohomish
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