PHILOSOPHY
A United Party
In our effort to unite, I believe that we in the Democratic Party must be careful to not be divided as a party. Primarily, we must be more united in our message to the American people. I believe that the Democratic Party is united in heart, united in caring, united in wanting a better way, a nicer way, a more compassionate way, and a loving way. We are united in wanting a country where we all take care of each other.
But also, a country that maintains our personal freedoms and our innovative and creative ways, our entrepreneurial ways, our American ways, and within reason, our system of capitalism. But not an unbridled capitalism; not a trickle-down capitalism that grossly overcompensates a very few while underpaying the many and denying basic life necessities and securities for a growing number. Not an unbridled capitalism that runs itself, with no regard for many of the people it is supposed to serve. But instead, a more tamed capitalism: one that serves us all. We, as a party, are already united in all of this.
Learning from History
My study of history has taught me that we, as a party, must regain our past, glorious legacy. We are the party that gave the nation Social Security, the FDIC, the Works Progress Administration, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Tennessee Valley Authority; we gave the nation the methods and means to finance and win WWII—a war against fascism—and the way to win the peace after the war.
We gave the nation the GI Bill to help build a new, huge and thriving, middle class and to keep us from sinking back into the Depression after the war; we developed great public schools and universities, we gave the nation the minimum wage and any of its raises over the years; we gave the nation the Civil Rights acts to end Jim Crow discrimination and to work against all discrimination, and to fight voter suppression; we gave the country Medicare and Medicaid. All of this is just to name a few. All of these were initiated and brought about by our party. The Progressive, Democratic Party.
They were all primarily accomplished from 1933 to 1968, and continued to be strong until the re-emergence, in 1981, of the laissez-faire economic policies, which is to say, the “trickle-down” economic policies; those were the policies that gave us the Great Depression.
In my research, I learned that the Democratic Party had majorities in both the House and the Senate in 44 of the 48 years from 1933 to 1981. Let me repeat that because I think it is so significant. The Democrats were the majority party in both houses for almost 48 straight years. It was during those 48 years of Democratic majorities that all of the aforementioned accomplishments were realized. During those years, we had a much more Progressive income tax structure. That was wiped out during the ‘80s with the major tax cuts, particularly for wealthy Americans.
My Campaign
I plan to run a campaign that helps all Democrats win. I want to help us gain those large majorities in both houses again, and then help us determine how we can keep those large majorities for another 48 years or more. I believe that that is 100% dependent on us being able to deliver on the issues themselves. Not just talk about them. We need to begin a new stream of great accomplishments. Let us always keep the concept of truly winning on the issues themselves as our constant goal and theme, our real goal.
I believe that currently, the easiest issue on which we can, and should, immediately deliver is Social Security. We can vote to keep it strong, to expand it, and to improve it, and make it better than ever. We can do that immediately once we have a significant majority and a president who will not veto it. Or, better yet, a veto-proof majority now and forever. Of course, if we can gain a veto-proof majority, the presidency will soon be ours, too.
But even before then, a great Social Security-saving bill coming out of the next Congress will be difficult for any president to veto. Vetoing it would be highly unpopular. The president, whoever it is, will almost have to sign it.
Ending the Divide
So, when I say we need to unite the party, I don’t mean on the issues, because I believe we are mostly united on those already. What I do mean, is we need to speak with one voice, and it must be a unifying voice, and a welcoming voice; one that even welcomes those who have voted against us in the past. One that aims to unite people rather than divide.
We need to organize and work together as a unit, all over the country. We need to run this midterm election as a single “vote for us” election, instead of a multitude of “vote for me” elections. We need to treat it like a presidential election and get people fired up about it. We need to be enthusiastic. We need to be contagious, electrifying, and entertaining!
But always show our love and compassion mixed with our practicality and common sense.
So, in an effort to not only build a better future, but also create a better now, I am committed to working with all Americans toward ending the great divide in the country.
Join Me
I plan to run a national campaign for this local office. No Democrat has won this District since 1976, and I know that going in. It’s a heavily gerrymandered Red District. I want to run a national, informational campaign; I want to help start a national movement that I think can make a difference whether I win or lose.
I believe, and I believe this strongly, that we have to have huge majorities and that I can help that happen—that I can help Democrats all over the country win. It’s big majorities that we need and that is what has to happen if we wish to truly accomplish the great objectives in our platform, which are truly objectives for all. I also believe that this national campaign is the best way to increase my own chances of winning. But I will need much help.
So, I hope you will join with me and help me spread the word.
And I want to leave you with this thought:
As we begin to believe that we can have a better future, that belief will we be the beginning of a better now.
Stay Informed
Together, we can build a united country and an economy for all. Sign up to stay informed and learn about how you can get involved in Gary's campaign.