Let's Not Fool Ourselves, There Are Fundamental Differences Between The Major Political Parties

This week David Sirota, as so many others have, published an article in which he argued that the Democratic and Republican parties are essentially one and the same. His piece provides two good examples of the amorality and self-interested careerism that many politicians exhibit. But he fails to prove "that the parties are often two heads of the same political monster." Democrats and Republicans offer, especially at this moment in time, fundamentally different visions for the future of our country. It is simply disingenuous to claim otherwise.

True, many Democratic politicians have moved to the right as of late. This is to be expected, considering the shellacking that they took in the last midterm election. We saw similar acts in 2006 and 2008 by Republicans, when they switched parties or ran for office as "Blue Dogs." This kind of shuffling is merely a sideshow undertaken by ambitious individuals who gravitate to the path of least resistance in their quest for power and status. It does not speak to the fundamental differences between the parties.

The question shouldn't be "are the Democratic and Republican parties the same," but "are the Democrats' policy positions different than Republicans'?" We know where the GOP stands. They are the advocates of unfettered capitalism. No taxes, no regulation, no social services = Freedom, liberty and Utopia.   Does the Democratic Party champion the same? The answer is, quite simply, no. 

Sirota uses the same tactic in his latest piece that Republicans have used to fight class action lawsuits, healthcare reform, regulations, tax increases, etc.: The anecdote. He uses anecdotes of two sordid politicians, a Republican and a Democrat, to argue that, if you add up these and similar examples across the country, the two parties are virtually identical. This is a pretty superficial barometer (news flash: there is unethical behavior and corruption in politics). 

We should judge the parties by their policy platforms. And I would argue that the difference between Democrats and Republicans is greater now than it has been for quite some time. In numerous states, Democrats have united with public workers in protest of  anti-union legislation passed by Republicans. It is the Democratic party that is advocating for green energy projects, while Republicans have united in opposition. Democrats stand with the LGBT community, women and minorities to promote civil rights while Republicans are working hard to undermine equality. Other examples: voting rights, unemployment insurance, taxing the rich, support for public schools, infrastructure spending, military cuts, belief in climate change, belief in evolution. And the list goes on. 

This is not to say that there aren't any similarities between the parties. Certainly there are. Many Democrats have and still advocate for foreign intervention, laissez-faire economic policies, and fail at crucial times to uphold their principles. But, as a whole, there is a substantial difference between the parties. And to argue otherwise, especially at such a crucial moment in our history, is not only foolish, but dangerous.