LETTER: Party nurtures varied opinions

Editor,

Clichés, catch phrases, overgeneralizations. If you ask most Utahns about the Democratic Party that is most likely what you’ll receive. In Utah’s predominately Republican political climate, most don’t know what a Democrat really is. This attitude is intensified by articles such as the one appearing Nov. 17: “Republican, the real party of choice.” The message conveyed by this article is one of ignorance and fear. It plays on people’s moral and religious beliefs by creating the illusion that this is all the Democratic Party stands for – abortion and gay marriage. In reality, Democrats themselves vary dramatically in the way they approach these issues. The true focus of the Democratic Party is often forgotten under republican myth.

Democrats try to create a government that serves the people and creates a better society. Democrats want more focus on education, bringing more funds into public schools and providing a higher-quality college education at a lower cost to the students. Democrats want more support for social and family programs such as child abuse prevention, Head Start, domestic violence shelters, and programs helping minorities rise from poverty; these have all been dramatically downsized under the current administration. Democrats focus on environmental issues such as alternative energy sources and preserving plant and animal life. Democrats also support civil rights and want a more diplomatic foreign policy.

In summary, abortion is not the sum-all-end-all statement of the Democratic Party; quoting from the official democratic platform: “We … recognize that members of our party have deeply held and sometimes differing views on issues of personal conscience like abortion and capital punishment. We view this diversity of views as a source of strength, not as a sign of weakness, and we welcome into our ranks all Americans who may hold differing positions on these and other issues. Recognizing that tolerance is a virtue, we are committed to resolving our differences in a spirit of civility, hope and mutual respect.”

Keith Lewis