Friday, April 18, 2014
DEMOCRATS SUPPORTED THE ERA AND UNIONS
This story was my very first post when starting my True Blue Party Blog as a frustrated Democrat in Utah. Since the Equal Rights Amendment is back up for ratification, I thought this deserved another post — just in case you missed it.
When I was a child, I remember my father being a voice for the laborer. He belonged to the Teamsters Union in California and even ran to be president of a local office. Workers were being exploited, and wealthy business owners were doing the exploiting. My father won the election and fought for the rights of the blue-collar worker — so maybe there is a little blue in my blood. He fought for laborers’ rights even when wealthy business owners threatened his life and that of his family. I lost my father at age eight, but I can still hear his campaign slogan: “If you vote for me, I’ll vote for YOU.”
When I was a child, I did not know that the Democratic Party fought for the rights of laborers and brought about laws to help them. That is one of the reasons why labor unions give their support to the Democratic Party. In my early years, I was not interested in politics, but I did have strong opinions about what was just and fair. I tended to stick up for the underdog. I did vote when I turned 18 and was rather opinionated, but I usually took the lead on who to vote for from my grandfather.
I remember in the early 1970s, the Equal Rights Amendment for women was in the air. In the 1940s, both Republicans and Democrats had added their support. Alice Paul, a suffragette leader, first introduced it in 1923 at Seneca Falls during the 75th anniversary of the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention. She called it the “Lucretia Mott Amendment,” which read: “Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and every place subject to its jurisdiction.”
The amendment was introduced in every session of Congress until it finally passed in reworded form in 1972. I was in elementary school then. Yet I remember the issue coming back around in the late 70s. It never became law, and this was the clincher: they needed 38 state ratifications to make it part of the Constitution. A seven-year deadline was set. The final state to ratify during that period was Indiana in 1977 — the year I graduated from high school — becoming the 35th state. That left the amendment three states short. Congress extended the deadline to 1982 under public pressure, but it still fell short.
I recall hearing Republicans warn that “if you vote for equal rights for women, women will be drafted into the military.” That fear tactic swayed many at the time (though today we have women who voluntarily serve in combat). Looking back, I find even more ridiculous statements were made.
For example, Phyllis Schlafly, leader of the STOP ERA movement, claimed the ERA would deny women the right to be supported by their husbands, overturn privacy rights, send women into combat, and uphold abortion rights and same-sex marriage. Other opponents argued it was a federal power grab or too costly for business. Religious groups organized against it. Sound familiar?
Utah was one of the states that did not ratify it. It’s hard for me to believe that in modern times we could not pass a law that simply says:
Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
Section 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification.
Why would anyone oppose this? To me, asking for equal pay and equal treatment doesn’t mean women are claiming to be the same as men. Of course, there are physical differences. Nor does it mean women don’t want to be mothers, wives, or treated with respect and courtesy. That’s a personal choice. But women have been discriminated against for centuries.
It wasn’t until August 26, 1920, that the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, giving women the right to vote in the fall elections, including the presidential election. I am grateful to the suffragists who persevered from 1848, when the fight began at the Seneca Falls Convention. Charlotte Woodward, the only participant still alive in 1920, was too ill to cast her ballot — but she lived to see women win the vote.
I’ve read many stories about what women endured for rights we now take for granted. One name that comes to mind is Susan B. Anthony, who played a pivotal role in the movement. One of her quotes continues to guide me:
“Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences.”
That’s why I keep this quote on my blog as a reminder.
I understand extremists of any kind can twist or pervert laws for their own agenda. But the Equal Rights Amendment is plain and simple.
I believe no one should be discriminated against — especially our sisters.
As Susan B. Anthony once said: “Men — their rights and nothing more; women — their rights and nothing less.” And I say: “Anything less would be positively medieval.”
In my time, the Democratic Party supported the amendment, and the Republican Party did not. And that became one more step in the making of a Democrat.
What It Means To Be A Liberal
What Does Being A Liberal Mean?
Have you ever wondered? I spent much time thinking about this question. With many people saying their is no difference , between liberal Democrats and Conservative Republicans, and some people coming up with their own opinion. I felt it was important to help others see there is a difference. Not the difference that people conclude as a matter of opinion, but a difference
by definition in their core values.
While I spent time in a progressive group watching people talk about what a progressive is, and what the jobs of other Democratic groups were, and even some members making derogatory statements about others and their beliefs, along with some name calling, ban wagon jumping, stirring up hate, which I generally see in a Tea Party group, and people leaving the group,it dawned on me that maybe it was time to try and get people to think about, "What is a Liberal?"
I know that I had already done my soul searching and my beliefs were founded in solid ground. Some how I wondered about my comrades. Did they even know what the core values off a Democrat was? I dedicate this post to all those who wonder, or who are not sure, or to those who want to make up their own idea of what anliberals is. Find out if you are a liberal?
"What does it mean to be a Democrat or Liberal? I asked this question in a Progressive group and only one person answered.
This is what helped in my anwer to why I am a Democrat (Liberal):
First, understanding the meaning of what a liberal is becomes a very important factor in deciding if you are a liberal or not, at least it was for me. If you base what you believe to be true upon the actions of others they will disappoint you, instead become that good you wish to see in the world. Here is the meaning taken from Audio English http://www.audioenglish.org/dictionary/liberal.htm#noun
"LIBERAL
Pronunciation (US):
Dictionary entry overview: What does liberal mean?
• LIBERAL (noun)
The noun LIBERAL has 2 senses:
1. a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties
2. a person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets
Familiarity information: LIBERAL used as a noun is rare.
• LIBERAL (adjective)
The adjective LIBERAL has 5 senses:
1. showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
2. having political or social views favoring reform and progress
3. tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition
4. given or giving freely
5. not literal
Familiarity information: LIBERAL used as an adjective is common.
Dictionary entry details
• LIBERAL (noun)
Sense 1 liberal
A person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties"
Hypernyms ("liberal" is a kind of...):
"Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "liberal"):
latitudinarian (a person who is broad-minded and tolerant (especially in standards of religious belief and conduct))
neoliberal (a liberal who subscribes to neoliberalism)
pluralist (someone who believes that distinct ethnic or cultural or religious groups can exist together in society)
Whig (a member of the political party that urged social reform in 18th and 19th century England; was the opposition party to the Tories)"
Sense 2 liberal
A person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets
Classified under:
Hypernyms ("liberal" is a kind of...): adult; grownup (a fully developed person from maturity onward)"
•" LIBERAL (adjective)
Sense 1 liberal
Showing or characterized by broad-mindedness"
Sense 2 liberal
Having political or social views favoring reform and progress"
"Sense 3 liberal
Tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition
socialised; socialized (under group or government control)
progressive; reform-minded; reformist (favoring or promoting reform (often by government action))
neoliberal (having or showing belief in the need for economic growth in addition to traditional liberalistic values)
liberalistic (having or demonstrating belief in the essential goodness of man and the autonomy of the individual; favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority)
civil-libertarian (having or showing active concern for protection of civil liberties protected by law)"
"Sense 4 liberal
Given or giving freely"
"Sense 5 liberal
Not literal"
Definition of Democratic online Merriam-Webster : http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democratic :
: based on a form of government in which the people choose leaders by voting : of or relating to democracy
Democratic
: of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the U.S. : relating to the idea that all people should be treated equally
Full Definition of DEMOCRATIC
1 : of, relating to, or favoring democracy
often capitalized : of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the United States evolving in the early 19th century from the anti-federalists and the Democratic-Republican party and associated in modern times with policies of broad social reform and internationalism
: relating to, appealing to, or available to the broad masses of the people
: favoring social equality : not snobbish
— dem·o·crat·i·cal·ly adverb
Examples of DEMOCRATIC
Democratic elections were held there today for the first time.
First known use : 1602
Related to DEMOCRATIC
the country's new democratic constitution
Debates are an important part of the democratic process.The Democratic candidate for governor won the debate.Most of these policies appeal to Democratic voters.an interview with a leader of the Democratic PartyThe organization works to promote democratic reforms around the world.First Known Use of DEMOCRATICSynonymspopular, republican, self-governing, self-rulingAntonymsnondemocratic, undemocraticRelated Wordsrepresentative; libertarian, nontotalitarianNear Antonymsautocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, monarchal (or monarchial), monarchical (also monarchic), tyrannical (also tyrannic)
"Democrat - Definition www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democrat Definition of DEMOCRAT.
1. a: an adherent of democracy. b: one who practices social equality .
2. capitalized: a member of the Democratic party of the United States."
I wanted to Look at all the information and make an informed choice. It was not based on the people but based on the ideas and principles that I hold true.
DEMOCRATIC BELIEFS and VALUES www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/
"A. Rights of the Individual Right to life Right to liberty Right to dignity Right to security Right to equality of opportunity Right to justice Right to privacy Right to private ownership of property
B. Freedoms of the Individual Freedom to participate in the political process Freedom of worship Freedom of thought Freedom of conscience Freedom of assembly Freedom of inquiry Freedom of expression
C. Responsibilities of the Individual To respect human life To respect the rights of others To be tolerant To be honest To be compassionate To demonstrate self-control To participate in the democratic process To respect the property of others
D. Beliefs Concerning Societal Conditions and Governmental Responsibilities Societies need laws that are accepted by the majority of the people. Dissenting minorities are protected. Government is elected by the people. Government respects and protects individual rights. Government respects and protects individual freedoms. Government guarantees civil liberties. Government works for the common good. Source: John Jarolimek, Chair, NCSS Task Force on Scope and Sequence, "Social Studies for Citizens of a Strong and Free Nation," in Social Curriculum Planning Resources (Washington, D.C.: National Council for the Social Studies, 1990), 31-32. "
Do you see yourself in the above?
Progressive is just another word for a Liberal.
With all the different titles it should never take us away from our core values. At first I wondered why there we so many groups with in the Democratic Party. Then, as I learned more with in my journey, I realized that many of them were focused on more specific issues, as many different people had issues that were and are effecting them most in their lives. Women, Disabled, Hispanic, etc., there are some groups I am not sure what the issues are, but again under the Party of Democrats it should not take anyone away from the core values. In Utah there is the LDS Democrats, perhaps formed by the Democratic Party, to help people feel there were others with their same religious beliefs that are Democrats. I do not believe it has a job to bring others to the middle (?) as one commenter stated . When looking above at the definition, "What does middle mean?" It should never be the job of any group to divide us, or as someone said to bring people over to being Moderate or all those labels that society has given.
It was commented in a feed, that a person who called them self a Democrat, told a person who was thinking about becoming one, to wait. To wait until they get to know all the wonderful people that belonged to the Party. I am afraid that somewhere down the road, in waiting, the person may be disappointed. Your values and what you believe can not be based upon another, but must come from within your being, as you understand what the meaning is, of what you have chosen. If not, then you build your house upon an unstable foundation and it will not stand, when the storm comes. Wait(?) Injustice, poverty, oppression, sickness, and the future, which is effected by those we put in office and the laws we make do not wait. Every day that we put off, and encourage others to putt off, can have a very negative result. If you truly believe in the core values, then share them with others, you may find they believe as you do. If they do, then True Blue Party is the right place, if they don't then thats Ok, there is a place for them in the political realm.
It would be more effective to lead by example, realizing that we all can fall short, and educate yourself on what it really means to be a Liberal, and what are the laws they support, so that you can educate others about what we believe.
If you ridicule other peoples religious beliefs, you could be ridiculing your fellow Liberal, and as you read above, liberals are tolerant of others beliefs. If you are not, then you are not a liberal. We must Unite, not divide. When I talk about dividing, I do not mean to act as sheep, it is right to call your leaders out when they are not reflecting the core values, when they do not follow policy,when , if you believe, they are not the leader that you would have. We have elections and a vote can change the leadership. By all means work to help make people aware of what is going on, let them come to their own conclusions. Change will come if you change YOU some.
Obama is a great example of a liberal. "When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going".
When I read what Liberals are, and what they stand for, I can conclude, and Happily say" I am a Liberal" Democrat. True Blue! Make the party, don't let the party make you.
What Does Being A Liberal Mean?
Have you ever wondered? I spent much time thinking about this question. With many people saying their is no difference , between liberal Democrats and Conservative Republicans, and some people coming up with their own opinion. I felt it was important to help others see there is a difference. Not the difference that people conclude as a matter of opinion, but a difference
While I spent time in a progressive group watching people talk about what a progressive is, and what the jobs of other Democratic groups were, and even some members making derogatory statements about others and their beliefs, along with some name calling, ban wagon jumping, stirring up hate, which I generally see in a Tea Party group, and people leaving the group,it dawned on me that maybe it was time to try and get people to think about, "What is a Liberal?"
I know that I had already done my soul searching and my beliefs were founded in solid ground. Some how I wondered about my comrades. Did they even know what the core values off a Democrat was? I dedicate this post to all those who wonder, or who are not sure, or to those who want to make up their own idea of what anliberals is. Find out if you are a liberal?
"What does it mean to be a Democrat or Liberal? I asked this question in a Progressive group and only one person answered.
This is what helped in my anwer to why I am a Democrat (Liberal):
First, understanding the meaning of what a liberal is becomes a very important factor in deciding if you are a liberal or not, at least it was for me. If you base what you believe to be true upon the actions of others they will disappoint you, instead become that good you wish to see in the world. Here is the meaning taken from Audio English http://www.audioenglish.org/dictionary/liberal.htm#noun
"LIBERAL
Pronunciation (US):
Dictionary entry overview: What does liberal mean?
• LIBERAL (noun)
The noun LIBERAL has 2 senses:
1. a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties
2. a person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets
Familiarity information: LIBERAL used as a noun is rare.
• LIBERAL (adjective)
The adjective LIBERAL has 5 senses:
1. showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
2. having political or social views favoring reform and progress
3. tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition
4. given or giving freely
5. not literal
Familiarity information: LIBERAL used as an adjective is common.
Dictionary entry details
• LIBERAL (noun)
Sense 1 liberal
A person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties"
Hypernyms ("liberal" is a kind of...):
"Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "liberal"):
latitudinarian (a person who is broad-minded and tolerant (especially in standards of religious belief and conduct))
neoliberal (a liberal who subscribes to neoliberalism)
pluralist (someone who believes that distinct ethnic or cultural or religious groups can exist together in society)
Whig (a member of the political party that urged social reform in 18th and 19th century England; was the opposition party to the Tories)"
Sense 2 liberal
A person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets
Classified under:
Hypernyms ("liberal" is a kind of...): adult; grownup (a fully developed person from maturity onward)"
•" LIBERAL (adjective)
Sense 1 liberal
Showing or characterized by broad-mindedness"
Sense 2 liberal
Having political or social views favoring reform and progress"
"Sense 3 liberal
Tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition
socialised; socialized (under group or government control)
progressive; reform-minded; reformist (favoring or promoting reform (often by government action))
neoliberal (having or showing belief in the need for economic growth in addition to traditional liberalistic values)
liberalistic (having or demonstrating belief in the essential goodness of man and the autonomy of the individual; favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority)
civil-libertarian (having or showing active concern for protection of civil liberties protected by law)"
"Sense 4 liberal
Given or giving freely"
"Sense 5 liberal
Not literal"
Definition of Democratic online Merriam-Webster : http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democratic :
: based on a form of government in which the people choose leaders by voting : of or relating to democracy
Democratic
: of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the U.S. : relating to the idea that all people should be treated equally
Full Definition of DEMOCRATIC
1 : of, relating to, or favoring democracy
often capitalized : of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the United States evolving in the early 19th century from the anti-federalists and the Democratic-Republican party and associated in modern times with policies of broad social reform and internationalism
: relating to, appealing to, or available to the broad masses of the people
: favoring social equality : not snobbish
— dem·o·crat·i·cal·ly adverb
Examples of DEMOCRATIC
Democratic elections were held there today for the first time.
First known use : 1602
Related to DEMOCRATIC
the country's new democratic constitution
Debates are an important part of the democratic process.The Democratic candidate for governor won the debate.Most of these policies appeal to Democratic voters.an interview with a leader of the Democratic PartyThe organization works to promote democratic reforms around the world.First Known Use of DEMOCRATICSynonymspopular, republican, self-governing, self-rulingAntonymsnondemocratic, undemocraticRelated Wordsrepresentative; libertarian, nontotalitarianNear Antonymsautocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, monarchal (or monarchial), monarchical (also monarchic), tyrannical (also tyrannic)
"Democrat - Definition www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democrat Definition of DEMOCRAT.
1. a: an adherent of democracy. b: one who practices social equality .
2. capitalized: a member of the Democratic party of the United States."
I wanted to Look at all the information and make an informed choice. It was not based on the people but based on the ideas and principles that I hold true.
DEMOCRATIC BELIEFS and VALUES www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/
"A. Rights of the Individual Right to life Right to liberty Right to dignity Right to security Right to equality of opportunity Right to justice Right to privacy Right to private ownership of property
B. Freedoms of the Individual Freedom to participate in the political process Freedom of worship Freedom of thought Freedom of conscience Freedom of assembly Freedom of inquiry Freedom of expression
C. Responsibilities of the Individual To respect human life To respect the rights of others To be tolerant To be honest To be compassionate To demonstrate self-control To participate in the democratic process To respect the property of others
D. Beliefs Concerning Societal Conditions and Governmental Responsibilities Societies need laws that are accepted by the majority of the people. Dissenting minorities are protected. Government is elected by the people. Government respects and protects individual rights. Government respects and protects individual freedoms. Government guarantees civil liberties. Government works for the common good. Source: John Jarolimek, Chair, NCSS Task Force on Scope and Sequence, "Social Studies for Citizens of a Strong and Free Nation," in Social Curriculum Planning Resources (Washington, D.C.: National Council for the Social Studies, 1990), 31-32. "
Do you see yourself in the above?
Progressive is just another word for a Liberal.
With all the different titles it should never take us away from our core values. At first I wondered why there we so many groups with in the Democratic Party. Then, as I learned more with in my journey, I realized that many of them were focused on more specific issues, as many different people had issues that were and are effecting them most in their lives. Women, Disabled, Hispanic, etc., there are some groups I am not sure what the issues are, but again under the Party of Democrats it should not take anyone away from the core values. In Utah there is the LDS Democrats, perhaps formed by the Democratic Party, to help people feel there were others with their same religious beliefs that are Democrats. I do not believe it has a job to bring others to the middle (?) as one commenter stated . When looking above at the definition, "What does middle mean?" It should never be the job of any group to divide us, or as someone said to bring people over to being Moderate or all those labels that society has given.
It was commented in a feed, that a person who called them self a Democrat, told a person who was thinking about becoming one, to wait. To wait until they get to know all the wonderful people that belonged to the Party. I am afraid that somewhere down the road, in waiting, the person may be disappointed. Your values and what you believe can not be based upon another, but must come from within your being, as you understand what the meaning is, of what you have chosen. If not, then you build your house upon an unstable foundation and it will not stand, when the storm comes. Wait(?) Injustice, poverty, oppression, sickness, and the future, which is effected by those we put in office and the laws we make do not wait. Every day that we put off, and encourage others to putt off, can have a very negative result. If you truly believe in the core values, then share them with others, you may find they believe as you do. If they do, then True Blue Party is the right place, if they don't then thats Ok, there is a place for them in the political realm.
It would be more effective to lead by example, realizing that we all can fall short, and educate yourself on what it really means to be a Liberal, and what are the laws they support, so that you can educate others about what we believe.
If you ridicule other peoples religious beliefs, you could be ridiculing your fellow Liberal, and as you read above, liberals are tolerant of others beliefs. If you are not, then you are not a liberal. We must Unite, not divide. When I talk about dividing, I do not mean to act as sheep, it is right to call your leaders out when they are not reflecting the core values, when they do not follow policy,when , if you believe, they are not the leader that you would have. We have elections and a vote can change the leadership. By all means work to help make people aware of what is going on, let them come to their own conclusions. Change will come if you change YOU some.
Obama is a great example of a liberal. "When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going".
When I read what Liberals are, and what they stand for, I can conclude, and Happily say" I am a Liberal" Democrat. True Blue! Make the party, don't let the party make you.
John F Kennedy on being Liberal
"I believe in human dignity as the source of national purpose, in human liberty as the source of national action, in the human heart as the source of national compassion, and in the human mind as the source of our invention and our ideas. It is, I believe, the faith in our fellow citizens as individuals and as people that lies at the heart of the liberal faith. For liberalism is not so much a party creed or set of fixed platform promises as it is an attitude of mind and heart, a faith in man's ability through the experiences of his reason and judgment to increase for himself and his fellow men the amount of justice and freedom and brotherhood which all human life deserves
I believe also in the United States of America, in the promise that it contains and has contained throughout our history of producing a society so abundant and creative and so free and responsible that it cannot only fulfill the aspirations of its citizens, but serve equally well as a beacon for all mankind. I do not believe in a superstate. I see no magic in tax dollars which are sent to Washington and then returned. I abhor the waste and incompetence of large-scale federal bureaucracies in this administration as well as in others. I do not favor state compulsion when voluntary individual effort can do the job and do it well. But I believe in a government which acts, which exercises its full powers and full responsibilities. Government is an art and a precious obligation; and when it has a job to do, I believe it should do it. And this requires not only great ends but that we propose concrete means of achieving them.
Our responsibility is not discharged by announcement of virtuous ends. Our responsibility is to achieve these objectives with social invention, with political skill, and executive vigor. I believe for these reasons that liberalism is our best and only hope in the world today. For the liberal society is a free society, and it is at the same time and for that reason a strong society. Its strength is drawn from the will of free people committed to great ends and peacefully striving to meet them. Only liberalism, in short, can repair our national power, restore our national purpose, and liberate our national energies.
What do our opponents mean when they apply to us the label "Liberal?" If by "Liberal" they mean, as they want people to believe, someone who is soft in his policies abroad, who is against local government, and who is unconcerned with the taxpayer's dollar, then the record of this party and its members demonstrate that we are not that kind of "Liberal." But if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal."
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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