According to Republicans“
In the New York Times opinion piece by Jamelle Bouie found at the link above, Jamelle provides a great synopsis as to why I will never vote for a Republican. On this blog, I have described my reasoning based on the “All men are created equal” clause found in the the Declaration of Independence. Jamelle is a much better author then I am.
FDR and the New Deal.
For years Republicans have attacked the New Deal. The reason is its expense and rewarding laziness. Jamelle points out the goals of New Deal by what Franklin Delano Roosevelt described in his 1941 State of the Union address as:
“Franklin Roosevelt said there was “nothing mysterious about the foundations of a healthy and strong democracy” and that he, along with the nation, looked forward to “a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.” Famously, those freedoms were the “freedom of speech and expression,” the “freedom of every person to worship God in his own way,” the “freedom from want” and the “freedom from fear.” The New Deal was all about creating a government which supported those freedom’s. It became the building blocks for the current Democratic Party. This is what the Republicans attack as negative, by the terms liberal, and we can not have socialism in this country.
Jamelle uses the current wave of Republican legislation to derive the Republican Four Freedoms. I urge you to read Jamelle’s Opinion in full. A quick synopsis follows.
Bodily Autonomy
He discusses the wave of legislation against gender affirming and abortion restrictions as an attack on “bodily autonomy”. Using the example of North Carolina’s recent override of a veto in North Carolina.
Wages and Business
He also notes legislation which relaxes labor laws for children as young as 14. The reasoning is the lack of low wage labor. Instead of increasing the minimum wage, Republicans are willing to exploit children in order to enrich business.
Education
Jamelle goes on to discuss the education laws in Florida. I’ve discussed the anti-WOKE act on this blog. These and laws across the country are an attempt to reduce exposure to how we might improve relations between our diverse population.
Gun Control
His final topic is gun control. Again, a topic I have written about on several occasions. To quote: “Republican effort to make civil society a shooting gallery.” He uses the many examples of Republican attempts to easy restrictions on guns across the country. The concealed and open carry laws are a focus.
Jamelle’s Four Freedoms, Republican Style
- Freedom to control the bodies of women and those who chose to not conform to their lifestyle.
- Freedom to exploit workers.
- Freedom to censor differing ideas.
- Freedom to menace by having weapons in a public place.
This is a perfect summary of many current Republicans.
I prefer the New Deal vision…
Over the years, improvements have been made, which reward working. Social Security has enabled many of our seniors to enjoy retirement. Medicare which grew out of the New Deal helps seniors control health care cost. Poor children are fed through New Deal related programs.
But the New Deal at it’s core was about jobs. Work programs at a time when jobs were scarce. It provided people with a sense of security and worth when both things were not available to all.
This is a philosophy which builds up individuals and doesn’t beat down those who are different. It is why it is so frustrating to hear individuals not recognize when their views don’t recognize the oppression which is occurring throughout our society.
Today’s thoughts by Neil L Brackley
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