America has entered a new era. So must the Democratic Party.
We cannot move our country forward if our party is moving backward. From
fighting terror and tyranny to expanding opportunity and trade, America
must lead the world, not retreat from it. We must champion the economic
interests of the forgotten middle class, not promise them the moon on
their nickel. Our goal must be expanding opportunity, not bureaucracy,
and preserving old values, not old programs.
Our country needs us to move forward, because in too many ways the current
administration is setting America back. The president promised a "responsibility
era," but refuses to take responsibility for solving the nation's
problems or balancing the nation's books, and more often winks at irresponsibility
than cracks down on it. He promised to restore integrity to the Oval Office,
but all too often has doled out favors to favorite interests. He has dithered
in the face of a business culture that lets those at the top break the
rules and help themselves at the expense of those who work hard and do
right. His economic plan has deepened the gulf between the rich and the
rest of America, as the economy and incomes have stopped growing and privilege
has continued to spread. Far from changing the tone in Washington, the
president has only worsened the partisan stalemate.
This administration has failed to address the real problems that most
Americans face: paying the soaring costs of health care and college; saving
for retirement; balancing work and family. This president has no agenda
for the forgotten majority. We do:
We believe in asking more of Americans, because every American has the
duty and desire to put country first.
We believe that government's first responsibility is to protect its citizens.
The current administration has asked too little of the American people
and done too little to make them safe. We cannot have national security
without energy security.
We believe the central mission of our time is to stand up for America's
security and ideals in the world. We should use diplomacy without contradiction
and force where necessary to defend America's way of life.
We believe in economic growth for all Americans. Government's responsibility
is to put its own house in order, keep the private sector honest, expand
markets here and abroad, and make sure all Americans who are willing to
work have the chance to get ahead.
We believe our economy should favor people who work hard and play by
the rules, not those at the top who do well by doing wrong. The private
sector is the engine of economic growth, and we can't be for jobs if we're
against business. But corporate leaders have a responsibility to make
sure those who do the work reap the rewards of growth.
We believe that expanding opportunity and demanding reform go hand in
hand. We support tax reform that rewards work and family, not tax cuts
that reward wealth and privilege-because a progressive tax code is the
only American way to pay for government. Every American who works should
be able to afford health care and save for retirement. We should pay teachers
better and expect more in return, and give all Americans willing to work
or serve the chance to earn their way through college.
Finally, we believe the family is the foundation of American life, and
that we cannot truly call ourselves the richest country on earth when
parents don't have enough time with their children. Government and businesses
have a responsibility to help parents balance work and family, and parents
have a responsibility to support their children and spend the time to
raise them right.
Americans deserve a government and a nation that put our basic values
of faith, family, freedom, hard work, and responsibility back at the heart
of all we do. The time has come for New Democrats to usher in a new era-where
Americans' safety is paramount, family is honored, hard work is rewarded,
responsibility is a way of life, and our leaders put country first.
-- The Editors
