Amid the ongoing childish liberal hysteria about Hillary Clinton's loss, there are (finally) beginning to be a few adult liberal voices beginning to think about what the Democrats need to do next. One of the best I have seen thus far is Bryan Dean Wright's opinion piece Now that Trump’s officially won the White House here are 10 ways Dems must drain their own swamp. And, interestingly enough, considering that Wright is a liberal, it was published on the conservative Fox news website.
For those who can't reach the original story (there seems to be a block on some devices), here are his points:
1. Elites Must Go. We will push aggressively for a constitutional amendment for term limits. We also support a lifetime ban on elected officials serving as lobbyists. You don’t drain a swamp just to let it fill back up again.
2. Fair Trade. NAFTA and the World Trade Organization must be renegotiated. For 20 years, we have shipped jobs abroad with the promise of cheap goods and better jobs in return. Economists acknowledge this arrangement has failed.
3. Economic Vitality. We support rebuilding America’s infrastructure to facilitate job growth and protect the health of our people. This is especially true in rural America and inner cities. Meanwhile, we must address the economic tsunami heading our way: Silicon Valley’s automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
4. Education. We staunchly support public education and recognize the tough position of today’s teachers. Still, there is room for reform. Charter schools are part of that solution.
5. Energy. The elites shipped us off to wars and conflicts for oil. No more. It’s time to rebuild our electrical grid and let the free market develop solar, wind and natural gas projects in its place; no Solyndras.
6. National Security. We embrace the goal of making countries democratic, but not by the barrel of a gun. Wars like Iraq and Libya must end. Next, our fight against terrorism should include a tough line against the radical Islamic ideology that pours from Saudi Arabia. Finally, we must build an aggressive capacity to address asymmetrical threats like cyber attacks.
7. Corporate America. Wells Fargo recently admitted to opening up two million fake accounts in our names. This isn’t an anomaly: big corporations often chase profits at the expense of the American worker. We will fight any efforts to roll back common sense rules to keep businesses honest.
8. Environment. The Iroquois tribe had it right – every decision should consider how it would impact seven generations in the future. Our posterity deserves the cleanest water and freshest air we can give them, even if that means we sacrifice today.
9. Social Issues. The government should get out of our bodies, our bedrooms, and our churches. So long as our choices don’t involve taxpayer money, it’s no one’s business but our own. Next, we reject identity politics and their corrosive effects on the nation. Finally, we embrace individual responsibility and accountability.
10. Social Safety Net. We understand that the government can be a force for good if it’s directed properly. Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are prime examples of that. We are amenable to reform but not if it undermines America’s basic protections for the most vulnerable.
I think his prescription is right on, and if followed would probably bring the Democrats back into contention fairly quickly, both at the state level and nationally. But of course it probably won't be followed, because its very first step is to dump the liberal elites who have run the party into the ground over the last decade, and they aren't likely to step aside easily. Too bad, because the nation is much healthier and much safer when there are two strong political parties in contention.
Still, once the shriller voices die down, if they ever do, perhaps the Democrats will get real and rethink their message and their strategy. One can hope.
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