The title is a reflection on David Frum’s recent article in the Atlantic entitled, "The Republicans Need to Embrace Liberalism." So do not be totally put off by the concept. In his piece, he quotes Yale sociologist Jonathan Reider from 1985:
Since 1960, the Jews and Italians of Canarsie have embellished and modified the meaning of liberalism, associating it with profligacy, spinelessness, malevolence, masochism, elitism, fantasy, anarchy, idealism, softness, irresponsibility, and sanctimoniousness. The term conservative acquired connotations of pragmatism, character, reciprocity, truthfulness, stoicism, manliness, realism, hardness, vengeance, strictness, and responsibility.
I can’t say that the definitions and accusations have changed all that much in the decades, rather, they have imploded into hateful rhetoric. The title, “Liberal,” has a damning, caustic effect and the admission of being “Conservative” gets the biggest eye-rolls and vomit-faces. Neither label promotes healthy conversations about the country we all love.
While I respect the efforts of David Frum, lifelong Republican and Never-Trumper, I do not think this liberal soul can embrace conservatism as it has been used to support bigotry, corruption, and human rights violations worldwide. I do think that in order to close the gaps in writing legislation, we need to understand and accept the broader group that is calling themselves conservative because they adhere to some flexible areas of ideology. The question really is: What can Liberals do without to invite more people to the Democratic Party?
The first thing that we can denounce is the apparent elitism that frightens people for fear of being embarrassed by posting a grammar error when communicating online. I grew up with a father and older sister who are and were functionally literate only, meaning they read at no more than a fourth grade level. My father is deceased. My sister is highly opinionated and has horror stories of having to attend school in the 80’s with special educational needs. The discrimination of people like her, a liberal at heart, well, it breaks me when I see it. I want you to think about that when trashing someone with a different point of view based on their writing ability. For as much as I have seen this type of discrimination in the past ten years, it is no wonder that right wing pundits are quick to refer to liberals as ‘The Elite.’ Perhaps they crunched the numbers to see that a vast amount of people feel personally attacked when the critique of their opinion is based on their Lexile scores. The discrimination is more poisonous when English is their second language.
Next, stop bashing religion. Just today, while I was canvassing for Susan Wild PA-7, I met a man who is a registered Democrat who said he was undecided as he wants Planned Parenthood to be defunded for religious reasons. I had to think quick on my feet, I told him I can’t say anything against his religious beliefs, but that I had two things for him to consider: Planned Parenthood provides much needed education and a safe place for young women who may be too scared and poor to talk to their parents or doctor. I think I put a good worm in his ear without grandstanding. Additionally, if we are asking rightfully for the acceptance of all religions in the US without fear of prejudice, shouldn’t we include Christianity? I know there are many Christian Democrats, but for some teetering on that fence, the Democratic Party has been very careless in confusing all Christians with Crazy Right Wing Christians. Toning that down may improve the climate. No matter what, I believe in the separation of Church and State, but it is ignorant to think that legislation is written without strongly held beliefs. Perhaps barking about Christian Conservatives is like punching below the belt and then smacking yourself in the face. This would be a terrible thing for both parties involved.
Last and probably the most important, we really are guilty of answering questions about funding some of the most important social programs without deterring businesses and raising personal taxes. If Trump can find a maverick economist to twist and re-invent math for his terrible tariffs, we can find at least a hundred economists that can solve our growing money problems and we need to do that, like yesterday! Correct me if I am wrong and point me in the direction of where we can pay for all of the good things the Democratic party proposes. Please.