About the Book
Goaded by Republican demagoguery and caught in an economic malaise, a fierce anger has arisen among much of the public against the Democrat’s progressive agenda, encouraging radical Republicans in Congress and state legislatures to destroy much of the progressive framework enacted by government during the past 100 years. A specter of darkness has fallen on this country’s political landscape and its future, making We Still Hold These Truths' vision and concise take on key policy issues and communications strategy even more urgent now than when it was written in 2004. It is being reissued with a new foreward.
“The 2004 presidential election has the potential to be one of the most important in decades. Every fundamental question of national values and national policy is up for debate. … Ron Hirsch’s We Sill Hold These Truths is a systematic and serious effort to make that debate as clear and valuable as it can be. Agree or disagree with his specific conclusions, the questions he is asking are the right ones for the public this year.” -- James Fallows, National Correspondent, The Atlantic
As the 2012 elections approach, our nation once again stands at a crossroad. The issue is not simply big versus small government, high versus low taxes. The radical Republican conservative movement seeks to fundamentally alter the balance that our nation has historically struck between private rights, the public good, and government. At risk is the American social contract. At risk are America’s middle class, the poor, and the environment.
To win in 2012, Democrats must get out from under the negative Republican spin. To counter the climate of fear and anger they must inspire and arouse the American people by developing a cohesive vision of what they think a better world would look like and how they propose to get there. And they must communicate that vision effectively and passionately in a way the average voter gets. And they must label the Republicans for what they are … hypocrites masquerading as the party of the people.
We Still Hold These Truths seeks to do just that. Using the Declaration of Independence as a touchstone, the book examines nine key areas of government policy to define “an American manifesto,” a cohesive vision for America's future and a context for Democratic policies that will resonate with mainstream America. In so doing, it shows why it is Democrats who are the party of the people, the party of America’s historic values. Contrary to recent Republican assertion, the progressive agenda is not unconstitutional.