The New Year often signifies a fresh start and a time for new resolutions and goals. This year, instead of exercise and dieting (after the all-pizza diet of finals), the College Democrats are looking forward with the new goals for the Democratic Party. We asked our members, via Facebook poll, what they would like to see the party focus on in post-midterm elections.
The highest number of votes, 24, went to focusing on racial inequity. While racial inequality in America has always been present, recent events have brought the issue to the forefront of national attention. The Democratic Party has been relatively silent regarding institutionalized racial disparities, but young adults across the nation have begun mobilizing and are ready for change. College Dems Vice-Chair Jenny Tasse said, “It is time as Democrats and Americans that we have a productive dialogue about racial injustices in this country.” We must be willing to open up conversations about inequity and racism if we ever want to move forward. Dane County, specifically, has one of the highest black arrest and imprisonment disparities in the nation. While the county population is only six percent black, black people make up nearly 50 percent of the county jail population. As both a party and as socially conscious young people, we must first accept that racial inequity is prevalent; we cannot continue to ignore these injustices. We must instead bring attention to these disparities and mobilize together to encourage equality and bring an end to systematic racism.
Women’s issues and gender equality came in second with 23 votes. As college students who will be entering the workforce in the next few years, it is unacceptable that our female classmates may be paid less than their male counterparts doing the same job. Women are still unequally represented within many parts of the job market, especially politics. But it is not enough to simply run female candidates; the party must foster an environment in which women feel empowered to run for office, win and then affect change.
The informal poll, which garnered 94 votes total, showed a stark preference for social issues over economics. Yet, workers’ rights and union issues gained a fair amount of support. This is especially relevant in Wisconsin, where state Republicans are currently working on right-to-work legislation. Instead of weakening unions, we should be supporting a strong middle class; Associated Students of Madison Secretary Alexander Schultz stated, “You win the hearts and minds of people by showing that you care about their well-being and economic livelihood.” In a state where Democrats have very little legislative power, we must continue the fight for the middle class workers of Wisconsin.
Our general members also gave 15 votes to college affordability and reducing student loan debt. College Democrats of University of Wisconsin Communications Director Joseph Waldman said, “The Democratic Party needs to show students that it is still the party of the middle class. That means putting more focus on the greatest engine for social mobility – an affordable college education.” Students need to feel assured that the party supports them and their economic futures. Tuition freezes will not ultimately help students as high interest rates will keep them from building a strong financial base for themselves post-graduation.
This one opinion poll is not exhaustive, but it is a good indicator of what UW Democrats find important. These are the voices that will matter in upcoming elections, and young people must work together to build a party that accurately reflects and fights for our ideals.
Thank you to The Badger Herald and the College Republicans for another great semester of Point CounterPoint! The College Democrats would like to wish you a happy holidays and joyous New Year! Until next year, On Wisconsin!
