This is a weblog addressing the political middle-left. . . from my point-of-view, of course.
Do you know the difference?
Published on July 27, 2004 By Timmoth In Democrat
Just as the sun rises in the East so do Republicans attempt to define Democrats as lefty, liberal, uninformed and socialistic. Do they really believe that to be the case?

I was watching George McGovern, democratic candidate of old, and Bob Dole have a friendly debate the other night. It was very civil, unlike any of the discourse you hear today. Anyway, George was talking about giving health care to all uninsured children under 6 years of age. Then he said, if that worked, extend it to children under 18 years of age. Bob Dole surprised me by saying he agreed with that approach, but that he favored finding a private sector solution to the issue.

A few things caught my attention, first a Republican wanted to help young people get health insurance, a masterful idea because that would take away a huge burden on poor families trying to make it . Secondly, that he thought there needed to be a private sector solution to the problem. I'm not sure, but I get the feeling that Republicans don't like any social programs what-so-ever. I've come to understand the "pull yourself up by the boot straps" mentality, which is great for those who can do that. The question is. . . is it necessary for everyone? And why does one group get to decide what's best for another group? More on that some other time.

What exactly is it about a social program that scares Republicans so much? I think it has to do with socialism--A completely different economic system from capitalism. We have markets controlling food, commerce, entertainment , virtually every aspect of our lives, then someone mentions "Wouldn't it be great if we help out a group of people with lesser means" by providing them health care or education assistance and frankly, all hell breaks loose. Barrages of anti-American accusations, not to mention other accusations of socialism ,or worse, communism. This has got to be a slippery slope fear that if we let one social program take hold we are undoubtedly setting a terrible precedent economically. As if soon we'll be given our monthly government stipend for movie tickets and dog food.

What confounds me the most is that I don't want America to be a socialist country. I don't know about the far left, but it seems to me that most people would think moving up in your job and getting more money and prestige because of your talent and experience is a good thing. And yeah, maybe I could buy a nicer car or live in a nicer house as a result. I don't want to stay on a waiting list just to see a doctor or some other professional. I just want to have that option if I were to come on hard times. A little compassion for our fellow Americans is all I ask. There's plenty of capitalism left to make people rich. Besides a more literate, educated, healthy America is better for everyone. Wouldn't you agree?

Comments
on Jul 27, 2004
Are people who don't support governmental assistance programs compassionless or do they simply prefer private organizations to do the charity? I don't consider it more compassionate to support government programs to help others with other people's money.
on Jul 27, 2004
Ah, you will burn in hottest fires of Joeuser hell for daring to suggest that compassion should be shown to those less fortunate.
on Jul 27, 2004
I am a libertarian, and believe it or not, have the same goals.

There are many problems with a state organized system to "solve" the problem. The first is, government bureaucracy has proven to be the most inefficient way of handling and administering the funds (probably why Dole advocates for private sector solutions). The second is, government programs never work to their own obsolescence. We need programs that "teach the poor to fish", not GIVE them fish...40+ years of failed experimentation with an entitlement based system should have taught us that much at least.

The problems of illiteracy, poor health care, and poverty are quite complex, and cannot be solved by simply throwing more money at the problem. We need a system that somehow teaches responsibility and self reliance, rather than the "gimme" system to which we have all become accustomed.
on Jul 27, 2004
Besides a more literate, educated, healthy America is better for everyone. Wouldn't you agree?


Yes. I'm in favor of school vouchers, are you? (Kerry and most Democrats aren't.)

Most of the funding, administration, and oversight of primary and secondary education occurs at the local level. I think it should stay that way. I think the role of the federal government should be to hold failing schools accountable when state and local government does not. I generally agree with President Bush on education. GeorgeBush.com Education Page
on Jul 27, 2004
Yes. I'm in favor of school vouchers, are you?


I'm not in favor of school vouchers. As a homeschool parent, I know that if government money is appropriated towards private and homeschools, it's not long before government control comes with it (and as the government is increasingly leaning towards the UN's view on things, it's only a matter of time before they take a dim view of the "religious indoctrination" that goes on).

Frankly, I can't see why people are lined up asking the government to tighten their chains.
on Jul 28, 2004
As a homeschool parent, I know that if government money is appropriated towards private and homeschools, it's not long before government control comes with it


That is certainly something we need to guard against. The money should be controlled by parents, not by the government. One of the major reasons that many people are against vouchers is because they would provide money to schools that would not be controlled by the government.

Right now public schools are the only viable education option for many people. Public schools are completely controlled by the government. I don't think that giving more people more choices in education is "tightening chains" around them.
on Jul 28, 2004
Am I in favor of school vouchers? generally not. It would create segregation and lack of diversity. I do not however want to trap good students in bad schools. Therefore the ability to be released from a school district should be an option for students. I would be in favor of a program where a team of super teachers and administrators descend on a school, find the problem(s) and bring the school back to an acceptable level. My hope is that they would take it even further and try to create a school like Boston Latin in Massachusetts where there is a waiting list to get in! Maybe then the students who left would be getting in line to get back in.
on Jul 28, 2004
It would create segregation and lack of diversity.


How exactly would that happen? If the private schools in a certain area do better than public schools, isn't it better for children to be able to go to the private schools?
on Jul 28, 2004
Madine,
Thanks, you made me think about this one. The way I see it, the goal is to improve the public school. Why, because it's free. The private school can set any amount as it's tuition so the government would be faced with either footing a larger bill or underfunding the voucher. If that were done, only the richest kids could escape the school, not the smartest. Perhaps the private school could set up a scholarship for attracting the best students, that would pull the gifted students out of the bad school. But ultimately, those who couldn't afford to leave would be stuck in a bad school. They would all be from a lower socio-economic background. The good school would carry on and the bad school would still be bad.