The donkey is barely cold and already the autopsy reports abound from the Democratic elite — from Kerry’s fault to the need to address cultural issues. Midst the cries of lacking principles and the inability to reach middle America, Democratic critics omit the overriding fear factor and the security perception of an incumbent president — despite his gross inadequacies — in time of war and terrorism. All else was secondary regardless of the exit polls showing that “moral issues” was crucial. Even though it was hoped that the people could muster courage and realize the need for a fresh start in foreign relations, it was but fantasy to believe that the people of middle America could rise above the mold of its authoritarian mind-set to shake off the divinity of commander in chief and the peripheral considerations tied to it such as religious and cultural values.
Some critics bemoan the traces of the “economy stupid” in the campaign as still conjuring the ghost of the New Deal that is totally irrelevant today. They claim that most of the people are “noble” and put their economic interests below what actually defines them as voters of pervasive ideology. With the exception of a depression or a severe recession, economic self-interest is touted as a dirty expression for those below the $50,000 and over bracket while the higher middle class and over continue to vote primarily their grasping, material interests while pretending to be above such crassness by fingering motivating issues such as gay marriage, abortion and guns. For the unwashed it is ignoble to think in terms of bread when at war or in relatively good times, and besides the likes of Wal-Mart eases consumer worries — let them eat cake. The worst scenario of voting against one’s well-being is in the military families, most of whom are on the low end of the economic scale, yet proudly offer up their sons, daughters and spouses to the god of war and in lock-step with the commander in chief, regardless of ultimate sacrifice.
Moreover, prevailing economic worries, retrenched since Reagan, is no longer relevant when there are more voters making above $50,000 than there are those making $15,000 or less. And how can Democrats speak to economic issues, other than two Americas, when 55% of the voting public earns more than $50,000 and care little about those who don’t? In this “me first” era it is hardly worthwhile to plead for an enlightened self- interest to upgrade those in need, particularly when the prevailing perception concerning the needy is that they never had it so good.
Critics are right, however, who suggest that the Democrats come to grips with moral issues in a convincing manner. The abortion issue should be approached as a sad event that ought to be rare, hopefully by educating both sexes on the nuances of birth control, abstinence, personal values and health. Still, the issue should not be put on center stage in light of 33% of pro-choice voters were for Bush, indicative of more important issues. Marriage rights for gays should be abandoned as a party platform and substituted by civil unions and state recognition under anti-discrimination laws. If gays want the sanctity of “marriage” they should on their own organize for the purpose of encouraging religious denominations to accept them, or form their own denomination. Religious values in general should be expressed in terms of protection of God’s good earth, commitment to peace, defense of country and compassion for the nation’s poor, sick, disabled and uneducated.
May the donkey live again.
Copyright © 2004 Richard R. Kennedy All rights reserved. Revised: November 30, 2004.
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