Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Because we honor everyone, this work is for everyone.
Political Beliefs
MACC is a place where all belong.
Diversity fuels the MACC spirit empowering people in our inclusive community.
We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and multiple points of view.
Be who you are.
We like it that way.
The United States midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, November 8th. Since unprecedented partisanism has become the norm in America over the last several years, it is imperative that citizens gain an understanding of the platforms of a variety of politicians in order to seek understanding and civility with those who hold opposing beliefs. While it is true that America operates under a multi–party system, Republicans and Democrats are by far the most powerful.
When determining who you wish to vote for, it is important that you look into the views of each candidate in order to determine which candidate’s views align most closely to yours. While most people’s views do not fall strictly within one party or another, it is helpful to understand some of the underlying ideology of the two major parties in US Politics.
The basic tenets of the Republican party are:
- small government,
- low taxes,
- local control of regulations,
- free market economics,
- and policies that protect traditional values espoused in more conservative sects of religion.
Proponents encourage individual responsibility above government
intervention, regulation, or policy.
“Everyone deserves a safe, accessible place to better themselves while feeling that their world is recognized and their voices heard.”
-DEI Ambassador for MACC
In contrast, the Democratic party promotes:
- strong government,
- directed use of taxes,
- regulations that they perceive encourage social and economic equality,
- and more generally progressive ideas of community and family dynamics.
Adherents of liberalism do not believe that personal responsibility is solely enough to ensure the safety and well–being of our country’s citizens, and as a result tend to advocate for greater social well–being.
Despite the many hot-button topics that are covered by the media, argued about on social networks, and used by politicians to solicit support, there is a body of evidence that suggests Americans have more in common than many of them may realize. Harvard University released a study in 2020 where researchers discovered a bipartisan majority of respondents agreed on a variety of “essential rights” including freedom of speech and religion, the right to bear arms, and LGBT+ rights, among others. A 2021 Axios article detailed a similar study that bore largely the same results: participants from across the
political spectrum agreed on a majority of important topics.
It is important that as we head to the polls this November—and please do exercise your right as an American to vote—that we view our political opponents not as enemies but as fellow citizens with a differing point of view.
In addition to voting for candidates, there are often measures to vote on. For the measures on the 2022 ballot, refer to this link:
https://www.sos.mo.gov/default.aspx?PageID=10056
Further reading and viewing:
How to Vote in Missouri
https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/howtovote
How to Register to Vote
https://www.vote411.org/
Political Ideology Quizzes
https://yhs.apsva.us/post/staff/schildknecht–jon–overview/political–ideology/
Understanding the political spectrum
https://www.unifrog.org/know–how/understanding–the–political–spectrum
Why Do “Left” And “Right” Mean Liberal And Conservative?
https://www.dictionary.com/e/leftright/
Left Wing vs. Right Wing
https://www.diffen.com/difference/Left_Wing_vs_Right_Wing
Additionally, each of the following Parties have their own websites that you can check out for more information. A list compiled by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities can be found here:
https://www.aascu.org/programs/adp/votingresources/politicalparties.pdf