New Democrat Update

JUST WHAT IS THE THIRD WAY?

New Democrats often get asked that question. The Third Way is a governing philosophy that is taking root in the Democratic Party here in Colorado, at the national level and in progressive parties around the world. It confronts the policy challenges of the Information Age and the political challenges of conservatism.

It is about promoting values and a new ethic of politics. We must give people opportunity in exchange for individual responsibility, while making sure that hard work and sacrifice pay off in economic security and prosperity.

Third Way adherents realize, in the New Economy, that the private sector - not government - is the primary engine of economic opportunity for all. Government's obligation is to create a climate of opportunities for ordinary citizens and equip them to succeed.

The ingredients of a healthy economy have changed significantly. In the old economy, a good harbor, a surplus of labor, plenty of capital and good weather were very important. Today's economy needs well-educated employees, state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure networks that link firms and customers to markets. That takes public investments in worker education and skills training, basic research for new technologies, and a world-class infrastructure - roads, bridges, communication systems and the like.

However, the Third Way is more than just making monetary ends meet. For most of the 1980s, we had a debate between the Reagan ethic, “every man for himself and if you don't make it so be it,” and another ethic that says to people, "don't worry about it if you don't make it, the government will do it for you." Instead, the Third Way calls for a strong sense of mutual obligation. In other words, no more something-for-nothing regardless of your income or status - equal opportunity for all, special privilege for none.

Public policies must send this very important message - citizens have responsibilities: first, to themselves and their families, to take advantage of those opportunities; and second, to their country and community, to give something back to the commonwealth. Every advantage gained from the community must generate a corresponding obligation to the community. No community can long survive unless its members dedicate some of their attention, energy, and resources to shared goals.

Third Way proponents must be focused on the next generation, not simply the upcoming election. Government does not have all the answers to the problems we face. We need to get beyond the stale debates over safeguarding or slashing this or that program or regulation and move to a broader discussion about how to reorganize government in a fundamental way so we can keep people safe from criminals , educate our children, and help our economy grow, without getting in the way of the people's aspirations for a better life.

Embracing this Third Way, members of Colorado's New Democrat Caucus (NDC) - State Representatives Fran Coleman, Dan Grossman, Bob Hagedorn, Jennifer Veiga, Suzanne Williams and Sue Windels - will be attending the DLC’s third annual National Conversation on July 13-14 in Baltimore. They will be discussing successful New Democrat ideas with other leaders from around the country.

The NDC is now developing new initiatives for the 2000 legislative session, emphasizing fiscal discipline, crime, education, smart growth, transportation and health care. Watch future New Democrat Updates for details.

E-mail the Colorado DLC for a copy of the latest New Democrat magazine entitled “The Third Way Goes Global.”