Blind adherence to party lines is unproductive (Rep. Larry Kissell)

The primary focus of the Democratic Party, and of the Congress as whole, should be to restore the American economy by putting our citizens back to work. Our nation cannot long remain strong, free, or even relevant in the world so long as our national unemployment hovers around ten percent. We must fight to restore America’s manufacturing base by avoiding bad trade deals, stringently enforcing trade deals which are already in place, and vowing to never again give away to foreign powers entire sectors of our manufacturing economy. We must stop rewarding American companies that ship jobs overseas and begin to provide incentives and protections for companies that produce goods and pay taxes and wages in this country. The Democratic Party has always been first in the fight for working families. The time has come to reclaim that mantle and defend the jobs that make an American middle class possible.

The Democratic Party needs to continue to support a comprehensive concept of National Security that includes supporting the armed forces with the equipment, technology, training, pay and benefits that indicate we acknowledge, appreciate and support the vital job they do on behalf of freedom, democracy and American interests the world over. National security should also include the securing of our borders and establishing a fair, tough and practical immigration policy that benefits American citizens first. We also must acknowledge that our economic security is based upon our ability to put Americans to work making the things we depend on for our security. It is vital that American workers be allowed to manufacture the uniforms and equipment not only for our armed forces, but also for our Homeland Security officers and agents. A secure, reliable American-based supply chain for these essential goods must be part of our national security plan.

The Democratic Party needs to reaffirm our commitment to senior citizens and veterans. We must protect, improve and expand Medicare, the Veterans Administration, Social Security and the other programs that guarantee a social safety net for those who have sacrificed and worked to make our country the envy of the world. A person, a Party, and for that matter a nation, is only as strong as the bond of its word. We have a commitment to those who have come before us and we must rededicate ourselves to see that those obligations are met.

Political parties are a reality in our country, and they have roles to play in our government. But that does not mean that partisanship should come before our duty to what is right for the American people. I believe in most instances that solutions will be found somewhere in the middle of the political spectrum. By getting back to the basics of putting our citizens first and refusing to get drawn into the partisan bickering for its own sake, we can find common ground and make progress for the American people by getting things done and solving problems. The strength and greatness of our party is tied to the strength and greatness of our nation. The Democratic Party has a proud heritage of helping to lead America out of tough times and into a brighter future.  The time is here to do it again.

Rep. Larry Kissell is a Democrat representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional district.