Some have asked that we in Cobb not adopt ultra-liberal or ultra-progressive stands on issues.  However, I think it important we do frame our issues and arguments in terms of what it means to be a "progressive" and not allow the radical Right and former Dixiecrats to define the term for us. Let them argue against our frame, our values.  Try arguing against empathy, responsibility, strength, protection, fairness, personal fulfillment, freedom, opportunity, quality pubic education. Try and argue against equal protection and fair and equal treatment for all citizens.

I believe we must face this issue up front. I am a duly elected officer of the Cobb County Democratic Committee and and an elected member of the State Democratic Committee.  Those that voted for me know where I stand and where I want to take the Democratic Party in Cobb. I owe them an obligation to stick to my principles.

Now at the same time, I understand we must be careful not to alienate those that don't yet understand that they are really, at heart, true progressives.  But that is an issue of education and framing, and not a need for us to change or speak softly of our basic values.

For example, I'm not sure what those afraid of the future mean by recommending we do not adopt ultra-progressive positions.  Do they mean positions that are based on, empathy, responsibility, strength, protection, fairness, personal fulfillment, freedom, opportunity, prosperity, community service, cooperation, trust, honesty, and open communication?  Then I vigorously disagree. These are not only progressive values they are also moral values, Democratic moral values.

We stand for equal protection under the law for all citizens. We stand for freedom from government intrusion on our personal lives.  We stand for the rights of minorities, women, the disabled.  We stand for fiscal responsibility.

We believe that it is the role of government, among other things:

• to protect its citizens against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, through a strong national defense and effective police and fire services;
• to ensure equal protection under the law and civil liberties to all, regardless of race, creed, color, sex or sexual orientation;  
• to protect and nurture the poor, the weak and the disabled among us so they may become nurturing productive citizens; 
• to protect and nurture the environment so that it nurtures us in return; 
• to deal honestly and fairly with all of its citizens;
• to provide free quality public primary and secondary education and affordable college education to all that qualify and want it;
• to ensure that all Georgians and all Americans are provided affordable quality health care;
• to treat all its citizens with empathy, compassion, justice and fairness. 

I daresay that if we polled each and every Georgian, every American, north and south, on these roles, issues, and values, we would find the vast majority agree with them.  There is nothing un-American or un-conservative about these values. They are the same values of our founding fathers.  They are our American values.

Contact Sander Bellman

 

What did you think of this article?

Liked
Disliked
No Opinion