Have you ever asked a Republican to list out their core virtues and major accomplishments over the last 50 years? It’s an interesting exercise to show them that they have none. I know that’s a slight exaggeration, but only a slight exaggeration. Really.
I think Republican values all center around team, winning, and hate with the goal of promoting the rich to secure donations and white Americans generally.
Here are the usual 5 things thinking people try to recite when they honestly try to recount the accomplishments of Republicans over the last 50 years.
1. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017): A rich people giveaway adding $2 trillion to the debt. This law provided significant tax cuts for the rich and businesses, aiming to boost economic growth and job creation. The same trickle down BS from Reagan. Although it nearly doubled the standard deduction and increased child tax credits, which benefited many middle-class families.
2. U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): Passed with bipartisan support so this likely shouldn’t count, but let me know how you feel about it. This trade agreement replaced NAFTA and is projected to raise U.S. real GDP by $68.2 billion and create 176,000 jobs. It aimed to modernize trade relations in North America and provide better protections for workers and the environment.
3. First Step Act (2018): This bipartisan criminal justice reform law aimed to reduce recidivism and address disparities in sentencing. It includes provisions for early release for good behavior and offers rehabilitation programs, benefiting thousands of inmates and promoting fairer sentencing practices.
4. Expansion of Rural Broadband: Republicans have pushed for expanding high-speed internet access to rural areas, which helps students, businesses, and healthcare services in those regions, bridging the digital divide and promoting economic development.
5. Funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH): Significant increases in funding for medical research, including Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, and opioid addiction, have been supported by Republicans. This funding is critical for advancing healthcare and finding new treatments for various diseases.
Now here’s a list of just a few of the things Democrats, the people’s party, have accomplished in just the last 3 decades:
1. Affordable Care Act: Expanded healthcare access.
2. Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: Equal pay for women.
3. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Economic stimulus.
4. Dodd-Frank Act: Financial reform and consumer protection.
5. Family and Medical Leave Act: Protected family leave.
6. Violence Against Women Act: Combated domestic violence.
7. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Expanded child healthcare.
8. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act: Allowed LGBTQ+ military service.
9. Obergefell v. Hodges Support: Legalized same-sex marriage.
10. Paris Climate Agreement Participation: Addressed climate change.
11. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): Protected undocumented youth.
12. Economic Growth through Trade: Promoted international trade agreements.
13. Clean Power Plan: Reduced carbon emissions.
14. Expanded Pell Grants: Increased college affordability.
15. Renewable Energy Investments: Boosted clean energy.
16. Healthcare for 9/11 Responders: Supported first responders.
17. Fair Sentencing Act: Reduced sentencing disparities.
18. Minimum Wage Increases: Raised wage floor.
19. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Expanded housing access.
20. Support for Public Schools: Increased education funding.
21. Expanded LGBTQ+ Rights: Protected LGBTQ+ individuals.
22. Healthcare for Veterans: Improved veterans’ care.
23. Medicare Expansion: Broadened healthcare for seniors.
24. Net Neutrality Protection: Ensured open internet.
25. Gun Control Measures: Enhanced firearm regulations.
26. Anti-Human Trafficking Laws: Combated human trafficking.
27. Increased Corporate Accountability: Strengthened oversight.
28. Expanded Food Assistance Programs: Supported low-income families.
29. Social Security Protection: Preserved retirement benefits.
30. Environmental Protections: Enhanced conservation efforts.