Critics often wrong about Democrats

Letters to Fence Post too frequently portray Democrats and liberals as if they were enemies of this country. This message seems to originate from conservative media hosts.

One said, "I sometimes wonder if liberalism is not just a psychosis or a psychology, not an ideology." Another titled a book, "Liberalism is a Mental Disorder." Still another likened the progressive movement to a cancer. These personalities, who are oddly effective at shaping the views of their listeners, betray the public trust with dangerous portrayals of what are simply the normal, traditional views of the opposing party.

In truth, the Democratic Party, which can trace its roots to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, is considered to be center-left. When the opposition characterizes Democrats as far left, they display ignorance of traditional Democratic positions.

Liberalism is a philosophy and its adherents believe in change and support civil liberties. Social liberalism extends this position to encompass social justice. The good of the community is viewed as harmonious with the freedom of the individual. This is in contrast with the Tea Party view that the good of the community somehow damages the freedom of the individual.

Many Democrats would be considered liberals, but, like all parties, Democrats are a coalition of interest groups with a spectrum of views. Former chairman of the Democratic Party, Ron Brown, wrote, "The common thread of Democratic history... has been an abiding faith in the judgment of hardworking American families, and a commitment to helping the excluded, the disenfranchised and the poor strengthen our nation by earning themselves a piece of the American Dream." I believe the majority of Americans believe in this commitment and will not tolerate a nation devoted to the raw self-interest of the economically powerful.

David Troland

Arlington Heights