OPINION: Matching politics with values

When my mom married Dad, she became a member of a family that had immigrated from Germany. When she got acquainted with them, my grandmother took her aside and whispered, “I want you to know we are Democrats.” Dad became a life-long farmer and a Democrat, influenced like we all are by family as we develop our political persuasions.

Preference for a particular party may fluctuate; however, the most important — our moral and political values — are usually well established by the time we are adults. Most of us have developed a set of principles by which we live and which we hope our country adheres to as well.

But something has happened in America. Something has happened to our moral and political values. We are living in a country we don’t recognize anymore — a country where freedom, compassion, even life itself is threatened by people in power.

Today, many long-held, rock-solid conservative values held by Republicans for generations have been abandoned. They have been cast aside collectively in servile support of a very damaged individual who violates these principles and values every day. I am at a loss as to how this has happened to the Grand Old Party.

Conservatives and liberals both believe the teachings of the Bible are consistent with their politics, but frankly, none of that matters much. It’s how we treat one another that matters. Both sides should support the right to healthcare, to lower prescription drug prices and wages high enough to keep families out of poverty.

One party offers plans to subsidize healthcare, lower drug prices and increase the minimum wage. Their bills are consistently voted down by the other side.

Someone once said, “Democrats will feed 100 people to make sure there’s not one who is hungry. Republicans will cut food programs for 100 people to make sure no one receives food aid who isn’t eligible.” Maybe that sentiment is too harsh, but certainly there are real differences between the political parties about helping those in need.

Some in Congress try to fund welfare programs for the needy; others pass bills authorizing massive amounts of corporate welfare. The loudest complaints are always about the poor and the amount of assistance they receive, but it’s actually giant corporations who get the most help from our government, receiving billions of dollars in federal subsidies.

Subsidies for oil companies, tech companies, agricultural conglomerates, favored industries, global producers of defense weaponry, etc., are generously funded by Congress, influenced greatly by the most powerful lobbyists in Washington.

Hefty tax cuts add to their enormous profits. The power and wealth of the richest among us has increased substantially in just this past year.

One side believes global warming is real and supports legislation to protect our planet. One side seeks funding for quality education for everyone, healthcare for everyone and subsidized childcare.

Sadly, every time they lose the majority in Congress, funding for these programs gets cut.

Conservatives believe too many government programs and regulations make government too big and complicated. I agree. I’m all for a thorough, systematic review of every program and regulation passed by Congress, all administrative rules and executive orders by presidents – but reviewed by trained specialists.

Let’s not repeat the reckless and destructive performance of Elon Musk and his unqualified minions who ran the now-disbanded DOGE program. Liberals and conservatives differ on how to run government, but both viewpoints are legitimate approaches to governing. That’s why negotiating and compromising are such important tools for legislating.

When it comes to the soul of America, both sides must be committed to the principles this country was founded upon. Both sides must be committed to a way of governing that is free, fair and moral. Law and order must be valued but not at the expense of justice, truth, human kindness and dignity.

The leaders of our country have led us down a path that is so reckless, so inhumane and immoral, untold damage has been done to the character of America. They started with DOGE, moved on to a huge bill that cuts vital services to needy citizens and ultimately have systematically spread terror across our nation with an army of enforcers unimaginable in modern America.

It’s time America regains its soul. This has gone on way too long.