Dj'ever notice - our wedge issues help people, theirs hurt them

[beaconess]

David Gergen on Larry King tonight noted that stem cell research and minimum wage are turning into wedge issues that will help Dems. And it occurred to me that he's right, but our wedge issues are positive ones, while theirs tend to beat up on folks.

For example, the issues that Gergen cited - minimum wage and stem cell research - are all about helping people, enabling them to improve their lives, bringing them into the fold of opportunity and prosperity. They don't demonize anyone or accuse others of being evil, unwelcome or dangerous. Our wedge issues say, "YOU deserve better and we'll help you get there."

On the other hand, Republican wedge issues - gay marriage, immigration, affirmative action, etc. - are all about pointing fingers at others, denigrating them, pushing them away and trying to curtail their rights. Their wedge issues say, "You're not like US. If you get more, it takes something away from us and you don't DESERVE what we have."

Their wedge issues take something away from people, ours enhance their lives.

[The Magistrate]

1. Indeed, Ma'am

And it is this that is at the basis of the differentiation of the two parties.

[JohnnyLib2]

2. Very good point!

hope vs. fear
inclusion vs. exclusion