I have read too many articles recently about the Dem \”shift left.\” Since when is it \”left\” to think public lands and the environment should be protected? Left like Teddy Roosevelt you mean?
Since when is it \”left\” to be a strict constructionist and believe the 2nd Amendment, which very narrowly grants a right to bear arms to support a \”well-ordered militia\” means granting military grade assault weapons to everybody? Left like Nixon appointee Warren Burger you mean?
Since when is it left to want to stand up to Russian aggression and to defend America vigorously against foreign enemies? Left like Ronald Reagan, you mean?
Since when is it left to want a fair tax system that has the richest paying a larger share because they can afford it and because it helps those who have the least? Left like Dwight Eisenhower you mean?
Theodore Roosevelt also supported breaking up big corporations. Nixon supported stronger environmental regulations. George W. Bush supported more humane policies toward immigrants. Chief Justice Burger presided over Roe v. Wade.
The problem is not that the Democratic Party has shifted left. The problem is that the country shifted right for a while and now is shifting back to its natural center. The problem is with journalists using labels reflexively and to frame stories in the same old hackneyed ways.
A little history and a little thought and a quick look at polls that show the majority of all Americans supporting virtually every major initiative that is described as \”left\” will force us to drop the labels and look at things as they are. It will allow us to see something promising.
It will allow us to be open to the possibility of the emergence of a New American Majority reflecting the will of the electorate to undo the damage of the past three years…and of the past 40…and to restore a focus on decency, justice and a desire for a better tomorrow
That\’s not \”left.\” That\’s right.
