George,

We need a clear message. That is what we Democrats say after every defeat in recent national elections (2000, 2002 and now). Then we pause and ask: “What is our message?” Well, the Democratic City Committee of Charlottesville set forth a definitive set of principles last year, and I have asked George to post them with this message.

Starting back in Goldwater’s time, the Republican party has presented a simple, clear message to the American people. Ronald Reagan accelerated the process. Repetition again and again of a clear message that appeals to core values of Americans is a formula that works. Of course, the core values that the Republicans appeal to are selfishness and greed. Me, me, me. “It is YOUR money and you should not have to give it to Government – lower taxes” “You should have YOUR own Social Security account.” “You should take care of YOUR own health needs with medical savings accounts”. “Let corporations be FREE do what they want [ed., wreck the environment and exploit labor at home and abroad]. A FREE market economy is a law of nature.” And so forth.

(Interestingly, 80% of those who checked the box marked “Moral values” on the exit poll Tuesday voted for Bush and these Republican principles.)

Read the Democratic party principles set forth by the Charlottesville City Committee. You will be proud to be a Democrat. These principles should appeal to the core values of most Americans – values such as fairness, equality, concern and caring for others, a spirit of giving, kindness, peace, and good works. If we showed this set of principles to the congregation of ANY religion, it is hard to imagine that most of these religious people would not agree with most of our principles.

Spread the word. Repeat and repeat.

David RePass (electronic mail, November 5, 2004)