Democracy Now

by Clarus Candella

While criticisms abound regarding the priorities and strategies of both major political parties in the United States, the question of whether the ideologies of either party contribute to a functional and humane democracy is a complex and debated matter.

The American political landscape is marked by a deep divide between the Democratic and Republican parties, raising concerns about the prioritization of partisan interests over addressing critical human problems affecting working people and seniors. Critics argue that both parties, in their pursuit of maintaining voter bases, fall short in comprehensively tackling systemic issues. From a Democratic standpoint, accusations surface about the party's tendency to offer targeted benefits, characterized by some as "handouts," without fully addressing the underlying problems faced by a broader population. This critique suggests that Democrats prioritize preserving their voter base over implementing transformative solutions for everyday Americans.

Conversely, the GOP faces criticism for allegedly protecting centers of white nationalism, such as evangelicals and corporate right-wing extremism, to secure their majority white voter base. This strategy, detractors argue, might hinder the party's ability to legislate effectively on issues that impact a diverse working-class and senior populations, perpetuating social inequality. These critiques underscore the challenge of ensuring that political priorities align with the broader human needs of the American populace.

Examining the ideologies of both parties, some argue that the Democrats, with their emphasis on social programs and addressing systemic inequalities, are more ideologically capable of achieving effective outcomes for the basic human needs of the American population. The party's commitment to healthcare reform, workers' rights, and social safety nets aligns with a humanist perspective, envisioning a more inclusive and equitable society. However, a nuanced analysis reveals challenges within the Democratic party, including internal divisions and the need for compromise in those divisions, raising questions about its ability to enact transformative change. This has been the recent history with the party, there was a congressional Democratic majority during a Democratic presidency that squandered on addressing the overwhelming basic human needs of the American people beginning in 2009, truly setting into motion the current crisis for American democracy.

From a humanist perspective, it becomes imperative to address the basic human needs of American seniors and younger working people. Policies should not only focus on preserving the social safety nets for seniors but also on ensuring that the younger working population has access to opportunities, affordable education, a robust job market, secure healthcare, and retirement. A humanist lens encourages policymakers to prioritize humane democracy, emphasizing comprehensive, inclusive solutions that uplift all members of society and foster a nation where basic human needs, spanning generations, are met.

It should be stated the GOP has drifted toward ideology that is paving a direct path to the end of American democracy. The current leading GOP candidate has openly embraced autocratic intent as President, and GOP run state governments are suppressing diverse voting, banning books, and performing overt resistance to the U.S constitution and lawful federal authority, the very definition of sedition.

Through observation of the obvious ideological fall of their opposing political party, Democrats must break with the failed planks of their party, to remain steadfast and dynamically determined to oppose and utterly defeat the authoritarian reality of the GOP.

This can only be achieved by victorious legislative action addressing the human needs of the American people.