Reply #5: Democrats must stop pandering to special interest groups

[craigfarmer]

Democrats must stop pandering to special interest groups, and start being true Liberals.

That means using facts, logic, and being informed by all relevant sources of information. Then offering policy ideas that benefit all Americans.

Republicans once again are proposing ideas about fundamental institutions, and we as Democrats are left responding, often trying to scare specific groups about horrible consequences to come.

As a Newliberal, I believe we have to LEAD the NEW ideas movement. This includes offering ideas to get people dreaming of what the country would be like in Democratic hands. Our selling point for the past decade has been: WE AREN'T REPUBLICANS.

Also, we should support the President when he has a good idea, and make it better.

This President has offered numerous Liberal ideas that we have incorrectly tried to paint him as either cynical or EXTREME:

1. No Child Left Behind

2. Immigration reform

3. Affirmative Action with his appointments

4. Prescription drug benefit in Medicare


I personally disagree with many of these "liberal" ideas Pres. Bush has offered, BUT we should use him as an example to rebuild the "liberal" label, rather than trying to convince people that the President is out to get them.

On SOCIAL SECURITY:

As liberals, we should accept these principles that the President has advocated:

1. maintain and strengthen Social Security

2. provide personal accounts to build an ownership society

We need to view the debates we have from the perspective of an average citizen not finely attuned to politics.

They have personal accounts in retirement plans, and bank accounts.
Democrats need to craft a realistic proposal that maintains security, while utilizing 21st century market-values.


1. Divide Social Security into two parts similar to Medicare part A and part B.:

A. Defined benefit that provides a basic guaranteed benefit

B. personal account that can be passed on to heirs or
or donated.


2. Allow people to divert up to 40% of part A money into Part B.

3. Part B should be progressive so that poor people receive a 2-1
matching credit up to a certain amount, while the middle class is
held harmless; and the rich give up money in the diversion.

4. Individuals could invest Part B money in numerous financial
instruments that are approved based on their risk/age.

5. Accurate indexing of all defined benefits, so that inflation is not
over/understated.


Money needed for transition could be financed through a new financial agency run independent of the government; similar to the Federal Reserve. They could issue debt, and repay it from the system's own funds over the next generation.

Social Security could become totally separate from the general revenue, and not subject to political chicanery.

check for new ideas at http://www.newliberals.org

we're making the word "liberal" safe again!