Is John Kerry A Democrat?
By Judson Cox (04/21/04)
President Reagan said, “I did not leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me,” when explaining why he became a Republican. Reagan’s values were incongruent with Democrats of the 1980’s. However, many readers may be surprised at how many of the best principles that guided the Democratic Party of the past find their home in Republican values of today.
Consider the following quotes:
“One man with courage makes a majority.” - Andrew Jackson
Could you imagine John Kerry, a man who has vowed to never go to war without the approval of the United Nations, making such a statement? George W. Bush would be very comfortable with such rhetoric. President Bush’s willingness to act unilaterally, if necessary, has garnered him the criticism of Democrats like Kerry.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” - Franklin Roosevelt
To win election, Kerry must cause voters to fear for the economy and the war. President Bush urges Americans to have courage to win the War on Terror, and to have faith in American capitalism and initiative.
"The buck stops here." - Harry Truman
Kerry; “I actually did vote for the $87 billion, before I voted against it.” Like it or not, President Bush does what he says he will do.
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."--John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address
This sentiment is the heart of the “Bush Doctrine.” Our President has vowed to hunt down terrorists, undermine nations that support terrorism and foster Democracy in totalitarian nations. John Kerry sees little value in democracy.
In 1971, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kerry said, "I think that politically, historically, the one thing that people try to do, that society is structured on as a whole, is an attempt to satisfy their felt needs, and you can satisfy those needs with almost any kind of political structure, giving it one name or the other. In this name it is democratic; in others it is communism; in others it is benevolent dictatorship. As long as those needs are satisfied, that structure will exist." And April 14, 2004, "I have always said from day one that the goal here . . . is a stable Iraq, not whether or not that's a full democracy. I can't tell you what it's going to be, but a stable Iraq. And that stability can take several different forms." - (LA Times)
The Democratic Party has changed since the time of Jackson, Roosevelt, Truman and even JFK, but shouldn’t a Democrat at least believe in Democracy? Even Bill Clinton, a man deserving of no respect or credit, realized the value of our system of governance, “From our birth, America has always been more than just a place. America has embodied an idea that has become the ideal for billions of people throughout the world. Our founders said it best: America is about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” (1995 speech on Bosnia)
An American President should acknowledge the value of our system, given that America is the most free and prosperous nation on earth. To imply that it is no better than totalitarianism, communism, fascism or monarchy is incongruent with the philosophy and spirit of America. Would Kerry have made the sacrifices necessary to break from England and win our independence? Would he have fought Hitler or engaged in the Cold War? His statements lead me to believe otherwise.
A final quote: “It is in the interest of both parties not to give a chance to those who shed the blood of nations for their limited personal interest and obedience to the gang of the White House...This war earns millions of dollars for big companies, whether those who manufacture weapons or those involved in reconstruction, such as Halliburton and its sisters and daughters. . . . Rational people do not risk their security, money and sons to appease the White House liar.”
Who said that - was it Sen. Kerry or another Democrat? No, it was Osama bin Laden. It is odd that Sen. Kerry’s statements and sentiments are more closely in line with America’s enemies than with the great Democratic leaders of the past. However, I am not questioning Kerry’s patriotism, only his judgment.
Thanks to James Taranto’s “Wall Street Journal Best Of The Web” for providing inspiration and resource.
(Printer friendly version) Email: Judson Cox
