As a registered Democrat who has never missed an opportunity to vote in an election - either a primary or general election - I am disgusted with the Party. They no longer speak for me. They seem incapable of speaking for anyone. Their message is vapor now. The official platform of the Democratic Party is a massive document full of pretense and metaphors, but short of solutions. A few liberal generalities and some fiscal conservatism, sprinkled with an acknowledgement to pro-choice advocates is not a political party - it's a Madison Avenue message designed to offend no one in particular.
The problem is that this homogenized message is seen as a way to develop a coalition that will expand the party. This strategy has not elected a president, or changed the Congress. In fact, this superficial manifesto has proven as hollow as supply-side economics. Political correctness does not spur participation, but fosters malaise. It seems OK to be recognized as a Democrat, but they all avoid being labeled as liberal. Are these folks insane?
After the tremendous disappointment this past Election Day, I was determined to abandon the Democratic Party. Why not? What did it offer me - besides mind-numbing talking heads spinning away with babble about voters distracted by war and faltering economic circumstances. Uuuggggghhhh! The Republicans didn't win - the Democrats lost. They lost their vision, their hope and their vigor.
I began looking elsewhere. In Europe, the Green Party movement is a vibrant political movement. Their message is well-defined, their aims focused and their message is presented well. They inspire activism among the youth. Likewise, Britain's Liberal Democrats also present a focused message presented by a recognized torchbearer Charles Kennedy.
America's Green Party seeks many commendable goals, especially for the environment. Some ideals I see as well intentioned, but naïve - especially with foreign policy. What is most appealing about these folks are their zest. They are committed to their agenda and will sacrifice personal gain to achieve their ideals.
Is third-party politics the answer? Well, when you weigh the pro's and con's, the benefit of not being in power is that you have the power of criticism. You can decry the policies of the government, always having a podium to expound your own views and if your lucky, you can broker a coalition solution on certain decisions. The con is that you are not in a position to drive the vehicle of government.
That's the main problem in modern America. Third parties will never have the clout to drive the vehicle of power. So where does that leave us?
There is a bright beacon that can lead the Democrats back to preeminence. Adopt a platform that actually takes a position on the issues of the day. Lucid, succinct positions on specific issues, listed in a short declaration. Then use the platform as a candidate manifesto. Consider the size of the current Democratic Platform and that of the Declaration of Independence. When you think that a one-page document created our nation, it astounds me.
The past few election cycles proved that the Party can not be all things to all people, so abandon that fallacy and be the right thing for many people. I guarantee that you would have better voter turnout for issues that are right than for positions that are not offensive.
If you look at both parties today, I would contend that the Republican Party is more vibrant. It is fractured between the religious conservatives and the moderate wing. This fracture at least inflames passions and engenders participation for control of the party and the message. Senator Lott's recent stupidity aside, there was some mighty maneuvering within the party for the position of majority leader. Factions were working to prop-up their positions in hopes of bolstering influence over the Republican Party. Some see that as divisive. I see it as healthy.
Democratic resurgence is easy to do. All it will take is a leadership willing to take the first step away from homogenization. It's our only hope.
12/22/02