COLUMN: Why I am a Democrat
A few days ago, after a debate gone wrong, I was approached by a fellow College Democrat and was asked the following questions: Why do you keep on doing what you are doing? Why do you waste your time in senseless debates with those who don’t have neither sense nor know what sense is? Is it really worth it?
The answer obviously rests in my desire to facilitate the dissemination of information in an otherwise arid political environment. Since this will be the last time I will be authoring a guest column for the Statesman (please hold your glee), I thought it would be appropriate to lay out before you some of the main reasons why I am a Democrat.
I am a Democrat because I believe we as human beings are meant to function in societies, and as such each of us has an inherent right and obligation toward this societal order we are all a part of. We have the right to rely upon our fellow human beings for assistance in time of need; and we also have the obligation to extend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate and who have not been blessed with the same gifts, riches or opportunities that some have.
In the broader context, this reliance upon one another is regulated by a government that has been established for the common good of all, and I emphasize all, according to laws and statutes that regulate such behavior. Hence the need for establishing programs that reach out, such as welfare, health care and social security. In my view, individual economic circumstances must be mitigated so that the gap between the haves and the have-nots is lessened to bridge the chasm to success and self-sustainability.
I also feel that we have a right to choose and exercise our rights and uphold our obligations enshrined in the laws of this land. In matters of religion, the government must play the role of the guarantor of the right to worship for all, regardless of gender, race or creed. The government mustn’t at any time impose upon any portion of the population its views on the morality and rightness of one sect’s religious views over the other Copy Ed 4/11/04 another. In all matters of religion and morality, the government must remain impartial.
I believe that American foreign policy should be multilateral and respectful of the world community. If it is indeed the interest of the United States we are after, than we should not allow misguided ideologies to isolate us from our allies, old or new. By being engaged in a constructive manner with other world actors and conscientious of the need for meaningful cooperation, the United States can maintain its hegemonic position by preserving both its soft and hard power.
I also believe that it is our duty as Americans and as citizens of the world to stand up for human rights, peace, justice and democracy. There is no better way to do so then by setting an example here at home. We must fight to make sure that our liberty and freedom are not curtailed by shortsighted ideologues and policies, such as the Patriot Act.
Internationally, we must also always be consistent in our objectives and resist labeling our imperial urges as ostensibly human rights endeavors. When calling for a regime change in the name of human rights, we must be prepared to implement meaningful and democratic reforms, rather than substitute one tyrannical order with the other simply because the latter is amenable to our interests in the region. Of this the Democratic Party has been guilty at various times.
In conclusion, I would simply remind all of you not to take democracy for granted. Most wander oblivious of the momentous changes that are taking place in the domestic and international political and social landscapes. Most choose to abrogate their rights as free people by allowing others to decide and think for them. I would urge all of you to seriously consider and critically appraise your current station and determine how you will make a difference in the future of this great country. One recommendation: Vote.
Medlir Mema is a senior majoring in political science. Comments can be sent to medlirm@cc.usu.edu.