Democrats promote U.S. values

Charles Mathewes Albemarle County
Published: June 13, 2008

The letter of June 8 headlined “Liberals afraid of U.S. values” (The Daily Progress) was disappointing. The author seems to feel that pre-emptive smugness is a good response to “liberal-progressives.” I’m one of those she mocks, but I think we agree more than we disagree. Here’s why:

As a Democrat and a progressive, I am a God-fearing, red-blooded American. I stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and get a lump in my throat for the national anthem.

I like John Wayne and Babe Ruth, too, but my real heroes are Saint Augustine, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, George Marshall and Johnny Bench.

I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family — except for the part that pays for the roads I take, the police who protect me, the carriers who deliver my mail, the soldiers who defend us and advance the cause of freedom, and stuff like that.

I don’t think owning a gun makes you a killer, but I don’t like the fact that killers and troubled youngsters can buy submachine guns or assault rifles through the mail without background checks.

I don’t hate the rich, and I don’t “pity” the poor, but I feel pretty bad for parents who are laid off without health insurance for the kids while the company’s CEO flies away in his tax-free corporate jet.

I believe deeply in moral examples. That’s why I’m hoping the same people who cancelled Jerry Springer soon cancel the Viagra-popping and formerly drug-addicted Rush Limbaugh. It’s also why former House Majority Leader Tom Delay (indicted for corruption in Texas), former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (much married), former pastor Ted Haggard (a meth user who hired gay prostitutes) and other stalwarts of the “pro-family” cause don’t have my support.

What politicians are most likely to exemplify and promote moral values? They’re people like Sen. Barack Obama, U.S. Senate candidate Gov. Mark Warner and House of Represen-tatives candidate Tom Periello; they’ll serve the commonwealth and the nation with honor, just as Sen. Jim Webb and Gov. Tim Kaine already have. They think of themselves, first and foremost, as Americans. They want to help our nation, not stick it to “conservatives.”

I respect the letter writer’s professed views and affirm her values, even if we disagree on the best way to promote them. I hope she’ll say the same of me.