sotto voce USA

Back to the Future

After their devastating "defeat" in the last election, Democrats have done a lot of soul searching about the future of the party. Should they move more toward the center or try to attract the millions of Americans who voted for "none of the above" in the election? More progressive or more mainstream? More populist or more corporate? Should they work on "framing" the Republicans or re-examine the fundamentals? Here's an idea. Perhaps the Democrats should return to being the party of the people. As it turns out, the best blueprint for the future comes from the past.

Here's a nice, neat, clear, concise platform for the Democratic Party...

"The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation.

"The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation.

"The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living.

"The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad.

"The right of every family to a decent home.

"The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health.

"The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident and unemployment.

"The right to a good education."

The architect of this grand vision? Franklin Delano Roosevelt, from his 1944 State of the Union address. He called this "a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all—regardless of station, race, or creed."

posted by fdtate @ 3:09 PM