|
|
DELEGATE FORUM -- DAY 4
August 29, 1996
The delegates responded to these other questions:When are the parties going to have the courage to address the Social Security issue?
Will the Democrats win the Congress in 1996?
What was the most memorable aspect of this convention? Some personal reflections.
A question from Harvey Marks of La Tour, LA: What's the Difference between the Democrats and the GOP?
I have been thinking recently about the fundamental differences between Democrats and Republicans and I have come to the conclusion that the roots are in the uniquely American "Federalist/ Anti-Federalist" distinction. In a very general sense, Democrats believe in the potential of a centralized government to make life better for its citizens.
Republicans are more for state's rights and believe that the states should have the autonomy to make their own laws because each state has specific needs and circumstances. Do you agree that that is the root difference? And if that is the case, what causes an individual to choose one theory over another?
The delegates respond:
Geraldine Ferraro, New York, NY
No, I don't think that's the difference, though Republicans push that theory. Democrats do believe that there are certain things the federal government should do to make life better for all its citizens - like gun control, providing a basic standard of living for the most vulnerable of our society (through social programs), running the post office, providing for national defense, protecting the environment and guaranteeing educational opportunities.
It's interesting to see that despite the fact that they (Republicans) don't want government in people's lives (education, environment, gun control) they are more than willing to have government in people's bedrooms legislating on abortion and gay rights!!
Bobbie Coray of Logan, UT
That may be an oversimplification, since as a moderate Democrat I can see scenarios in which the federal government should play the lead role, and in others, the state government is better equipped to deal with the issues. Your question deals with the delivery of services rather than core values, so may I also oversimplify?
There are two great competing forces in human behavior; justice and mercy. Both are powerful and essential, but if we have to choose one to govern our lives, I will choose mercy.
Some will choose justice, and therefore essentially Darwin's rational survival of the fittest. Others choose mercy with its attendant responsibility to reach out without judgment to those who are needy and unprotected As a Christian, for me, there is no other choice. As someone who believes that government should be efficient and effective, I believe that we should work to make our communities financially effective, while keeping in mind the overriding goal of making America work for all of its citizens.
Veronica Biggins of Atlanta, GA
The difference between Democrats and Republicans is much deeper than what you have stated. The basic difference is looking forward vs looking back. The Democratic Party believes that "all Americans" should have a voice in their governance and that there is a role for both federal and state government.
Benson Lichtig of State College, PA
I agree, but I would probably phrase it a little differently. I think that the major difference is Democrats in general believe it's the responsibility of the federal government to assure a minimum level of safety, security and well-being for the most needy within our society.
This contrasts with the Republican thinking, that individual states should establish if a minimum level of government support is necessary, and if so, to what extent.
Rachel Binah of Mendocino, CA
I am not sure that it is THE root difference, but it certainly is one of the differences. The point is that there are certain areas in which it is necessary for centralized government at the federal level to set standards.
For example, with respect to our environment, if states are allowed to develop their own standards for clean air or clean water, they may decide because of local, self-serving, political reasons not to regulate adequately. If a river is flowing out of a state, that state may not want to spend the money or fight the corporate influences to control its polluters, and the neighboring state will be left to receive the pollution.
The same is true for air. Because air and water do not respect artificial boundaries, we need protections that go beyond mere local considerations.
In regard to the second part of your question, I was taught by my parents and my religious heritage that we have a responsibility beyond our own selfish needs to work for the larger good, and I believe that the Democratic Party represents those values.
| |||||
 | |||||
| |||||
|
|
| |||
| |||||
| |||||
| Support the kind of journalism done by the NewsHour...Become a member of your local PBS station. | |||||
