I suppose I've been "politically aware" for roughly 20 years now. As an Independent, I've found myself at odds with both ends of the political spectrum, and I've watched as partisan sheepism has become more and more intense, damaging not only the political process but our ability to address the fundamental challenges facing our country.
In short, the sheep are wrecking things.
In general, I agree with liberals on more issues, and with conservatives on the more important issues. For example, I'm pro-choice, anti-death penalty, and I think the War on Drugs is a bad joke. I don't understand why a gay man should not be allowed to access group health coverage through his partner's plan. I'm a comfy Agnostic - I freely admit to not having The Answer.
On the other hand, I don't believe liberals are serious about protecting our country. I know they're not fond of free markets and capitalism, that true Marxism is more attractive to them. And I believe that Political Correctness is shredding what's left of our Freedom of Speech, and keeping minorities down via The Soft Bigotry of Reduced Expectations.
So, here I am watching both sides attack, while neither side listens.
After carefully watching the vitriol, name-calling, hyperbole, denial, spin and outright lies for 20 or so years, I've come to the conclusion that neither side of the political spectrum is evil; neither side wants to kill my children; neither side wants what is worst for America.
The difference is the kind of America they want.
On this topic, I must side, overall, with the Republicans. And the reason is that I truly believe the Democrats are doing everything they can to turn America into a Western European-model Socialist Democracy. I say this with no anger; I'm not using the term "socialist" as an epithet; I am being literal. A pre-Sarkozy France, for example, would be heaven for them.
I pointed this out in an AOL political chatroom recently and was immediately met with a litany of denials. "Fine", I said. "Perhaps I'm wrong. Tell me then, what is it about France that you find so distasteful?"
My theory was supported by the fact that I received few answers. The answers I did receive were spin or deflection of some kind. Why don't you people just admit it?
Unfortunately, super-charged by President Bush's myriad missteps, the country is headed left. Within one generation, I strongly and sincerely suspect, America will be just another socialist democracy. Nothing special, mediocre.
A different America.
CM
In general, I agree with liberals on more issues, and with conservatives on the more important issues. For example, I'm pro-choice, anti-death penalty, and I think the War on Drugs is a bad joke. I don't understand why a gay man should not be allowed to access group health coverage through his partner's plan. I'm a comfy Agnostic - I freely admit to not having The Answer.
On the other hand, I don't believe liberals are serious about protecting our country. I know they're not fond of free markets and capitalism, that true Marxism is more attractive to them. And I believe that Political Correctness is shredding what's left of our Freedom of Speech, and keeping minorities down via The Soft Bigotry of Reduced Expectations.
So, here I am watching both sides attack, while neither side listens.
After carefully watching the vitriol, name-calling, hyperbole, denial, spin and outright lies for 20 or so years, I've come to the conclusion that neither side of the political spectrum is evil; neither side wants to kill my children; neither side wants what is worst for America.
The difference is the kind of America they want.
On this topic, I must side, overall, with the Republicans. And the reason is that I truly believe the Democrats are doing everything they can to turn America into a Western European-model Socialist Democracy. I say this with no anger; I'm not using the term "socialist" as an epithet; I am being literal. A pre-Sarkozy France, for example, would be heaven for them.
I pointed this out in an AOL political chatroom recently and was immediately met with a litany of denials. "Fine", I said. "Perhaps I'm wrong. Tell me then, what is it about France that you find so distasteful?"
My theory was supported by the fact that I received few answers. The answers I did receive were spin or deflection of some kind. Why don't you people just admit it?
Unfortunately, super-charged by President Bush's myriad missteps, the country is headed left. Within one generation, I strongly and sincerely suspect, America will be just another socialist democracy. Nothing special, mediocre.
A different America.
CM
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