When the American People go to the polls this November 7th to elect a new congress, they will have a clear choice, a choice between the failed policies of the Bush administration and the current majority Republican congress, and a New Direction unveiled recently by the Democratic Party. For two years Republicans have been answering criticism of their bad policies by claiming that Democrats ‘do not have a plan’. They can use that excuse no longer.

The Democrat’s New Direction For America aims to make health care more affordable, lower gas prices and achieve energy independence, help working families by increasing the minimum wage substantially, cut college costs, ensure a dignified retirement for all, and pledges a return to fiscal discipline in the federal government where revenues and expenditures are balanced. The Democrats New Direction stands in stark contrast to the last six years under a Republican administration and congress where polls show that more than 66% of the country believes we are going in the wrong direction. We have rising health care costs, rising energy prices, an out of control budget and trade deficit, rising college costs, and rising insecurity about retirement.

Now it is Republicans who do not have a plan, unless they call for more of the same, if they dare. The last six years has been an unprecedented time where one party has held nearly universal control over the federal government. The Republicans thus have had the ability to enact their agenda at will. In the great debate between Democrats and Republicans over which philosophy is best for running the country, we may not know for sure if the Democrats are right but the last six years have unequivocally taught us that the Republicans are wrong. The Republicans are left with nothing to show for six years of control of the American political scene. The economy is lukewarm at best. The financial markets are at the same levels they were six years ago, barely any new jobs have been created and if you factor in growth of the population, jobs have actually been lost. The rest of the world views us and our motives with suspicion after our stated justification for a pre-emptive war failed to pan out. An end result of failure greets Republican efforts of the last six years everywhere they turn.

It is more than time for a change and the American people know it. The Democrats have presented a plan that will bring prosperity back to our country. The only thing left is for Americans to do their duty, show up to the polls on November 7th and vote Democratic. If by chance you feel sorry for your local Republican congressperson or senator, don’t worry, as new retirees, they will also benefit from the new Democratic agenda.