Values

Let’s try some word association. Republicans – values = religion, hard work, respect. Democrats – values = religious extremism, hatred, morals. Small wonder Democrats cringe when they hear or see the word. Recently the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was successful in their attempt to regain Billy Tauzin’s LA-3 district seat. The day following volunteers read the Sunday paper, mainly to see how the “liberal” media would cover the victory. One volunteer was literally appalled that the local newspaper had a section in the Sunday edition labeled “values.”

What was so objectionable about values? Why has the party become so abhorrent of values? What was also interesting about the campaign is that the party leaders seem to think something of values. What was the pitch we made to prospective voters regarding the candidate’s stand on the issues? He supported traditional Southeast Louisiana values. Admittedly a number of volunteers were shocked to learn that the candidate was not only pro-life but also pro-gun. They didn’t have a problem with his being pro-protectionist in trade stance. It’s becoming more and more interesting deciding what rank-and-file Democrats believe, and harder and harder to determine what values we Democrats do stand for.

Democrats have always had a hard time on trade issues, though it appeared that President Clinton had turned the party around on the issue. Free and fair trade is good for everyone, eventually. Protectionism only hurts our economy, temporarily staving off the inevitable. Free trade allows for goods imported into America more cheaply, and also ensures that American products are cheaper in overseas markets. This creates more jobs for Americans and those struggling overseas. Free trade allows goods to be cheaper for those struggling in America, and those struggling overseas. Isn’t the Democratic Party in favor of these ideals? Of course they are. But they feel beholden to the unions which provide them with nearly unflinching support. Perhaps, though it is time to reevaluate their support. Has their help won the party any national elections, and in fact they may have lost them. Obviously working class union workers do not vote solely for their union’s backed candidates.

We need to determine what issues truly are important to the voters. Issues we can support and take the national lead. And probably more importantly we need to stop waffling. Once we pick an issue we must take a stand on it, regardless of polling numbers. Americans respect politicians who speak their mind and lead the nation, not follow opinion polls. Americans have little use for leaders who cannot determine what issues they believe in and what they support. Trying to be all things to all people all the time only convinces them we are disingenuous to all. Americans have never respected politicians who lie to them; they only respect politicians who try to lead them.

With all politics being local, congressional races will always bring the party candidates who do not conform to a national norm. As the Republicans used to, we must be willing to tolerate candidates who have views differing from the party’s stated position. While allowing some dissent, it is important for the party’s leaders to maintain party discipline on major issues. Members must adhere to a core set of values, be they moral or others. Values are what the party stands for, now we must determine just what those values are.