Democrats: We Are Our Brother's Keeper!

Cain and Abel, by Titian.







What is it that distinguishes Democrats from Republicans today? For me, it is the apparent difference about the role of government in our daily lives. President Bush preaches individual responsibility. That is why he has disdain for Social Security, Medicare, and even Public Schools. He thinks that churches should educate and provide personal rehabilitation. He believes that the individual should be responsible for and gain from individually-geared retirement accounts.

Democrats believe that we are all responsible for each other.

In the Bible, Genesis 4:1-17, the story is told of Cain and Abel.:

And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?

Democrats answer yes with a loud and confident voice. Republicans plead that each individual must be responsible for themselves.

Democrats believe that when there is one American who suffers in poverty we all suffer. When one American is without healthcare, we are all ill. When one child fails to get an education, we all suffer from ignorance. And when one American is without a job, we all suffer from unemployment.

We believe that government is a tool that can be used to better the lives and raise the aspirations of all people. It is not an evil beast that needs to be starved. We believe that elected officials are stewards of government for their term in office. They are responsible for keeping America's finances healthy. And that irresponsible deficits are a burden for future generations.

It is the cynic who believes that government is evil. That deficits are a good way to prevent the implementation of social programs.

Democrats understand that morality starts with taking care of one's brother. And that we all are family.



John Kerry has my support for 2008. I look forward to hearing more from Howard Dean who has expressed the heart and soul of America and who shall be leading the Democrats to victory in 2006 and 2008.

Bob