Common good

The principle basis of my resentment towards the Republicans is that for way too many years that I care to remember they have, by their way too numerous words and deeds, shown themselves to be a narrow-minded, mean-spirited and miserly lot incapable of thinking about, let alone working towards, a government for the common good of the people. Their steadfast insistence on promoting the non-environmental- and non-worker-friendly goals of corporate America, the filthy rich and the fringe elements in their party prevented them from ever considering that the essential role of our government is supposed to be that of sustaining and nurturing the general welfare and common good of its citizens and their communities.

The kind of government representation and ambition that comes closest to incorporating my views of the essential role of our government has been eloquently expressed by the presumptive next Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi:

In the first 100 hours of a Democratic Congress:

We will restore civility, integrity, and fiscal responsibility to the House of Representatives. We will start by cleaning up Congress, breaking the link between lobbyists and legislation and commit to pay-as-you-go, no new deficit spending.

We will make our nation safer and we will begin by implementing the recommendations of the independent, bipartisan 9/11 Commission.

We will make our economy fairer, and we will begin by raising the minimum wage. We will not pass a pay raise for Congress until there is an increase in the minimum wage.

We will make health care more affordable for all Americans, and we will begin by fixing the Medicare prescription drug program, putting seniors first by negotiating lower drug prices. We will also promote stem cell research to offer real hope to the millions of American families who suffer from devastating diseases.

We will broaden college opportunity, and we will begin by cutting interest rates for student loans in half.

We will energize America by achieving energy independence, and we will begin by rolling back the multi-billion dollar subsidies for Big Oil.

We will guarantee a dignified retirement, and we will begin by fighting any attempt to privatize Social Security.

And while I don’t at all know him, a fellow by the name of Todd Smyth also summed it up nicely:

Establishing justice means fair and equitable treatment for All of the people, not just a wealthy and privileged few.

Ensuring domestic tranquility includes a fair and level playing field and protection from abusive and negligent private industry.

Common defense means defending from attack but not waging wars of aggression.

Promoting the general welfare includes healthcare and education for everyone and the elimination of severe poverty.

Securing the blessings of liberty for our posterity includes balancing the budget, eliminating our debt and protecting our environment.

I damn sure hope the Democrats don’t blow this opportunity to do right for the abused and neglected general welfare and common good of the people and our communities. I know I’ll do what I can to help them fulfill this basic principle of our government.