Essay1

Analysis and Comparison of the Democratic Party’s Economic Policy

When evaluating a country’s power, other than its military, politics and culture, we always look at its economy first, which is the basis of most other elements. In order create a better market in the country, economic policies must be paid great attention, which should be appropriately made and carefully adopted.(Logos) On each party’s platform, they have expressed their thesis regarding to the country’s economic regulation.  However, among Republican, Democratic, Libertarian and Green Party, only the Democrats have provided appropriate and convincing supports for their correctness in Economy.

According to the 2016 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM Preamble, it claims that “Democrats believe we are stronger when we have an economy that works for everyone—an economy that grows incomes for working people, creates good-paying jobs, and puts a middle class life within reach for more Americans”(1). Here the preamble has listed the three economic values that Democrats will work on to improve American economy in the future. Later, it gives a generalization of their strategies in this these aspects- firstly, Democrats are going to realize more sustainable economic growth, in order to create good-paying jobs and raise wages, which forms their first value- sustainable Development. They also work on economic fairness, so the rewards are shared broadly, not just with those at the top, which forms their second value- Equality. Last, Democrats hope to create an economy that prioritizes long-term investment over short-term profit-seeking, rewards the common interest over self-interest. The policies should promote innovation and entrepreneurship, which forms their third value- Stability(1). Democrats believe the market is within control if they can do their part of job right.

The preamble has stated mostly on the Democrats’ third value, or strategy– Economic Fairness. The party hopes to largely eliminate the situation that only the rich people on the top 5 percent control the nation’s money, as well as the power to manipulate the market. Thus, they “firmly believe that the greed, recklessness, and illegal behavior on Wall Street must be brought to an end. Wall Street must never again be allowed to threaten families and businesses on Main Street”(2016 DEMOCRATICPARTY PLATFORM Preamble,2). Overall, only by giving equal opportunities to everyone in the market, Americans are able to create their own treasure.

The economic policies of the democratic party are proved to be effective. As data never lies, the supports are below(Ethos). After the Great Recession, “American businesses have now added 14.8 million jobs since private sector job growth turned positive in early 2010. Twenty million people have gained health insurance coverage. The American auto industry just had its best year ever. And we are getting more of our energy from the sun and wind, and importing less oil from overseas” (2016DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM Preamble, 1). However, while some one might claim that America has already gone over its economic difficulties, the Democrats still consider that America’s economy is not very optimistic. As a rebuttal, they says that there are still many Americans who have been left out and left behind, who are working longer hours with less security. Wages have not increased, while the cost of everything from childcare to a college education has continued to rise. For too many families, the dream of homeownership is out of reach (2016 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM Preamble,1). While worrying and finding solutions for the above situation, Democrats blamed Republicans for their taking no actions, which is an important cause for the country’s economics stagnation. “Republicans in Congress have chosen gridlock and dysfunction overtrying to find solutions to the real challenges we face. It’s no wonder that so many feel like the system is rigged against them” (2016 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM Preamble,1) .

 On the other side, Republicans have presented their views on the Preamble of Republican Platform 2016. Instead of finding efficient strategies executed by the government, they hope to rely more on American people themselves to regulate economy. They claim that “We believe political freedom and economic freedom are indivisible. When political freedom and economic freedom are separated — both are in peril; when united, they are invincible”(1). The words might be beautiful, but the truth is not every person knows how to build a healthy market. If rights of regulating economy are returned to local government, not only great differences by areas will be made and trades may be blocked, but also a disordered market will very likely cause economic stagnation or even depression. The Democrats have made correct decision against situations above since Roosevelt’s New Deal, by implementing government’s involvement in the market.  This is not the only difference in values between Republic party and Democratic Party. Republicans also criticized the Democrats that “The President has been regulating to death a free market economy that he does not like and does not understand. He defies the laws of the United States by refusing to enforce those with which he does not agree. And he appoints judges who legislate from the bench rather than apply the law”(2). It is true that Democrats have created certain mistakes on double sizing national debt and their policies could not be seemed effective in the short run. However, Democrats state that as they are still on the right path of leading the market and activating American economy, in the long run development will be seen.
Now, For Libertarian Party, it presents that “These specific policies are not our goal. Our goal is nothing more nor less than a world set free in our lifetime, and it is to this end that we take these stands”( LIBERTARIAN PARTY PLATFORMPREABLE,1). The libertarians are more like a dreamer than a regulator in the economy. Although their goal of a world with liberty is great, it is hard to be completely realize without economic basis Their limited market rules just can not compete with the Democrats.
Lastly, the Green party’s preamble keeps telling people the exigence of temporary market- “Never has our country faced as many challenges and crises as we do now. Levels of federal revenue are the lowest they have been since 1950 because of tax cuts and breaks for the very rich and for corporations. Government agencies charged with safeguarding public health and safety are operating with slashed budgets that paralyze their efforts. Jobs are being permanently relocated outside the country, while social and educational programs are being gutted”(4). The Greens’ goal is to make a creative, pragmatic plan for a prospering and sustainable economy, that can be called a reformation. Whether their proposal is appropriate or not, only the test of time will tell. I believe they are similar in economic proposals as Democrats, but they were not as experienced.
Economy makes up a country’s world status and the people’s life quality, so only the party with most refined strategy is adequate to lead in such area. The Democrats are confident to be the one, and they are reasonable. When making market policies, they are more active than the Republicans, more pragmatic than the Libertarians and more experienced than the Greens.(Logos) Their values of development, equality and stability have formed a specific road for American economy, which also leads to a brighter future. As in the end of 2016 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM Preamble said,“ What makes America great is our unerring belief that we can make it better. We can and we will build a more just economy, a more equal society, and a more perfect union- because we are stronger together”(3)(Pathos).

 

Reflection:

I have noticed lots of aspects that I can improve from the feedback of my first essay. The first aspect is definitely format. I should learn to use standard essay format, which properly Indents the first sentence and does not put extra spaces between paragraphs. Plus, I ought to have a works sited page to avoid plagiarism. The second aspect is grammar, which is linked to the readers’ first impression. I should force myself to form good writing habits by following instructions in the text book. For instance, I should remember the correct usage of punctuations and pay more attention on not writing run-ons. The third aspect is my writing skills, that is how I can express one major thesis using Tolmain Analysis. Although I have written some good conclusive sentences, the passage still gets away from the topic sometimes. Plus, I am still not familiar with using Tolmain Analysis, which means more practice should be devoted. To become a better writer, I still need to read more books, accumulate more vocabularies  and broaden my mind.