Let's Remember the Bigger Goals

This is just a random musing. I think it's important to always reinforce and remind ourselves of our core principles, particularly on the issue of economic justice.

We must defend the New Deal and know why we defend it.

The New Deal simply acknowledged that the "invisible hand" of the free market not only creates great prosperity -- but, when unchecked, has also created child labor, slave labor, the Great Depression, and more recently, Enron, Tyco and Worldcom.

The free market system is a great system; but we have lost and continue to lose many of the checks and balances that make it just. Saying "the free market will take care of our problems" is the true abdication of personal responsibility.

So for me, my party is the party (or should be the party) of personal responsibility.  Why not take that mantle from the opponent, rather than trying to steal away the "family values" mantle?

I am prattling away, I suppose, because I see the Hardball and Howell victories as a double-edged sword.

While I certainly understand why they are gratifying to many in the face of the amoral right-wing tactics we've witnessed over the years, I am hesitant about stooping to that level.

At the least, in our lust to win the battle, I want us to never lose sight of the worthy principles for which we do battle.

Just a reminder.