A Path Forward
A new Commitment to the Future for the Democratic Party
There is a crisis in American politics. The Trump administration is running roughshod over the rule of law, the safeguards of our democracy and destroying a government and bureaucracy that took decades to build. We were once the envy of the world and now our closest friends are saying they cannot trust us. They have destroyed public health agencies, risked entitlements that generations have paid for and have started to turn the US into an international pariah. We are no longer aligned with Canada and the EU and instead are closer to Russia and Hungary. So much has been written about the evils of the Trump Administration- and frankly I am overwhelmed by the awfulness that I instead want to focus on what I believe can be done to fight back and counter this.
Right now our democratic leaders are failing us. Tone deaf, triangulated, poll tested statements that are not inspiring the people nor are they actually countering Trump. Additionally we have representatives who vote for bills thinking that it will help them appear moderate while they know it is bad policy. This normalizes what the GOP is doing and depresses the people they are hoping to lead. When I talk to people who are upset with what is happening in the country they almost always also comment that the current democrats are not doing enough or meeting the moment. The examples of people who are doing what they can stand out in stark contrast to the mainstream- Bernie and AOC holding YUUUUGE rallies all over the country, Cory Booker taking the floor for over 25 hours and the clear anger and plain speaking of Chris Murphy. These actions are notable because they are the exception and not the rule. I also work with young people on a daily basis and they are not engaged, do not see the point in an uncool party that can't shoot straight. Many of them are attracted to the action oriented talk of Trump and his minions- even though it is BS, it at least “sounds like a good idea.” These young people are the future voters we need and we need to appeal to them.
Democrats want action and resistance. They want leaders to meet the moment and they are angry they are not. Democrats are also disheartened that the messaging has been so atrocious. How can we convince people if what they are hearing turns people off? Polling shows that democratic principles and policies are popular, but the democratic brand is at a nadir. I believe this is because the leaders we have are not meeting the moment and not articulating a vision for the future that people understand and can rally behind. I believe the democrats need to coalesce behind a message that is inclusive, positive and most importantly action oriented. They need to show what they will do in power and not just react to the shit storm coming from 1600 Penn.
Below is my first draft of this vision- call it a Commitment to the Future that I believe will draw in voters and in particular young people. I am heartened by the fact that so many of my students who were Trump curious are already repulsed by his actions- That is a great first step, but we need to counter it with a positive vision that speaks to them and is not some poll tested political speak gobbledygook. Young people can smell the BS and are not having it. So here it is- my vision for a Commitment to the Future:
A platform that stands for workers, the planet and democracy
Tax the billionaires- A return to 1950s level of taxation for both individuals and corporations. Tax cuts for small businesses and workers. We can all see the crazy wealth and inequality in our world. We can see the gaming of the system, the grift, the self dealing. People want fair taxation and know instinctively that billionaires are not paying their fair share. Say it loud and clear- Tax the billionaires! Use this revenue to pay for the programs outlined below.
Free and fair elections- Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights act. This is simple. Defend democracy and make sure every vote counts. For too long the Democrats have been on the back foot on this issue and let the GOP control the narrative about voting. Time to fight back HARD! Make it easier to vote while making it safer. In addition to the JLVRA we should have the IRS or SSA produce voter ID cards for every eligible voter in every state for free and pass legislation that those IDs will be accepted everywhere.
Overturn Citizens United- A constitutional amendment is the only way but we should not run from it. Companies are not people and should not have a say in our government. It is a government By, For and Of the PEOPLE and we need to get back to that.
Court Reform - Term Limits, enforceable ethics codes. Confidence in the Supreme COurt is at an all time low and the decisions they hand down are out of step with the values most Americans believe in. This has to change and we need to reform the court so it earns back the trust of all americans.
Medicare for All- Take the hard votes and create a system that provides it for everyone- lay out the economic arguments as well as the fairness ones, but be willing to destroy the for profit insurance companies or we will have a hell of a lot more Louigi Mangiones.
Forgive Student Debt and make all public colleges and universities free. This will boost the economy and allow young voters the freedom to build wealth and plan for their futures. My Dad payed more per semester for his football tickets than his tuition at UC Berkeley in the 1950s. He could pay for school with a summer job. It is time to get back to a time when this was the norm.
Protect our privacy and create framework for AI while at the same time utilizing technology to make government more efficient and responsive. Government often seems slow and inefficient in the face of the blistering speed of technology- we should embrace tech while at the same time creating a framework for its ethical use.
Universal Basic Income of $1000/mo for all Americans- Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea and easy to demonize, but the fact that so many americans are one car repair away from eviction is a scary situation and UBI provides a safety net that will help address homelessness, healthcare and more. The New Deal attempted to provide a job for every American who wanted one. This is a similar pledge- we will not let anyone fall through the cracks.
Comprehensive immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship- plus citizenship for dreamers. It is time to take this narrative back from the GOP. Become the party that champions safe, legal immigration. Americans are a welcoming people, appeal to that as well as their sense of fairness as well know the Dreamers are as american as any of us.
Invest in the future- green infrastructure, high speed rail, electric charging stations everywhere, renewables, etc. Do not say it is too hard or too expensive. We are losing ground to China and others and need to say “We can do BIG THINGS” and then go forth and actually do it. Cut the red tape and make sure these projects for the future happen all across the country.