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I believe the mid-term election was a stunning victory for our great nation and democracy itself. Voters spoke loudly and clearly: They want to see change that makes their lives better. Democrats have been handed a mandate to re-work our system in ways that bring power back to the working people on whose backs American wealth is built.
So, Democrats, don’t blow it. Pull your diverse selves together around some clear goals. In Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico’s victory speech he said: “The real fight in this country is not left versus right. It is top versus bottom.” Money and power is concentrated in the hands of a very few and it is time they shared fairly in supporting working people who make America great.
The list of areas needing immediate attention is long: health care, corruption, immigration policy, staying out of pointless wars, affordable housing, international relations, Social Security, and the economy. Democrats need to listen, consider opinions, and develop plans for all these issues. Then get on the ground and reach out to Americans to refine and market their plans.
Please notice that retribution is not, and cannot become, the primary activity the new Congress takes. Only the most egregious offenders should be prioritized. Former Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill recently said Democrats need to “focus like a laser on things that will help people.” New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani followed up with “we will be judged by the results we get.”
Laser focus and results. Democrats, let’s get our act together, there is lots to do.
David Strainge
Stockholm