Former President Jimmy Carter has called on Democrats to do more to attract religious voters and move away from a hard-line stance on abortion rights. United Press International quoted Carter, a evangelical Christian and Sunday School teacher as stating that "I've never been convinced that Jesus Christ would approve of abortion." Carter criticized Democratic Party activists who have "over-emphasized the abortion issue."
The Houston Chronicle reports that Carter's suggestion to Democrats hoping to regain an electoral majority is "to let the deeply religious people and the moderates on social issues like abortion feel that the Democratic Party cares about them and understands them is a crucial element that has to be inserted for victory in 2008." Carter also stressed that regaining support among working families is critical to a Democratic Party comeback. "We should protect our environment. We should cast our lot with working-class families instead of the ultra-rich on taxation. We should reduce the deficits, which I think would appeal to the conservatives in both parties," Carter said.
My already high opinion of former President Carter has increased to an even greater level of respect. Democratic leaders and activists would do well to heed the wise counsel of our greatest living former President.
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7 comments:
Help me understand the difference between a Conservaative Democrat and a Progressive Democrat
Well, there are different kinds of conservative and progressive Democrats. The main difference is that progressive Democrats often emphasize a liberal stand on social issues. Conservative Democrats tend to reflect more traditional social values. Democrats of the right and center often have a strong concern for national security issues. Progressive and conservative Democrats may generally agree on economic issues and share a belief that government activism can make a positive difference in people's lives.
The problem with most Democratic politicians, is what Carter alludes to. (Note I say pols, not necessarily Dems in general).
Which is, don't let people what you really stand for.
The Dems in Washington prove time and again what they stand for:
More welfare for people that don't want to work (I have no problem for those who need it, BTW),
a total ban on private ownership of firearms (using incrementalism), abortion on demand at any time for anyone (read any age),and tax payer funded at that (Kerry even slipped and said it in the debates!).
Eradication of anything remotely relating to Christianity.
More socialism.
More taxes.
More nanny-state tactics.
So go ahead and let them pretend their religious, and conservative and whatnot.
Most of us know better.
Thanks for stopping by my site, by the way.
Sorry about the rant, but all's fair, you know...
Respectfully, but distressed,
jimmyb
RD,
What date did you get this info on Carter? I just need it before I add it to www.democratsforvalues.com
Thanks,
Leon
Leon leads a great organization called Democrats for Values. Check out their website at http://www.democratsforvalues.com
RD,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and adding some good thoughts.
Bottom line? Ethical and religious beliefs are not merely accessories to be added to a political view to garnish votes. They are foundational to the political approach.
Carter is grasping to find vague descriptions of his own lack of conviction. Through that, he hopes to peel off some of the religious voting bloc? I am totally uninspired as a result of my latest reading on the good old fellow.
Travis Johnson
From the Introduction of President Carter's new book:
The most important factor is that fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. At the same time, these religious and political conservatives have melded their efforts, bridging the formerly respected separation of church and state. This has empowered a group of influential "neoconservatives," who have been able to implement their long-frustrated philosophy in both domestic and foreign policy.
The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation's historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship.
http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?sid=33&pid=515114&agid=2&aid=6328762
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