The Democratic Party’s Path Forward
The St. Joseph County Democratic Party did not boycott or protest on the day when billionaire and reality star Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.
With the National Democratic Party finding itself in the wilderness with an unsure future with uncertain leadership, we have to ask the question - So what happens next?
First, we recognize that we will start this year with the least popular President in likely the history of our country. Noting that Donald Trump lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes is not “sour grapes” politics — it’s an important distinction. A loss of that magnitude does not change the outcome, but it is also certainly not a “mandate” for Trump’s agenda. Even among those who supported him, his favorability remains low. That’s relevant and important.
Second, we heed the words of Mayor Pete Buttigieg and think local. Get involved and carve yourself out a voice in your community. Refuse to sit on the sidelines and instead choose to be someone who does something. We can’t control what goes on at the national level, but anyone can have a positive influence on their surroundings. Learn to disagree respectfully and the art of the compromise. Be open to finding the middle ground, because sometimes that’s where the best ideas originate.
Third, we must fundamentally understand what we stand for and live it every day. Three years ago, I spoke these words illustrating my beliefs when I was first elected Chairman of the St. Joseph County Democratic Party, and they are even more relevant and vital today as they were then;
I’m a Democrat because…
I believe in fighting for the interests of working families over corporate CEOs and Wall Street executives. I believe that when a person puts in a hard day’s work, they should expect do so in a reasonably safe environment for fair compensation. I don’t believe the multi-billion dollar corporations always make decisions with the well-being of their workers in mind, therefore, those workers should have the right to organize, make their voices heard, and have a seat at the table.
I believe in social justice, equality, and every person having the right to an equal opportunity to rise and fall based on their own merits. I believe that it doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come from; every child has the right to a quality affordable education and access to healthcare shouldn’t be determined by the size of your bank account.
I believe in being good stewards of the environment that gives and sustain life on this planet. I believe in fair and free elections while recognizing that the road to get there was too long and bloody to ever go back.
If you believe these things, then you must take action to protect them. I was a proud of my beliefs before this election and I am just as proud today. Democrats are supposed to fight for the underdog, and unless your income is in the top 1% of wealthy Americans, you are the underdog. I am not fearful of the future because I maintain my faith that we, as Americans, will rise to the challenge together and be better.
The feeling of despair after the election was fleeting, replaced only with rejuvenation and an ironclad resolve predicated on community spirit. Realize that there are no more footsteps to follow. Instead, it is time to carve our own path, a new one for the future. Now is the time to be bold and fearless. We aren’t done growing, we have only just begun. Choose to be that positive change in your community and if you need help, there are those who can show you the way. Our future can be bright.
The St. Joseph County Democratic Party did not boycott or protest on inauguration day. We were listening, learning, organizing, and growing. We will continue to do so but we need you to join us in carving this new path forward.
Looking to do your part? One way to get involved is to read the Indivisible Guide, which is written by former congressional staffers and is loaded with best practices for making Congress listen. Or follow this publication, connect with us on Twitter, and join us on Facebook.
