What are the basic tenets that the Democratic Party should believe in?

[kentuck]

This is not to say that there should be a litmus test in order to be a member of the Party. We can leave that to the Republicans. Nonetheless, are there some basic beliefs that almost all Democrats believe in?

For example, do most Democrats believe in a national health care system that will cover everyone? Do most Democrats believe in an increase in the minimum wage and the right of workers to organize? Do not most believe in human rights and equal rights for all our citizens? Do most Democrats believe in preserving the Social Security System? Do not most Democrats support the public schools system? Can someone be a Democrat in good standing if they support none of the above?

Although any Democrat may oppose one or the other of the above ideas, would that not make them still a good Democrat? How much loyalty do we really require to be a Democrat? Are we still the "big-tent" Party or have we narrowed our interests?

[BuyingThyme]

1. At least six of the first ten Amendments..

[Wetzelbill]

2. That it should never be referred to as the "Democrat" Party nt

[Lex]

3. That's a good place to start.

I agree.

[kentuck]

5. I apologize...

I made a change in the title and forgot to make that change. I was going to ask "Are there some basic tenets that a Democrat should believe in"...and changed it and forgot to add the "ic". I truly apologize. It was an error on my part. I simply overlooked it.

[Wetzelbill]

6. I thought it was a trick question

Like you were seeing if anybody would notice. :)

[kentuck]

8. Not this time.

:-)

[Wetzelbill]

11. I thought I was being extra smart too

Dammit. :)

[anonymous171]

4. The belief that Reaganomics does not work?

[Wapsie B]

7. Represent the lower and middle classes, single-payer national healthcare for all,

make corporations answer for misdeeds and eliminate corporate control of government.

[LooseWilly]

12. the Democratic party?

I think you have them confused with the Peace and Freedom party. The Democratic Party would never accede to more than, perhaps, one part of your platform... lest they be seen as "caving to the left". :scared:

[Occam Bandage]

15. Only one of those--single-payer--is an actual political stance.

The rest are buzzwords no more substantial than "must love America" or "must defend freedom."

[OmahaBlueDog]

9. We believe in a more perfect Union

We believe in Justice, promotion of the general Welfare, domestic Tranquility, and common defense.

We believe in the power of free enterprise. We recognize the enormous good that power can create, and the enormous harm that power can do if not checked and regulated.

We believe in the notion of government action for the common good. We believe in actions that create the greatest good for the greatest number.

We believe that those who have benefited the most from this great nation owe an obligation to give back in accordance with their blessings, and that those not so fortunate should be aided by those with the ability to do so.

[Lasher]

10. The New Deal.

It's not the only thing the Democratic Party should stand for, but when we start leaving the New Deal behind - as we did a decade ago when we went along with banking deregulation - it is a sure sign we have lost our way.

[leftstreet]

13. What does the Democratic Party Platform say?

Renewing America's Promise

The Democratic Agenda

We come together at a defining moment in the history of our nation –- the nation that led the 20th century, built a thriving middle class, defeated fascism and communism, and provided bountiful opportunity to many. We Democrats have a special commitment to this promise of America. We believe that every American, whatever their background or station in life, should have the chance to get a good education, to work at a good job with good wages, to raise and provide for a family, to live in safe surroundings, and to retire with dignity and security. We believe that quality and affordable health care is a basic right. We believe that each succeeding generation should have the opportunity, through hard work, service and sacrifice, to enjoy a brighter future than the last.

more

http://www.democrats.org/agenda.html

[hfojvt]

18. nice link, that should get more attention

there does not seem to be much interest in discussing the topic

[jdp349]

14. Good question

I think it's important to have a simple and strong answer when someone asks what the democratic party believes in and stands for. As it stands the democratic party is a bit of a catch-all party, though in presidential democracies where the legislature is elected in First Post the Post Plurality elections in single member districts this is bound to happen. Regardless the Democratic party should try to have a coherent and guiding ideology that fits in with the social interests we generally represent.

Personally I'd say if you have to give a sound bite answer.

"The democratic party believes that a nation is only as strong as it's people, and therefore strives to help maintain and build society with a thriving, educated, and civically minded middle class. We believe it is an imperative to preserve and IMPROVE upon values and traditions that built this country as we continue to grow, learn, and mature as a nation. We believe we must look to the future for solutions to new problems of a new variety and not retreat into the comfort and shelter and nostalgia of the past ... etc" It's political rhetoric but

Policy positions should grow out of a coherent guiding ideology. If I had to try and sell the democratic party I'd use these phrases.

Distributive Justice
Economic Mobility
Civil Rights and Liberties
Environmental and social sustainability
Multilateralism

Then I'd show how all of our policy stances are built on these ideas. For example, economic mobility you can talk about providing the poor with the necessary resources to better themselves and escape the bitter cycle of poverty. Then move into a concrete example talking about the number of uninsured people in the country who cannot better themselves because they are bogged down with medical bills. "we believe that basic healthcare is a fundamental economic right for our citizens. The number of uninsured Americans is unacceptable and is crippling the nation. THEREFORE (insert policy suggestion here)"

To sum it up, we should define ourselves by having a coherent and consistent ideology that allows us to rank and order issues in terms of their priority and then develop policy stances to confront those issues which must be consistent with that ideology.

[omega minimo]

16. At least 2 parties

[Nosmanic]

17. Basics

Democratic I don't know but as I liberal I believe that everyone deserves to be treated fairly, deserves basics like food, shelter, health care, a job at a good wage and safety, without greatly sacrificing freedom sorry if I'm being vague.

I have never been part of the Republican party but if/when Democratic are no longer a big-tent party, like Republicans became a small-tent party I'll probably leave.

[stray cat]

19. Whatever anyone on DU promotes - even if they are contradictory

:sarcasm:

[ColbertWatcher]

20. Justice, fairness, tolerance for all from all. n/t

[Canuckistanian]

21. A dedication to the restoration and maintenance of the Middle Class

And that includes:

1. Single Payer
2. Support for Unions and workers in general
3. Tough corporate regulation
4. A strong and viable social safety net
5. Creating and sustaining American employment
6. Financial Services reform
7. Homeownership protection
8. Food safety
10.Strengthening Education

And as a matter for ALL classes - environmental protection.