American Politics (Democrats VS. Republicans)

*Written in 2010.

There are several sensitive issues separating the Democrats from Republicans and even polarizing the American society. Those issues include affirmative action, big government, welfare, crime, capital punishment, arms control, abortion, gay marriage, flag burning, immigration, education, tax, and finally, economy.

Affirmative action is an attempt to promote equality, and it is often associated with “big government”. (This is what the Democrats want, according to some critics.) Obama’s health care reform serves as a convenient example here—it tries to make health care available for All Americans; however, in many Republicans’ view, this welfare program is no other than a blatant intrusion of a massive government into citizens’ private lives. It unveiled the inevitable woes of big government and the 1.2 trillion federal spending plan simply left many people cold.

Another way to tell a Democrat from a Republican: crime and death penalty, and arms control. For Republicans, if a person commits a crime, he/she does the time. Capital punishment is well justified—an eye for an eye. On the other hand, Democrats are generally against death penalty and consider the society has failed and should have to be changed if a person commits a crime. Arms control? Republicans are pretty much against it. They think it is their constitutional right to bear arms. Democrats generally support gun control.

Abortion, same-sex marriage are partisan issues and flag burning is no less controversial. Republicans are socially conservative, more likely to oppose abortion, same-sex marriage, and flag-burning. Democrats are more pro-choice, support gay marriage, and regard flag-burning as an example of free speech.

What about immigration and education? For Republicans, immigration is a national security issue, and carefully tracking people entering and exiting the U.S. is necessary. Extending the border fence between the U.S. and Mexico and perhaps recruiting more border agents will ensure border safety. In contrast, Democrats are more tolerant with immigrants, and they argue that Americans need a comprehensive immigration reform, not just piecemeal legislation. In terms of education, Republicans increase aid to the poorest districts (Bush Administration’s No child Left Behind), while Democrats consider both rich and poor districts should receive more state money.

Many divisive issues have been covered above; however, what really ignited the battle between the Democrats and Republicans now is economy. America is in one of its worst recessions. When other countries are brimming with hope and celebrating two-digit economic growth, Americans are glum and incredibly fatalistic. How to save this ailing economy? It seems the two parties have not yet reached a consensus. Republicans prefer the idea of free market (no big government in this realm), and they are constantly lambasting the “reckless and unbridled” federal spending, contributing it to the national debt and cause of economic crisis. Furthermore, taxing rich people too much is fundamentally unwise, in Republicans’ view, since they will feel discouraged to invest. Democrats definitely do not see eye to eye here. Tax hike on rich people is quite reasonable, a form of social justice. Besides, for Democrats, there is a strong case for government stimulus, since no one else is doing much spending.

 

Reference : The Audacity of Hope (Obama, 2006)