Curtis Hertel, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, says, “I’m a Democrat because I believe that the Democratic Party is a force for good in the world.” I have been thinking about this as my brother and I have reminisced about some of the things we know about our Dad’s childhood.

My father grew up in Michigan and earned money working in a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a project created by the Roosevelt administration in the 1930’s. Dad’s family was poor, and jobs were scarce. Programs like the CCC provided jobs and in Michigan alone was responsible for reforestation projects, building state parks, improving wildlife and fisheries projects, and the creation of wildlife refuges. Michiganders today still enjoy the benefits of these projects.

Now 90 some years later, I’m a Democrat because I believe in that kind of government, one that builds projects and institutions that create jobs, provides healthcare, builds infrastructure systems that provide us with safe food, clean air and water, and takes care of our planet, projects that allowed my dad to earn a living and help his family.

I also support government policies that support business, scientific research, innovation, and create an environment where people can build personal wealth, create large businesses and even amass fortunes.

However, I also believe there is truth in the words of Jesus in Luke 12: 48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (New International Version). One does not have to be a Christian to understand the power of those words.

It was a local mailman who used his savings to help people like my dad go to college. Government cannot create the heart of postal worker Clare Wolf in the hearts of entrepreneurs, CEOs and company shareholders. It can, however, create policies, tax codes, and incentives that require those who have built wealth to pay their fair share in taxes and live by policies that limit the wealth gap between them and the average worker. That’s the kind of government I want, one that will more likely lead to jobs that provide a living wage, healthcare for all, and policies that protect the environment and the rights and welfare of all who live in our borders.

The Democratic Party isn’t perfect, but from where I sit, Democrats have a philosophy of government makes them a force for good in the world.

The Blogs on this page provide an opportunity for CCDP members to share occasional reflections and opinions. Anyone wanting to submit a piece for inclusion here should submit them via email at cccdpwebsite2023@gmail.com

Naomi Ludman,
Chair, Cass County Democratic Party
March 2026

Note: The views expressed in our Blog page are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Cass County Democratic Party.