Its Not Easy Being Green

From that first time reading Dr. Seuss' The Lorax or watching Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, Americans have become fascinated with the ideal of Environmentalism. The majority of Americans support the notion of global warming and recycling, these views and practices are not the points that polarize party politics. Most people, regardless of party, want to see the planet thrive. Personal choices, such as recycling or composting, are seen in Democratic and Republican households alike. So how does the issue of the environment stir up so much controversy, doesn't everyone support a healthy, green planet? Similar to the back-and-forth debate regarding equality vs. liberty, environmentalism brings out another ideological debate: public vs. private ownership.

Republicans feel that environmentalism can be balanced with economic stability. If the economy is positive, then people can buy property and protect it. Republicans feel that the best way to protect the environment is utilize the right to do what an individual chooses to do with their own privately purchased property. The GOP wishes that the government not put money into environmental sustainability efforts, but rather should focus on economic growth so that individuals can purchase private property and protect it against global warming.

Democrats wish to promote equality through regulation. Democrats feel that the government needs to get involved in order to preserve the environment. The government needs to fund preventative ecological efforts and wildlife reservations to promote sustainability and take action to prevent further irreversible damage. Democrats believe that the choice between economy and ecological prosperity is a myth. Democrats believe that Republicans convince the public that one can only value equality if they have the financial backing to do so; an individual can protect the environment by purchasing the land and choosing whether or not that land will be protected. Democrats believe that it is the government's right and responsibility to protect the environment and regulate detrimental efforts. While it is important to recycle and buy locally, these are small steps. It is important for every person (not just the rich) to support environmental sustainability and growth.

Stay informed and keep talking.

[Don't] Just Shoot Me

Interpretations over the Second Amendment "right to bear arms" has been argued since the words hit the page. We have been taught that guns kill but that also, guns protect. In a world of nuclear arms races, the media and world police show that the bigger and more powerful weapon wins, and those without weaponry loose. But I digress. The issue here is not the presence of guns, for the constitution grants us the right to "bear arms." The issue is how can the government protects the innocent from those with malicious intent from guns, without taking this right from everyone.

The issue with gun control is an issue of regulations and background checks. Republicans feel that heavy regulations and background checks are invasive, imposing on freedom of private property and personal information. They feel that, due to the constitutional backing and emphasis on freedom, every individual has the right to own a gun. Obviously there are special exceptions, Republicans are not advocating for giving guns to the criminally insane; firearms are an inalienable right for Americans and it should be easy for law-abiding citizens to exercise that right if they so choose.

Democrats are more concerned with the equality aspect of democracy (a theme that will constantly reiterate itself). While Democrats recognize the point of liberty, that the Constitution outlines the right to bear arms, the Constitution was mainly created to protect the people-a sometimes difficult feat in the presence of an armed society. Democrats feel that strict regulations on gun purchase and ownership must be enacted in order to protect all citizens. If it were more difficult for those with malicious intentions to purchase guns, then those seeking protection may either a) have the upper-hand in terms of defense or b) not even need to purchase a gun. There are also loopholes regarding gun shows in which limited or no background check is required; Democrats feel that the gun show loop hole must be closed, again, so that all people can be safe from gun violence.

Gun Control is a touchy subject because citizens and victims of gun violence have drastically differing views; there is no right or wrong view, just different. Some wish there were looser regulations, so that they could easier purchase a gun in the name of self-defense. Others agree with stricter regulations, hoping to make it difficult for firearms to get into the wrong hands. Unfortunately, we live in a society of terrorism and school shootings, so the average citizen does not formulate an opinion until a crisis evokes a response. It is important, not only to have an opinion on all major issues to stay politically engaged, but also to better prepare for a situation. If you form a opinion regarding gun regulation and safety, America can better work towards prevention, rather than crisis response.

Stay informed and keep talking.

Why Should I [Health] Care?

Health care has been the hot button issue for years, but us Democrats have dominated the conversation since 2010-the announcement of the Affordable Care Act. The Act has been criticized by Republicans, and many who simply oppose Barack Obama and his policies. The Affordable Care Act has been mislabeled "ObamaCare" in an effort to polarize the conversation about affordable and accessible health care. With the miscommunications and misrepresentations, it is difficult to understand what the Democrat's approach to health care even is.

The Democrats have been working since 2010 to provide every household with affordable accessible health care. Republicans are not opposed to health care, they just oppose the method for providing the nation with health care. A Republican would view health care as an aspect of liberty, that individuals should have the ability to purchase health care-but the provided and specific plan should be the role of the business or the family, not the role of government. Democrats believe that health care is an issue of equality, that every household should receive health coverage, and this is only possible if the government is able to regulate this (and ensure that individuals are not slipping through the cracks).

The Democrat House Website shows specific provisions such as keeping minors covered with their parents until they are 26, covering children with pre-existing conditions, and covering preventative care. The Democrat viewpoint here exemplifies one of equality; that all people are equal and thus deserve equal treatment and opportunities. The Act has been categorized as "socialists" (another term attempting to polarize the bill and gain more Republican support) but it is less about Socialism and more about anti-Capitalism. This means that Democrats do not see Health Care as a commodity, but rather a right for all citizens.

Health Care is just one of many issues that shows how polarized the political process has the ability to become. If Republicans believe that Health Care must be bought and Democrats believe that Health Care must be given-someone looses and someone wins. It is important for every person (regardless of party) to register themselves with the website for the Affordable Care Act, to see what type of coverage they are eligible for. It is equally important, when discussing health care, to recognize that it should not be discussed as a political issue, but rather a human rights issue. Both parties are not arguing about whether or not people deserve health care, they are arguing about the method in which health care is provided.

Stay informed and keep talking.

So you call yourself a Democrat

If you found yourself reading this blog, you probably are looking for similar answers as I am. Before I answer any questions, let me start by explaining why I am writing this. I grew up in household where politics where regularly discussed at the dinner table. As my 18th birthday approached, I was ready to register to vote, without questioning my party affiliation. I knew that I would register as a democrat. I knew where I stood on basic issues. I even knew where the Democratic Party stood on several issues. I vaguely understood how the GOP felt about several issues, and knew that I either did not like the stance, or did not understand the stance.

Fast forward to now, my senior year of college. I have been registered as a Democrat for a few years now and never looked back. I have taken the Political Compass Test a few times, and my score has not varied much. But that had still not answered many of my questions. Why was a Democrat? What is a Democrat? Does it even matter to be affiliated with a party?

Fast forward to the even more specific now, the moment I begin writing this blog to answer these questions. In a recent coffee date, with a professional in the political arena, I was asked these seemingly simple questions: Why do you care about politics? Why are you a Democrat? Why do you want to get involved with a political life? I froze. How could I let such important questions become so second nature to me? And so I write. I write to answer these questions for myself, and hopefully for others wondering the same thing. 

I have spent this semester speaking to people, both in my peer group and professionals, from all areas of the political spectrum. I implore all reading this to do the same; follow this blog in tandem with current events paired with discussions of these events. A stance on an issue means nothing out of context; if you formulate an opinion without seeing it unfold in the news or in the real lives of those around you the issue affects, what does it really matter to "pro" or "anti" something? 

Stay informed and keep talking.