America: A Nation Divided

America: A Nation Divided.

In George Washington’s Farewell Speech on September 19, 1796, he warned against political parties as follows: The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissention, which in different ages & countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual: and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty (J.E. Quidam, 2008).
This ideology seems to have evolved and held truth for the past 227 years as now Americans are even more divided by political parties than any other stature. According to Edward S. Greenberg and Benjamin I. Page’s “The Struggle for Democracy”, political ideology is defined as a system of interrelated and coherently organized political beliefs and attitudes, which include conservatives, liberals, populists, and libertarians (145). Greenburg and Page further describe that the “two dimensions” that Americans generally divide along are government’s roles in economy and society (147). Conservatism can be defined as the disposition to preserve or restore what is established and traditional and to limit change (2013). There two different types of conservatives, economic and social. Economic conservatives believe more in economic liberties and freedoms from government interference, and that a free market offers the best path to economic efficiency and a decent society. They strongly believe in private enterprise and are opposed to big government regulation of business (Greenberg 147). Social conservatives prefer government enforcement of order and traditional values on issues such as abortion, prayer in the schools, homosexuality, pornography, crime and political descent (Greenberg 148). Liberals can be defined as those who favor free choices and the rights of the accused (Greenberg 148). There are also economic and social liberals. Economic liberals feel it is the role of government to ensure that underprivileged individuals have an equal opportunity, with safety nets in place to regulate potentially damaging business practices so they can be competitive in the job market (Greenberg 148). Economic liberals and social liberals usually go hand in hand and the same with economic conservatives and social conservatives. Some examples of economic and social liberals are President Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Nancy Pelosi. They favor ideas such as the right to abortion, separation of church and state, and more progressive taxes. Examples of economic and social conservatives are Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. They are against abortion, favor less government involvement in the economy and society, and support traditional family and gender roles. Although the economic and social liberals and economic and social conservatives are usually identified as one in the same, this is not always the case. Many people are liberal in some ways but conservative in others. A few examples of the latter are Milton Friedman, who is a social liberal but an economic conservative and Mike Huckabee, who is a social conservative but an economic liberal. Populism is typically defined as those that support the rights of the masses and give power to the people in the struggle against the privileged upper class. This person is usually liberal on economic issues but conservative on social issues. According to Greenberg, the Populist Party grew out of the Western and Southern farm protest movements in the late nineteenth century (266). An example of a Populist movement was in the 1890’s when they aimed at taming the new corporations of the day, especially the banks and railroads (115). Greenberg also describes how populism “behooves political candidates” by allowing them to portray themselves as ordinary people with lifestyles similar to everyone else’s (115). Libertarians define themselves in their platform as believing that individuals should be able to live their lives however they want as long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal rights of others. They also believe that the government’s only role is to help individuals defend themselves and protect their rights. They support freedom of expression, and oppose government regulation and control of communications and technology. This idea is shown through their slogan “minimum government, maximum freedom”. All four of those ideologies can be tied into the two major political parties seen in America today, these being the Republicans and the Democrats. There are staunch differences and similarities between these parties. This can be seen by comparing and contrasting each party’s views on issues such as education, family issues/ morality and ethics, welfare, healthcare, the economy, criminal justice, energy, the environment, and immigration. According to the Republican’s website, their view on education is “maintaining a world-class system of primary and secondary education with high standards in which all students can reach their potential”. They also believe that parents have the right to choose which schools their children should attend. George W. Bush’s “No Child Left Behind Act” is an example of one of the many attempts republicans have made to try and help students reach their potential. The act requires all public schools receiving federal funding to administer a state wide standardized test annually to all students. If the school’s results are repeatedly poor, then steps are taken to improve the school such as a two-year improvement plan. The Democratic Party also believe in making sure all children are able to reach their potential, but democrats have different views on how to achieve that. According to the Democrat’s website, the Obama administration is working to “overhaul” the “No Child Left Behind” program and as in turn instituted “Race to the Top”, a programs designed to “’promote innovation and provide incentives for improvement in education”. President Obama also signed into law student loan reform in 2010 to ensure that college was affordable to millions of Americans. Both parties seem to claim they want schools to adapt to the special needs of the students and they want to hold teachers and administrators accountable and responsible for the students performance. In that being said, it looks like both parties seem to be more similar on their views of education than they are different. Family issues, morality and ethics are some of the more complicated and sensitive issues Republicans and Democrats have to deal with. One of the more controversial topics in today’s society is the gay and lesbian marriage right. Republicans believe that traditional marriage (one man, one woman) is “the foundation of civil society” and claim that intact married families are “more likely to raise children who will attend college, are physically and emotionally healthier, and are less likely to use drugs or alcohol, engage in crime, or get pregnant outside of marriage”. Republicans also claim in their platform to be strong believers in adoption stating it “strengthens our communities and ennobles our nation”. Republicans are very strong believers in making the Internet “family-friendly” urging against such things as gambling and prosecution against child pornography. When it comes to Americans with disabilities, Republicans have set up certain acts such as “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” which has opened up unprecedented opportunities for many students. In contrast, Democrats focus in on some specifics of their beliefs on family issues, zoning in on topics such as rural Americans, accepting and respecting people of all faiths, and gay and lesbian rights. According to the Democrats, it is very important to ensure economic opportunity for family farmers, and overall improving the rural quality of life. When it comes to America’s faith based communities, Democrats believe that “an open and earnest discussion about faith can contribute to society in many ways, and can lead to greater tolerance and acceptance”. On the topic of gay and lesbian rights, Democrats are the big supporters and stand with this community in fighting to ensure that “all Americans benefit from the civil rights”. President Obama is actually America’s first president to stand up in support of same-sex marriage. Welfare and healthcare may be two of the most controversial topics in American politics today due to the fact that both parties differ greatly in their beliefs. Republicans believe in supporting common-sense reforms that will lower costs, and ensure quality health care that Americans deserve. They oppose government-run health care, believing that it won’t protect the doctor-patient relationship, competition, health care quality and choice. On the contrary, Democrats have wanted for nearly over a century to make health-care available to all Americans. President Obama’s health reform was passed in March 2010 ensuring this. According to the Democrats National Part website, this health reform calls for the eventual elimination of discrimination for pre-existing conditions, expanding health insurance coverage for an additional 32 million Americans, and providing the largest middle-class tax cut for health care in history. Republicans are trying to repeal “Obamacare”, believing it is a direct “attack on our Constitution, by requiring that U.S. citizens purchase health insurance”. Although Republicans may not support government-run health care, according to their platform, they do support federal healthcare research and development. Another yet very controversial issue that is often times heavily emphasized during major campaigns is the American economy. Most people can agree that this issue is very important and the ability for the growth of jobs is essential to our country’s economy. Republicans strongly believe that “prosperity is the product of self-discipline, work, savings, and investment by individual Americans”. They also believe that that “the vigor of our economy makes possible our military strength and is critical to our national security”. One of the main ideas that Republicans push in the economy is the “Great American Dream” which allows everyone to “own, invest, build, and prosper”. This helps contribute to the republicans adopted nickname, the GOP (Great Opportunity Party). According to their platform, Republicans feel that free market policies are the best way to ensure job growth and prosperity for all. When it comes to Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Republicans view this at the “backbone” of the United States economy. They also feel that the government has failed to meet small-business goals and is overall hurting their ability to grow. When it comes to taxing, republicans promote “simplicity and coherence” and have overall goals of such things as extending the 2001 and 2003 tax relief packages, reforming the tax code, eliminating taxes on interest and capital gains, and ending the death tax. When talking about the global economy, American republicans state in their platform that they support the recommendation of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and reform as well as President Obama’s Export Council, which states that “profits earned and taxed abroad may be repatriated for job-creating investment here at home without additional penalty”. Republicans believe the Obama administration has hurt America’s economy by having unemployment above 8% for 42 consecutive months, “the longest period of high unemployment since the Great Depression”. Democrats on the other hand according to their national website claim to have “stabilized the financial system and helped prevent a second Great Depression”. Who are American’s supposed to believe? Good luck with that one. One thing they can agree on is how important Small Businesses are to America. Democrats recently just passed the Small Business jobs Act, which gives tax breaks to small businesses for better access to credit. The American economy will always be a touchy-feely subject and it’s hard to believe which side is right and which side is wrong because the economy is changing everyday. When it comes to our countries public safety issue, the two parties seem to agree in the defending America’s homeland. Republicans feel like our countries focus should be on remaining “vigilant in confronting global terrorism”, and a “modern, agile, and adaptable” Armed Force. Democrats are focused on “preventing terrorism across the globe”. Democrats believe that to ensure this, our country needs to invest heavily on information and making sure our allies are aware of the knowledge. America’s Energy and Environment have also found their way of making up our countries major issues. Referring to the GOP’s platform, republicans state that they are committed to energy independence and feel that taking advantage of our “American God-given” resources are the best way to do this. They go on to describe how Coal is one of these resources that is claimed by them as “a low-cost and abundant energy source with hundreds of years of supply”. Republicans believe that Obama’s public threat to “bankrupt anyone who builds a coal-powered plant” is a mistake in the fact that there is no “cost-effective substitute” for coal or the hundred’s of thousands of jobs that go with the “nations largest source of electricity generation”. When it comes to agriculture, republicans find it necessary that farm programs should be “as cost-effective as they are functional”. Republicans also find that protecting our environment should best be managed by the states. Democrats on the other hand claim that they are focused heavily on developing all of America’s natural resources and encouraging fuel efficiency so that America doesn’t have to depend on foreign oil forever. Democrats also believe in restoring our environment and making sure we have clean-energy solutions. For example, the National Democratic website state that the Department of Transportation “issued new fuel-economy standard’s” under the Obama administration. Immigration is the final and probably the longest issue the two parties have had to find ways to solve. Republicans support programs such as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements that is an Internet base system that verifies the lawful presence of applicants. The Republican Party also supports reforming the immigration system to ensure that is “legal, safe, orderly and humane”, according to their platform. Democrats also see it necessary to reform the immigration system “grounded in the principles of responsibility and accountability”. They believe that the federal government should secure the borders, and that businesses that break the law by employing undocumented workers must be held accountable. They state that the undocumented workers must also admit to breaking the law, pay taxes and a penalty, and learn English before being able to earn citizenship. Political Values are common views with concepts of equality, freedom, consent of the governed, and capitalism that unite Americans/Texans. According to Greenberg, political equality can be defined as the idea that each person, being of equal intrinsic value as other human beings, carries the same weight in voting and other political decision-making. This wasn’t always the case, as we know for a long time African Americans and Women had no rights to vote and had to fight for their chance to be equal. Our countries Bill of Rights ensure political freedom to us. The right to free expression enables individuals to determine whom they elect and how they will serve the people. Consent of the Governed is a phrase directly from the Declaration of Independence. This principle gives the people the power to decide to overthrow the government if they feel they are being “abused through tyrannical, arbitrary, or unrepresentative rule”. The excerpt form the Declaration of Independence “…Pursuit of Happiness” ensures Americans free enterprise and capitalism. Mercatus Center at George Mason University describes this free market capitalism by using the example of the success of the people providing the best goods and services for the best prices. An example of consent of the governed presented in the republican platform is their claim to be “the part of government reform” and that it is the republicans intention to “not only improve management and provide better services, but also to rethink and restructure government to bring it into the twenty-first century”. The Republican Party also portrays the importance of political freedom in their platform while stating the First Amendment and making sure that Speech is protected. The Democratic Party also states examples of these values in their platform. Capitalism is shown through the platforms statement “ if the playing field is level, Americans will be able to compete against every other country on Earth. Equality is shown in their platform, as the democrats believe “accessible, affordable, and high quality health care is the American promise”. Although these two parties have both similar and different outlooks on these everyday issues, it is the American people’s job to participate in these politics. Many people find is discouraging to get involved because these two parties are constantly seen on the media fighting and attacking each other over their views. Together America has got to find a way to come together as one, or else we have become the exact prediction George Washington warned against in his farewell speech, a divided nation.
Works Cited
2012 Democratic National Platform. (2012). Retrieved from http://assets.dstatic.org/dnc- platform/2012-National-Platform.pdf
2012 Libertarian Party Platform. (2012). Retrieved from website: https://www.lp.org/files/LP Platform 2012.pdf
Chenoweth, E., & Young, J. P. (n.d.). Consent of the governed: Essential principles. Retrieved from http://www.democracyweb.org/consent/principles.php
Democratic National Committee. (2011, December 01). Democrats. Retrieved from http://www.democrats.org/issues/immigration_reform
Gop.com. In (2012). Republican National Committee. Retrieved from http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_home/
Greenberg, Edward S. and Benjamin I. Page. “The Struggle for Democracy”. Longman, 2011. Print.
Republican Party. (2010, February 10). On The Issues. Retrieved from http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Republican_Party_Immigration.htm

Cited: 2012 Democratic National Platform. (2012). Retrieved from http://assets.dstatic.org/dnc- platform/2012-National-Platform.pdf 2012 Libertarian Party Platform. (2012). Retrieved from website: https://www.lp.org/files/LP Platform 2012.pdf Chenoweth, E., & Young, J. P. (n.d.). Consent of the governed: Essential principles. Retrieved from http://www.democracyweb.org/consent/principles.php Democratic National Committee. (2011, December 01). Democrats. Retrieved from http://www.democrats.org/issues/immigration_reform Gop.com. In (2012). Republican National Committee. Retrieved from http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_home/ Greenberg, Edward S. and Benjamin I. Page. “The Struggle for Democracy”. Longman, 2011. Print. Republican Party. (2010, February 10). On The Issues. Retrieved from http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Republican_Party_Immigration.htm