Democrats stand for freedom and fairness
With the election just around the corner, we Democrats have a lot of work to do. Especially when it comes to explaining what the heck we stand for. We’ve forgotten one of the basic tenets of messaging. Keep it simple. Democrats stand for freedom and fairness.
Freedom and fairness is an idea that’s easy enough for anyone to remember. The “freedom” part means that we get to live our lives the way we want, as long as we’re not hurting others. “Fairness” means everyone has to play by the same rules.
Some of my fellow Democrats get nervous talking about freedom, but I say we have to. Freedom is one of the core values of our democracy and we can’t allow Republicans to lie about it. Despite what they say, most of them want to control women and their bodies. How is that freedom? How is that fairness?
Another big source of conflict between words and actions involves school funding. Republicans vote to take money from public schools for private school vouchers, without requiring private schools to follow the same laws as public schools. Private schools don’t have to use an approved curriculum. And they don’t have to accept students with special needs. Not another penny should go to private schools until public schools are fully funded. Freedom (of school choice) doesn’t work without fairness.
Every major issue that separates Democrats from Republicans can be talked about using this framework. I hope you’ll give it a try. From guns and taxes to drug policy, gerrymandering, and more, freedom and fairness provides a simple, honest way you can use to help others see what Democrats stand for.
It’s time for each of us to get out there and spread the word: Republicans want freedom for rich, privileged people, and they think fairness is for suckers. Democrats understand that freedom and fairness go hand-in-hand as the foundations of our democracy.
Things Republicans support that aren’t fair
Women being denied dignity and control over their bodies
NC teachers being paid a salary that ranks 46th in the country
People working three jobs to make ends meet, while CEOs make 2000 times more
Emergency rooms being used for primary care
No easy access to crisis mental health services
Wealthy families getting vouchers for private schools, taking dollars from public schools that remain underfunded
Rich people getting tax credits at the expense of the middle class
Ignoring equal rights and legal protections for minorities and LGBTQ people
Lawmakers drawing their own districts to unfairly choose their voters
Preventing workers from organizing to get safe working conditions
A judicial system driven by political gain and nepotism
NC Republicans lying about elections – Biden won
| Rights and Freedoms | GOP unfair policies | What Democrats are fighting for |
|---|---|---|
| Family choice | Government intrusion into personal decisions | Abortion rights, choice, privacy |
| Education | Preferential treatment for private schools | All schools treated equally; public schools funded fairly |
| Health care | Preventing poor people from having access | Affordable healthcare for all |
| Voting | Rigging maps; voting roadblocks | Fair maps; Access to voting |
| Environment | Climate change is a hoax | Common sense safeguards |
| Public safety | Promotes reckless gun ownership | Sensible gun safety laws to protect people |
| Taxes | The rich get richer | Wealthy and corporations pay fair share |
| Justice | Justice plays politics | Justice is fair and impartial |
| Local decision-making | State control over local decisions | Local control over local affairs |
As far as Republicans are concerned, fairness is for suckers.
Democrats are fighting for freedom AND fairness.
North Carolina needs both.