Central Texas Democrats

To be a Democrat in this modern age means to inherit a fearful nation and give it new confidence and new strength. It means creating policies that transform our nation into something stronger and more compassionate than it was before. Our great opportunity is to build on the legacy of the Democratic Party, adapt it to modern times and lead with strength and clarity. To paraphrase John Fitzgerald Kennedy, we look forward and not behind. We welcome new ideas without rigid reaction. We care about people, their health, their housing, their jobs, their schools, their civil rights, and their civil liberties. And we believe that we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad.

It would be easy to leave this work to the presidential candidates. But I believe that we must define this new vision. The challenges we face are both global and local, but they are all interrelated. How can we address immigration without addressing our trade policies? How can we deal with fanatical extremists abroad and protect the civil rights of American citizens at home? The United States earns the respect of the world when we act on our principles instead of violating them. We spend more on defense than all the nations of the world combined, but we have not bought more security.

Nationally, the middle class, the backbone of this country, is squeezed by globalization, corporate greed rewarding a few at the very top, and soaring costs for basic needs from gas to health care.

Our real security as a nation can no longer be measured by our defense budget alone. The true test of our greatness is whether we have the capacity and the will to adapt to change and innovate at a pace which keeps up with the change thrust upon us. In 2006, we responded in New Hampshire and across the country by sweeping new leaders into office. Some are frustrated at the pace of that change. Congress is a body that thrives on incremental change. I am impatient also. I can already feel the competing pressures as a member of congress that would sap my passion if I am not vigilant.

We made a good start in 2006 by returning the voice of the people to the people's House in both Concord and Washington. But our work has just begun. We have a great opportunity as Democrats to seize this moment and rally the nation around us. I believe Democrats bring a fundamentally different world view to the business of governing. We recognize that we live together in an interrelated world, that cherishing freedom at home means acting morally abroad. We know that to project our power in the world, our cultural diplomacy and statesmanship are at least as important as our military might. To lead the world, we must stand on moral high ground. A nation which tortures its prisoners in secret prisons cannot hold itself up as a moral and compassionate world leader. We must lead with the force of our founding principles and strive towards equality, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as the birthright of everyone, everywhere.

So, let us continue to revitalize our Democratic Party. Let us build new partnerships and new coalitions while strengthening our traditional ones. To those on the left, stick with us as we work to resolve the war in Iraq. To Independents and Republicans of conscience, welcome aboard because we recognize the value of fiscal prudence, free markets and common sense. We know that this is no time to rest on our laurels. We have the ability to rise to meet any challenge. It is time for boldness, policies and programs as large as the issues before us. As Martin Luther King said, we must respond to the fiery urgency of now. My friends, this is our country, this is our flag, and this is our time.

Hope, faith, and optimism have always defined the American spirit. Never before have those qualities been more urgently needed. With a sense of urgency and in keeping with our optimistic American spirit, Democrats are advancing a New Direction for America. We believe America should work for everyone – not just the privileged few – by building opportunity and prosperity for all and guaranteeing real security. That was the vision of our Founding Fathers; that is our vision for the future. We know that Americans can work together to meet the serious challenges facing our country, create a stronger nation, and build a safer and freer world.

Over the past decade, the Republican majority in Congress has taken our nation in the wrong direction. Too many Americans are paying a heavy price for those wrong choices: record costs for energy, health care and education; jobs shipped overseas; and budgets that heap record debt on our children. For millions, the middle-class dream has been replaced by a middle-class squeeze. In spite of lessons learned by 9/11 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, independent experts tell us Americans are still not as safe as we should be, and America’s leadership around the world has eroded.

Democrats are proposing a New Direction for America – to reassert our role as a respected international leader. Our New Direction advances national security priorities that are tough and smart, a military second to none, and a firm commitment to building diplomatic alliances to defeat terrorism, promote freedom, alleviate poverty, and stop global warming.

The New Direction for America advances the right priorities – to make our nation safer and our economy fairer; to make health care and college more affordable; to energize America with energy independence; and to guarantee a dignified retirement for all Americans. These initiatives – the product of a united Democratic House Caucus working together with our Senate colleagues - are our priorities for the 110th Congress. We are committed to building an America where all families can live and prosper in diverse, safe, and vibrant communities.

With integrity, civility and fiscal discipline, our New Direction for America will use commonsense principles to address the aspirations and fulfill the hopes and dreams of all Americans. That is our promise to the American people.

Name	Discussions	Posted by
Political Forum	14	2010/04/18 02:23:49
General Discussion	3	2010/03/26 21:42:24

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  After a tough few months, will Democrats be able to regain momentum once they get the health care reform bill passed and signed?

  5 votes

  by texas_democrat_06 2010/01/17 01:15:48