Many people in the media talk about the question: what is the main difference between America's two major ideologies, or political parties? The problem is, most of these people have an axe to grind, because they agree or disagree with one of the ideologies.
Luckily, we're here to give you both sides of the story.
One of the main differences between Republicans and Democrats is in how they view the concept of "equality." Republicans and conservatives tend to think that simple equality under the law leads to the most freedom; they believe that everyone gets a fair chance at succeeding in life if left to their own devices. Democrats and liberals, on the other hand, believe that you have to take a proactive approach to creating equality. They believe that government needs to use its resources to even the playing field for people who start out at a disadvantage, like the poor.
And this is what Clinton brings up in his 1996 State of the Union address…and what you should not bring up at the Thanksgiving table.
Questions About Equality
- How would you define "equality?" What makes people equal to each other? What makes them potentially unequal in practice, if not under the law?
- The welfare system, as instituted under Franklin Roosevelt, was designed to give Americans greater economic security. Do you consider economic security part of being "free?"
- Do you believe that anyone who works hard can "get ahead?" Do you believe, as Clinton states in the speech, that people who work hard are entitled to certain benefits?
- What would a truly "equal" country look like? Imagine its economic, political, and cultural characteristics.
Chew on This
Bill Clinton's 1996 State of the Union depicts a fair society as one in which everyone has the opportunity to advance through hard work.
The speech uses the word "community" thirteen times, reinforcing the theme that, in a free and equal society, people have to be willing to work together. Cue the soft piano music.