I have had a lingering question about a particular map for quite some time. This map specifically showcases the 18 American states where Democrats have control over both the legislative and executive branches, or possess a veto-proof majority in the legislature. In Washington, D.C., Democrats often point fingers at the GOP for obstructing their progressive agenda. They claim that any tax increases experienced by middle-class families can be attributed to the Republicans. However, if we focus on these 18 states, we can observe that there is essentially no Republican opposition. So, my question is: What exactly do Democrats do when they hold all the power?
To answer this query, I have joined forces with Binya Appelbaum, a Times editorial board writer who has dedicated his career to contemplating, writing books, and reporting on this very topic. Binya’s intriguing perspective has captured my attention. He emphasizes that Americans tend to view politics as an “us versus them” competition. Many believe that if the opposition would simply step aside, they could freely implement their desired policies. In reality, the opposition is not the hurdle anymore. It is solely up to the Democrats and their supporters to shape policy in these states and bring their vision to life. This, indeed, presents an opportune moment for them to implement their progressive vision.
For this investigation, I have delved into the vast 2020 Democratic Party platform document. It serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the Democrats’ aspirations and vision for America. By analyzing this document alongside a closer look at these states, we can uncover what Democrats truly accomplish when they hold complete power.
Let’s kick off by examining California, the epitome of a liberal state. Democrats dominate the state legislature, executive branch, and major cities. So, what do they do with this substantial power? Housing in California is a critical aspect we must consider. Now, I must confess, the topic of “housing policy” tends to bore me initially. However, Binya insists that California’s housing policy and its repercussions are undoubtedly worth our attention. If one genuinely opposes inequality in America, they must support the construction of affordable housing in their own neighborhoods. Democrats wholeheartedly agree. Remarkably, the word “housing” appears over 100 times in the aforementioned document. Our birthplace has a significant influence on our lives. Children growing up in neighborhoods plagued by environmental deterioration, limited access to quality public services, poor schools, and inadequate public transportation face lifelong disadvantages. The document explicitly states, “Housing in America should be stable, accessible, safe, healthy, energy-efficient, and, above all, affordable.” It affirms that housing is a fundamental human right.
So, let’s assess California’s performance on housing. You know those signs you encounter when entering a state that say, “Welcome to California”? They might as well be replaced with “Keep out” signs. Housing in California has become exorbitantly expensive, rendering it unaffordable for many. The state has largely halted new housing construction. Yes, there are still cranes and ongoing housing developments, but the pace has considerably slowed over time. It is far from enough to keep up with the state’s growing population. Consequently, the demand for housing far exceeds the supply, leading to soaring prices. For instance, the median price of a home in San Diego County has reached a staggering $830,000.
Ironically, throughout California, there are countless cities filled with self-proclaimed progressive, liberal individuals advocating for a more equal and diverse America. They participate in marches and proudly display lawn signs championing equality. However, simultaneously, they actively fight to maintain the exclusivity and aesthetics of their own neighborhoods. But wait, you may ask, what’s wrong with these neighborhoods? They appear to be standard residential areas. Yet, these neighborhoods are the outcome of intentional policies aimed at preserving low-density, single-family homes instead of allowing for higher-density structures like duplexes or apartment complexes. This ongoing battle becomes evident when examining a zoning map, such as the one in Palo Alto, California. Please bear with me; the significance will become apparent soon.
In this Palo Alto zoning map, anything shaded yellow signifies single-family home zoning, like these sections. Only one family is permitted to reside in each of these areas. However, Palo Alto, being an attractive hub for new opportunities and job growth, has experienced an influx of new jobs. Over the past eight years, the San Francisco area alone has added 676,000 jobs but only 176,000 housing units. Consequently, the City Council decided to change the zoning of a specific two-acre plot to allow for higher-density housing. The goal was to construct a 60-unit affordable housing complex for elderly community members. So, zoning changed, right? Construction of the affordable complex began? Unfortunately, no. The predominantly liberal residents of Palo Alto initiated a vote to overturn the decision and revert the zoning back to low-density, single-family housing. Ultimately, the vote passed, leading to the cancellation of the affordable housing project. Instead of an affordable housing complex for the elderly, all that remains is a row of expensive, massive houses, each worth around $5 million.
This situation repeats itself throughout California, resulting in neighborhoods so costly that they effectively exclude anyone outside of a small group of extremely affluent residents. Many of these residents acquired their properties decades ago and ardently safeguard their substantial real estate investments. They claim to value affordable housing, but their actions suggest otherwise. During meetings discussing new housing projects, the rhetoric follows a predictable pattern. Supporters express their supposed support for affordable housing, emphasizing the need for more of it in their communities. However, they swiftly express concerns that ultimately halt construction. As a consequence of these actions, development is stymied, creating a vicious cycle. This scenario is unfolding across California, perpetuating the exclusivity of neighborhoods and hindering access to affordable housing.
Now, let’s shift our attention to another liberal stronghold, Washington State. The Democratic Party incessantly criticizes the taxation system, deeming it rigged against the American people. They frequently lament tax cuts exclusively benefiting the wealthiest citizens. A progressive tax system, where the rich pay a greater proportion of their income compared to the poor, is a fundamental policy vision of the progressive movement. It takes center stage in the Democratic policy platform. However, upon examining Washington State, an unexpected discovery emerges.
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