Opinion: Join The Party Of Tomorrow, Not The Party Of Yesterday

Dear Editor,

Joining the Republican Party in Tioga County is a very attractive proposition. They have held the majority of power in this county and other surrounding counties for decades. 

Many of our parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents were in the party of Lincoln, and carrying on their tradition is important to the family. I come from this background. Being a Republican may mean strength and resiliency to some, or power and influence to another. This is red country; there is no doubt about that.

Red country, however, doesn’t end at the county level. The point of a party is to mobilize candidates and enforce agendas nationally. We may have our local nuances, but ultimately when you join a party, all of the party becomes a part of your identity. 

When it came to aligning my beliefs with a party, three things became evident:

1. I’d rather be in a major party with power than a third party with little to no power, that’s just realistic

2. A major party must promote an agenda that is, for lack of a better term, on the right side of history.

3. The opportunity for success must be a priority of a major party.

The last two points are where the two parties differ, and are why I’m an ardent Democrat. Several policies that the GOP has adopted into their platform are doomed to antiquity, and the proof is in the numbers. 

As our country grows more diverse, and as more civil liberties are granted to all people of this great nation, the more apparent it becomes that the U.S. is a progressive nation, a nation of progress. 

In the next 100 years, I can confidently predict that higher education will be accessible and affordable, alternative energy will dominate the energy sector, there will be universal healthcare (or at least a public option) and we will have a full-employment economy. That’s a matter of advancement and evolution, not one of short-term political gain.

In terms of opportunity, the Democratic Party, I believe, grants individuals a better chance for success in this country. These do not come in the form of handouts for those some think are lazy, or in the form of tax-and-spend policies. They come as common sense laws, like food vouchers for the single mother of three who is working two jobs to make ends meet. Or the elderly couple who can still depend on their pensions that were fought for by strong New York State unions. Or the 29 year old drug user who can seek government-funded counseling and treatment to help tackle his problem. 

These are real people, and when they are given the opportunity to succeed we all succeed, because I believe they do give back to society if we give them the chance and the help they need. Not want, need.

The right side of history and opportunity exists, and it’s on the left. Tioga can stand with history and progress, or it can be tossed on the relic heap of yesterday. For all of us, I actively hope for and work towards the former.

Regards,

Justin Gillule

Smithboro, N.Y.

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