ONLY YOU CAN STOP SHUTDOWNS AND GRIDLOCK

                                                     Photo: Martin Falbisoner, Wikimedia: Creative Commons 

Here’s a good strategy in 2018 to stop the gridlock in Congress, get affordable healthcare and clean energy, keep the economy strong, and have your best shot at world peace:

Make sure the political party that cares most about your economic future is in the majority. You can probably do that by voting as many Democrats into office as possible - at all levels. See if you agree after reading this:

Dems have long been on the right side of history (on the forefront of equal rights, warning about climate change for decades, etc.), and we have usually all benefited when they were in control of the decisions. One shining example is the Bill Clinton budget surplus (from raising taxes on those with the highest incomes, by the way), when Dems controlled both houses of Congress.

This most recent shutdown, and shutdowns in general, are mainly due to some major unresolved policy. This recent shutdown was based in immigration. The previous time, it was Obamacare, which still isn’t perfect; but the Democrats were proven right when they predicted that Obamacare would save us billions and make life better for tens of millions that needed it most.

Their actions show that Democrats lead from empathy. Their current and historical voting records consistently show the highest propensity for equality and a healthy environment for all (LCV.org). Republican voting records are at the lowest end for these priorities, as well as for taxes (which we need, to provide benefits) and regulations (which should instead be labeled “protections”). Republicans imply that taxes and regulations are job killers.

What creates jobs is the middle- and low-income folks spending money, creating demand for goods. So, they need the biggest tax cuts. “Trickle down” (tax breaks to the rich) has been proven not to work. Our money is given to those already rich, hoping they will create more jobs, but research shows they keep most of it instead. This failed “trickle down” strategy has been used by several previous Republican presidents, and our current one.

Democrats have warned against “trickle down” for decades - and against Republican strategies in the recent tax bill, which all Dems voted against. Republican leaders front-loaded the benefits for middle-income folks, so we may (temporarily) see more money in 2018 paychecks, which could sway us to vote for Republicans in the 2018 midterms. One “gotcha” comes later, when lack of funds can be an excuse to gut benefits such as Social Security and Medicare.

Republican leaders also invoke fear of immigrants, claiming a burden on the economy and increased crime, although the evidence does not support this. The “DACA kids,” although brought to the U.S. illegally, did nothing wrong. Parents are being torn from families and deported, as Democrats try to keep families together.  Building a wall will cost us billions, will not keep people out, and is money better spent on positive solutions. 

So, if you believe that Dems forced the shutdown, also believe they laid their reputations on the line to protect DACA children, after Trump reneged on deals promised. Republican leaders responded by using the Dems’ empathy against them, in ads and sound bites. Is this leadership? And was it in America’s best interests when Republicans used their majority to set up voting districts so that Democratic votes don’t count as much (FairDistrictsOhio.org), or when they purged voters?

The bottom line:  Only you can prevent D.C. shutdowns and gridlock. Step one: Vote the Dems in; it’s our only hope to achieve step two: Fix the system while pushing for policies for the people, such as a living wage, clean power, and universal health care. These are bipartisan benefits. So is the economic growth that started during the Obama era.

If you’re not convinced yet, research candidates’ historical actions and voting records (not their ads) before going to the polls, and ask your friends to do the same. But it may be easier to just make a list of Democrats to bring with you. Or maybe run for office yourself (check out RunForOffice.org, Ballotpedia.org, Crowdpac.com, RunForSomething.net).