Missing true Democrats
In opposition to President Bush, the Democratic Party has offered us, Senator John Kerry. As I’ve expressed before, I am not able to support Senator Kerry, and for that matter I’m unable to recognize the Democratic Party as it stands today. In fact, I’ve stated that I’m supporting President Bush and will continue to do so. Yet I’m filled with disappointment at the prospect of the upcoming debates and the remainder of the time between now and the election. Why?
In order to be disappointed in someone or something, one first must hold them in high enough regard to have expectations. I did. Not so much in Senator Kerry, after all, I knew he represented a part of the Democratic Party so far to the left that only those of the Ted Kennedy set would see eye to eye with him. But the remainder of the party offered some remnants, although worn thin and fragile, of the proud heritage of classical liberalism that would create a stirring debate and possibly interesting election cycle.
What the Democratic Party has shown is that it too has lost all connection with the positions of classical liberalism and fallen instead into a form of pseudo socialism more reminiscent of Europe than of any tradition in the U.S. This in turn continues the fragmentation of our society and limits the possibility for a real discussion regarding the issues. The fundamental principles of current Democratic Party are found not in their policies or positions, rather they are found in the negativity, defensiveness, and intolerance of the spokesmen, candidates and supporters of the party today.
Polls continue to show President Bush pulling away. If accurate, it is a good thing. If not, then I can only surmise that the country itself has fallen into such a state that voters no longer understand or are willing to accept the principles that bind this great nation. In the meantime, I long for the days when a conversation with a “liberal” was possible.
