Mediaboss Marketing

If liberals controlled the media, the Democratic Partys current plan to make their brand known would not have disappeared from the press the day after its introduction.

Ten Democratic members of Congress representing a variety of factions took part in introducing the plan July 24. The message was unity: Every Democratic member of Congress had had some part in writing the two-page document.

Admittedly, Democratic plans for the economy arent as captivating as the escalating bluster-contest going on between Presidents Trump and Kim Jong-un, but Id have hoped theyd rank as newsworthy as the Taylor Swift groping trial. A genuinely liberal press would be asking a variety of politicians if they thought the name was a vote-getter and which sections reflected Bernies philosophy and which Clintons.

Instead, the program slipped beneath media notice before the public learned its name.

The short name is Better Deal echoing Republican Teddy Roosevelts Square Deal or Democrat Franklin Roosevelts New Deal. It invites journalists to compare the plans.

The complete name Better Deal: Better Jobs, Better Wages, Better Future reflects the Democrats long-term commitment to making life better for the middle class and for those struggling to get there.

How do Democrats propose to raise wages and incomes? First, by directly investing in our crumbling infrastructure. The public works programs of the 1930s helped millions, as did building the Interstate system during the 1950s. The government doesnt have to go to war to justify creating jobs.

Second, by fighting unfair foreign trade and the outsourcing of American jobs.

Third, by passing a higher minimum wage and protecting workers rights to negotiate wages and working conditions.

Fourth, by honoring the promises of Social Security and Medicare.

Sure, some Republicans promise greater things, but once their party is in power, those things dont even make the agenda.

A second category of changes would lower the cost of living for families. The prices of prescription drugs would be regulated like utilities. Current law requires that patents for drugs developed with federal research funds be sold to corporations immediately. The intent was to get new medicines distributed quickly. Congress didnt prepare for prices determined by monopoly rather than production costs.

The plan states that families facing high monthly bills for child care, credit card fees and cable bills would get help. It doesnt state what form the help would take but does bind Democrats to prepare legislation.

Students would get help with the cost of college and trade school tuition. Without student aid based on income as it was before Reagan the prospect of going $50,000 in debt discourages many from getting the education they want.

In addition, Democrats would encourage capitalism which requires competition to thrive by stopping mergers of large corporations and, if necessary, breaking up existing monopolies. Some of us remember how much faster telephone technology proceeded after the government ordered the breakup of AT&T.

A final category of proposed changes would give Americans the tools to succeed in the 21st Century. Workforce training and apprenticeships would be available for millions of workers. Start-ups and small businesses would be encouraged. And high-speed Internet would be available across the country.

Thats it. The plan leans toward Bernie Sanders proposals but stops short of free college tuition and single-payer health care.

Some argue that there is little included that Obama wouldnt have done if hed had the votes in Congress. They claim that such legislation has no chance with Republicans in control of Congress.

They should understand thats the point. Elections are 14 months away.

Judy Ferro is a former state committeewoman for Canyon County Democrats. Email her at idadem@yahoo.com.

See the original post here:
ICYMI, here are the details of Democrats' 'Better Deal' - Idaho Press-Tribune