What is a Democrat?
I recently saw a post on Daily Kos that talked about Elizabeth Edwards’ Q&A in The Progressive. There, she recounted John Edwards’ talk at a Democratic National Commitee meeting, where he argued that Democrats need to reinvent themselves, but remember who they are.
So who are we? Here’s my take. You might even call it a manifesto.
As a Democrat, I believe in freedom. Not freedom to do only what those in authority tell me to do, but freedom to create my own success and make my own mistakes, to enjoy the fruits of my success and pay the price for my mistakes.
I believe in social and economic fairness. Fairness in the sense that artificial, unearned, unnatural advantages should be eliminated or offset.
I believe in responsibility. There is a common good, and the price of living in society with other humans beings is to contribute to that common good, and certainly, to do no damage to that common good.
I believe in good government and public service. Government is the institution that exists to preserve freedom, ensure fairness, and protect the common good. Those who enter public service in good faith deserve our gratitude. Those who demean public service and exploit it for personal advantage are beneath contempt.
I believe in a strong and vital labor movement, because it is the framework for a strong economy, a thriving middle class and a force for social justice.
I believe that everyone has a right and a duty to vote (and to be informed before voting). I believe that every eligible voter should be free to vote without fear of intimidation or coercion. I believe that every vote must be counted.
These few principles are simple, but far reaching. To me they are the core of what it means to be a Democrat.