The Decision-Maker

by James M. Kiss
St. Mary's Georgia

But this question demanded an answer. My friend's daughter asked it for her (for credit) adult evening school class in American Government. And my friend is a good friend. It's a tough question and answers over the decades have varied from Will Rogers "I’m not a member of any organized party--I'm a Democrat," to a more recent claim "God told me to be a Republican." No, those are not helpful so let's move on.

Historical distinctions? Family traditions? Ideological conviction? Raw opportunity? Economic self interest? Intellectual superiority? How about the values continuum? Try these yourself (And please don't say both - one must be your preference.). Are you for:

1. Better public services or lower taxes?
2. A rigid moral code or tolerance of behavior?
3. More guns or fewer guns?
4. Full faith in the "unseen hand" or government intervention to even the playing field?
5. Leading the world in the search for global harmony or leading the world?
6. Environmental safeguards or economic opportunity?
7. New ideas demand new solutions or hold fast to proven tradition?

James M. Kiss is a director of Harrington Group LLC, which specializes in international political/economic assessments and forecasting. He has, for over 30 years, advised major government and private sector clients on business to government and government to government matters. Mr. Kiss served four years as a member of the White House Business/Public Affairs Advisory Group. He is a founding trustee of The Progressive Policy Institute, a prominent Washington policy think tank, and was one of the founders of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council.

Some Democrats believe there is a role in society for government at all levels to serve the people as an enabler/partner, achieving a more perfect world through that partnership, so long as the balanced roles are strictly observed. Some Republicans believe that only individual self reliance and survival of the fittest will succeed and once government gets involved, if it is not strictly monitored, the individual will be stifled.

The role of government

Radical Democrats believe government has a duty to right wrongs and correct social and economic injustices and imbalances to "promote the general welfare." Radical Republicans believe government is the enemy and government intrusion into the social compact and economy is destructive of the individualism that marks the American character. Democrats believe progress bubbles up; and that "a rising tide lifts all boats." Republicans believe progress trickles down; just rely on growth, investment and free competitive enterprise and the rest will take care of itself.
 

Democrats believe government has a social obligation to those less fortunate. They have a history of designing and supporting social safety nets, e.g. Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid. Republicans believe social programs inevitably rob people of individual initiative, and, if left alone, most would do better on their own.

Democrats believe every man/woman is born free and has the right to rise as far as his/her ability allows and each individual has an obligation to help his fellow man. Government’s job is not only to protect but also be the instrument of that help. Republicans believe every man/woman is born free and has the right to rise as far as his/her ability allows. Government’s only job is to protect and defend him and his property.

Steadfast on defense

Democrats and Republicans alike, although differing on strategies and tactics, are steadfast in their commitment to maintaining a global military force second to none and a national defense and security structure relevant to 21st century challenges.

The other day, a friend, a centrist Democrat, sent me the following quote from New York Times columnist David Brooks, a conservative Republican. Brooks wrote in his column, "I love globalization, even while I am aware of its costs. I love the fact that American businesses are going to be improved via competition with Chinese and Indian rivals. I love the dynamism of capitalism and, like Alexander Hamilton, that doesn't mean I hate government. I love government when it lifts people up to compete. I hate government only when it stifles competition and coddles. I hate government that directs ever more money to the affluent elderly."

I am pleased when my friend the Democrat and Mr. Brooks find themselves in sync. It makes America not only stronger, but more relevant to the rest of the world.

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