My Party Forgot Half of America

 

This blog is inspired by listening to an On Point podcast today. I grew up in a progressive household and have been progressive, and Democratic, for all my life. (Well, except for the sixth-grade mock vote where I voted for Mr. Nixon like all the kids that impressed me on the road I had just moved to...) But I have found it increasingly frustrating to support Democratic candidates and apologists as I have, for a long time, felt the Democrats lost the "traditional" backbone of middle-class folks, the individuals and families going to work every day, losing jobs when manufacturing leaves town, now having to work multiple jobs and miss family events just to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads.

First, A Story - A Strike in Wickliffe OH

During my first full-time job I worked as a computer engineer for a company that made industrial controls in Wickliffe Ohio. During that time the manufacturing workers went on strike for higher pay and better working conditions. Even though I was "management" (salaried) I felt the workers had every right to collective bargaining, and striking, as needed. This was around 1978 or 1979 when our country was beginning to think about "offshoring". Long story short during the strike "management" (well the "senior" management, not me) chose to "offshore" one of the manufacturing lines to China. (I think it was the classic "cheaper there than here" but could also have been a bit of punishment for the union. But don't quote me on that.) It was the first example (in my opinion) where I saw the "elite" treating the very people that are the foundation of our economy as pawns, trying to minimize the cost of labor, labor that is the very core of our society.

Wringing My Hands and Listening To A Podcast

I have been thinking, since Mr. Trump's second presidential win, what has my party missed? I have been upset that we talk about all sorts of progressive goals and concepts, that we fight AIDs, increase healthcare coverage, fight to find ways to right the lingering effects of slavery, recognize that everyone but the Native or Indigenous people are immigrants, so much more... But we find these are not of crucial importance to half of our society. I am not surprised AT ALL the Democrats could not win the presidency. (Or the House and the Senate.) The On Point podcast "How the Left lost the working class" (originally broadcast 21-Jul-2025) answered important questions for me. This podcast only confirmed my understanding that we (the Progressive Elite) are no longer reaching what the podcast terms the "middle status voters" - the middle 50% of voters, the backbone of our country!

The Call

There is a lot in the Podcast - go listen (please) - but what I found, what I agree with, is (from the podcast) "The...tactic we should use is to connect with ordinary people's values". My call is to find a new Democratic voice that stops thinking the elite progressive is the only, or even primary model.

Our Democratic leaders and candidates need to understand, support, CONNECT WITH the middle 50% of voters.

(Updated to correct several typos)

The Journey, and the Thoughts, Continue

 

I realize I have not added anything to Thoughts That Simmered On My Journey since the first of the year. (And not much in 2024, or even in 2023...)  While the posts have been few, I know I am still on my journey, and am still thinking. Since I retired in November 2024, I have lots of thoughts but find I have not had the discipline to actually get them into print (or in my journal, either).

So hang in there, I expect there will be posts, I just don't know how many or how often...

Natural and Artificial

Last week I went outside to enjoy the frosty, cold (14of) morning before sunrise. To enjoy this special time in Your world I had dressed in a collection of clothes that kept me comfortable as I wandered in the pre-dawn “almost” light. After I returned to the warmth and opened my journal, I pondered the question “am I any less a part of Your world since most of what kept me warm was “artificial” rather than “natural”? There is the sentiment that “natural”, as in grown from Your earth, under the whim of wind, sun, and rain, is better than “artificial”, as in made by people, chemistry, and machines. One thought that comes to mind is that natural is somehow more “in tune” with Your creation, more what You would want… Then again there is the full understanding that You gave us our world, and gave us intellect and mind to explore, care for, and expand the world around us. Prioritizing “natural” over “artificial” does not respect the full gifts You have given us for our life in this world, nor our intellect to carefully create items that perform better and last longer than might be grown in our world. Regardless of “natural” or “artificial” clothes (or food, shelter, transportation, or whatever), we, the people You created, who live in this world You created, need to be diligent and respectful in our care as we join in the co-creation of items in Your gift, this world you gave us.

Lord, thank you for the warmth you give me as I share and enjoy Your world which You have given all of us. Guide me, in the careful selection, creation, and care of the tools, clothing, and food that I make and use. May I use all the products, both natural and artificial, with care and appreciation of the gifts You provide.

Amen