DEMOCRATS AND CATHOLICS

In: Dissent: a journal devoted to radical ideas and the values of socialism and democracy, S. 41-44

Abstract

TODAY'S PARTY SYSTEM IS A LONG WAY FROM THE THICK CULTURE OF FAMILY, CHURCH, NEIGHBORHOOD, AND LIFELONG AFFILIATION IT ONCE ENJOYED. THIS IS EVIDENT IN THE CHOICES NOW BEING MADE BY INDIVIDUALS WHO GREW UP IN VERY RELIGIOUS, VERY DEMOCRATIC FAMILIES 40 AND 50 YEARS AGO. ALTHOUGH THE ADULT CHILDREN OF THESE STAUNCH PARENTS HAVE OFTENTIMES GROWN UP TO BE DEMOCRATS THEMSELVES, THEY HAVE BECOME RELUCTANT SUPPORTERS OF THE POLITICAL PARTY THAT THEIR PARENTS SO BELIEVED IN. IN PARTICULAR, ABORTION, THE DEATH PENALTY, CUTS IN SOCIAL WELFARE, AND PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE ARE ISSUES THAT THE NEXT GENERATION CAN NOT SUPPORT. THE TIME HAS COME, THEREFORE, FOR THE DEMOCRATS TO STOP BEING HELD HOSTAGE TO PRO-CHOICE POLITICS.