Professor Joseph Heath thinks that the Democrats need a "Project 2029." Heath, who is a professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto, laid out his arguments in an Opinion piece in the March 4, 2025, edition of The New York Times. Click the following link if you'd like to read what Heath has to say. His column is titled, "The Democrats Need a Project 2029." Be aware, though, given a probable paywall, that I provide no assurances that non-subscribers to The New York Times will actually be able to read Heath's article.
In essence, Heath thinks that Donald Trump and the Republican Party were pretty clever in publishing their "Project 2025," which serves as an operative, working guide to incipient fascism under the inspired leadership of our current president, Donald J. Trump. Trump, of course, knew "nothing about it." He made that very clear during the campaign, and who would ever doubt his word?
I think that Heath is pretty much on target, in suggesting that the public is not very much enamored with the "administrative state," and that "The Democrats" are seen as major advocates of our governmental bureaucracy. This is not a good position to be in, politically, and to the degree that "The Democrats" want to build their political viability, it would be nice for them to start talking about how they could make things better, as opposed to being seen as apologists for the status quo.
That said, I, personally, don't think that the voting public is going to be very much delighted with the next (Democratic Party) edition of a partisan guide to what needs to be done to reform our government. Publishing a next edition of what the Republicans have already done is not necessarily going to be a political "winner." Dueling "Project XXXX" directories have, already, lost their sheen, at least to my way of thinking, thanks to what the Republicans, and the Musk Administration, are doing to implement that Project 2025 plan.
To my way of thinking, the current state of public opinion is actively "hostile" to both of our political parties. Those committed to "the party," and I do mean either one, are working at a political disadvantage. At least, that is the way it seems to me. I would urge a different approach.
What if a group of demonstrably well-intentioned and experienced people with little (trending to "no") experience with either political party, were to develop a critical guide to the changes that need to be made? They could call their plan, "Project 2029," but this would not as a plan to be advanced by a "political party." Rather, I am suggesting this hypothetical Project 2029 plan should be proposed by ordinary, well-intentioned and very experienced citizens (from both parties, hint, hint) that laid out what could be done, had we a new Congress and a new Chief Executive.
I can see that kind of publication turning out to be a winner, politically speaking. Jettison the "party" emphasis, and focus in on the policies and political changes we need.
I, personally, would be in favor of making this a "radical" document - i.e., one proposing major new approaches to all the problems that we (and the world) are ignoring. Let anyone who wants to use this "Project 2029" plan (or any specific provisions within the plan) to define their campaign goals, as they run for Congress in 2026.
In other words, my idea would be to take "The Democrats" out of the plan that Heath has outlined. Deemphasize "The ______ Party," in other words (both of them) and implicitly reject, deescalate, and defy both political and party polarization.
Project 2029, without the "Party," that's my current suggestion.
The guy who has actually proven the viability of this idea, in concept (he's "too old," I know, just like I am) is Bernie Sanders. Yeah, you know who I am talking about, the guy I supported for president in 2016. He ran for the Democratic Party nomination, but he wasn't, actually, a "Democrat."
Next time around, let's try that again. Let's talk about the kind of politics and government we need - and do that without reference to our current political parties and current political players.
That's my thought, at least! What do you say? Raise your hand if you like that idea!
Image Credits:
(2) - Gary A. Patton personal photo
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment!