Parties, Interest Groups and You

Democrats are one of our two major parties focused on winning control of and managing the government. They are a big tent party, and sadly that makes legislating and governing almost unmanageable. I can imagine that I have wondered (like you may have) why Democrats are not responding to my preferred issue. I happen to be a Black, moderate, atheist, straight, cis male. I prioritize voting rights, economic inequality, equitable access to education, environmental justice, and human rights (LGBTQ, Migrant Rights, Women’s Health). Like many Democrats, I have higher and lower policy priorities. How much overlap do I have with you or other party members? What about elected Democratic officials?

If you are reading this, I am sure you have a preferred left-leaning group you identify with. How many of these groups share prioritize with Dems? I have donated and volunteered for Sierra Club, NAACP, League of Women Voters, The Poor People’s Campaign, and the ACLU. These groups all have different priorities and are non-partisan. That said, many of their priorities, are shared with Democrats. That makes the Democrats more often than not the vehicle for policy change.

So what am I getting at? Those same interest groups broadly represent their voters. Democrats have struggled to find coordinate with these groups or the people they represent. Those Advocacy groups have been actively shaping public opinion, pushing policy solutions, and organizing voters. They do much of the outreach parties do (targeted outreach). I get multiple texts, calls, and emails, from The NAACP, Sierra Club, and The Poor People’s Campaign they rank and score elected officials, and explain complex policies to regular voters. They allow voters to understand which officials support the same things I do. But what they can not do is pass bills only parties can pass legislation. This is where the Democrats come back into play. As always their focus should be on clear and achievable goals. When it comes to income inequality there is a compromise Republicans have back to raise the minimum wage. When it comes to environmental justice the infrastructure deal has a reinstatement of the Superfund tax (it funds environmental cleanups). When it comes to LGBTQ issues the Equality has passed the House and is being worked on in Senate. When it comes to the NAACP there has been funding to HBCUs, Black Farmers, and congress is working on voting rights. There is so much more the Democrats are trying to do and need to emphasize. But if they want to be a real party they should take ideas from interests groups they align with and show more cooperation to energize their base.

That is where you come in. It is not enough to pressure Democrats or Republicans. You are also an actor in politics. You can not only call, volunteer, and donate to candidates but can also for interests groups. Those same groups or groups you support can push Democrats and or Republicans. Those groups better represent your interests. They are the best way you can press government action. Parties, interest groups, and people make policies we need to fight to make the connection clearer. Do not boo, act!

(I put links in the page so you can look at the groups I am part of. If interested check them out or find your own version.)