Because we here at Dowdytalk care, we took time out of our busy day to answer a questionnaire for the Democratic party. We even used the Commoner’s “I.”
How would you describe the current political climate?
Toxic. Both political parties cater to economic elites at the expense of everyday working Americans. We can expect this from the Republicans, but the Democrats have been complicit too, as evidenced by the preliminary report issued by President Obama’s deficit commission.
What do you believe the Democratic party stands for?
Historically, it stood for everyday Americans. Now it stands — in practice, though not in word — for neoliberalism and the gradual dismantling of middle class entitlements, including social security, education, and health care.
Why are you a Democrat?
Because our political system does not make it practically feasible to vote third party. Someone has to stand up to the Republicans. Their ideas are dangerous to everyone but a small cadre of self-interested billionaires (and even they are so short-sighted they’re probably a danger to themselves). Despite the fierce urgency of our present moment, however, the Democratic Party, time and time again, backs down from Republicans. What’s the deal?
I refuse to buy into the stereotypical line that Democrats are wimps. The real reason, sadly, that Democrats refuse to defend the interests of working Americans has less to do with sexist notions of masculine assertiveness and more to do with the unfortunate fact that the American political system — in particular, its legislature — is fundamentally corrupt. It’s really starting to look to me like the fix is in. We need campaign reform, and we need it now.