June 20, 2006
COMMENTARY: New Agenda for the Democrats: Ideas, Not Policies
By Tom Proebsting
Special to HNN
Moberly, MO (HNN) -- The Democrats announced their new political agenda last
Wednesday (June 14, 2006). They call it ”A New Direction for America.” The
plan promotes such policies as increasing the minimum wage, cutting interest
rates on student loans, and putting new restrictions on lobbying. However,
the program, though long on policies, is short on ideas. Looking at the
blueprint, I find a lack of ideas.
There is a difference between a policy and an idea. An example of a policy
is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The corresponding idea is that
people who deposit their money in a financial institution are entitled to a
certain degree of safety in the eventuality of a run on bank deposits. In
one word, the idea is safety.
The Republicans are not short on policies or on ideas. Their ideas include a
safer America, lower taxes, stronger family values, and smaller government.
They push their agenda no matter who approves or disapproves of it. The
Democrats need to take on the same attitude.
I propose a new and expanded idea for the Democratic Party-one of
benevolence. If society’s denizens are expected to evolve, it should be in
the direction of empathy, kindness, giving, and peaceful coexistence.
Benevolence may be used in the example of prison reform. The Democrats
should promote the idea of abolishing capital punishment, the legalization
of marijuana, and the plan of prisoner work release programs. Killing a
fellow human being who is accused of murder is a savage act and will not
bring back the deceased victim. Also, there are too many serving jail time
for dealing in marijuana, a drug which many consider less harmful than
alcohol and tobacco. Finally, instead of persons rotting in jail because
they are accused of stealing, let them free so they can work full-time in
order to repay their victims. The released felon may be electronically
monitored.
Benevolence is the idea. Used in prison reform, three examples of policies
are born. In the long term, the Democrats need an idea if they are to remain
a viable alternative to the party of the conservatives. An idea may spawn
many policies.
Benevolence may be used in the area of foreign policy. Instead of keeping
our troops in Iraq indefinitely, let’s pull them out, station them in
neighboring Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, and send funds to the new government for
the rebuilding of the war-torn nation. The insurgency is likely to abate
after the coalition forces leave. If not, our troops won’t be far away.
Benevolence may be used in public education. Let’s cut or eliminate college
tuition and allow more financially strapped students to attend and obtain
their degrees. A better educated workforce is a huge advantage for America.
In addition, let’s change the curriculum for our public junior and senior
high schools. We can teach practical subjects, along with the basics, simple
but effective curriculum such as balancing a checkbook or checking fluid
levels under the hood of a car. Also, we should teach our children to think
critically, to plan strategically, to solve problems, and to use their
imaginations. Rote memory just doesn’t complete an education.
Benevolence may be used in the medical profession. Let’s pass a law for a
national health insurance plan. Free medical aid and prescription drugs are
components of a policy that is too long overdue.
Benevolence may be used in the energy field. Instead of relying on Middle
Eastern oil, let’s spend the money to find alternative fuels or an
alternative to the internal combustion engine. Can we develop electric cars
so they can replace our current spate of polluting gas hogs? I’m sure we can
as some of the world’s greatest minds reside in America.
Where will the funds for these policies come from? If we rely less on
imported oil and spend less on military adventures, we may have more than
enough money. A fine example is the story from the New York Times which
reported Friday that Congress has passed nine supplemental appropriations
bills for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the tune of $420 billion. This
spending is outside of and in addition to the normal federal budget. As you
can imagine, changes from the idea of benevolence will not happen overnight.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming these are high-sounding ideas or
policies. They are not. Our prisons are over-crowded, changes are needed in
Iraq, alterations are needed in our somewhat-inept educational system, too
many Americans are neglecting their health due to sky-high medical costs,
and oil is a finite resource. To think otherwise is to stick your head in
the sand.
Benevolence is an idea which is long overdue. I would like to see the
Democrats adopt it. If they do not, then the Republicans or a third party
may beat them to it.
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Tom Proebsting is a writer and blogger in Missouri. Tom Proebsting, 823 N.
Ault St. Moberly, MO 65270
e-mail: truthprobe777@yahoo.com
Proebsting invites comments. Reply to: http://truthprobe.blogspot.com