What is a Democrat?

[Badfish740]

I'm just curious to see, realistically, what people's perceptions are about the "typical" Democratic voter. I feel as though I'm often on the defense about my political choice when a conversation is steered toward the elections in everyday discourse with friends, co-workers, etc... So I ask you, do I seem like a "typical" Democratic voter to you? Is there such a thing? I want to hear from the more conservative members of the board.

I am a 26 year old male, college graduate (first ever in a family of farmers and factory workers).

I have a degree in social studies education with a minor in political science but I'm not a teacher, I work in a government office.

I was raised Catholic but I don't regularly attend mass, however I believe in God and intend to bring my children up in the Catholic Church as well.

I have been a gun owner since age 22 and a licensed hunter since the age of 10. All of my guns are registered and I don't have a problem with that.

My father is a member of a labor union (Teamsters), and I feel that without labor unions people would not be able to earn a living wage or be able to work safely.

Personally I don't approve of abortion, and if I were thrust into that situation (:eek) I would do everything possible to persuade the person not get one and to support the child if it were mine. That being said it's not my decision to make ultimately, nor should it be-its not my body.

If a man wants to marry another man, or a woman wants to marry another woman I have no problem with it. It does not impact me in any way, positive or negative, and quite frankly I have more important things to think about.

I think that terrorism is the number one threat to the U.S. today and it should be located and destroyed wherever it is found.

I think that our borders (especially the southern border) should be tightened but not closed, businesses who hire illegal immigrants should be prosecuted, and the immigration system should be overhauled in order to streamline the process.

I think that if you're going to cut taxes by $50 billion you ought to cut spending by that much also-otherwise someone is going to pay for it somewhere.

I think that upon reaching age 18 in this country there should be compulsory service to the country, be it military, teaching in an urban school, working in a VA hospital, maintaining national park land, etc...

I think that capital punishment, while not a deterrent, is still a good idea.

As a sportsman I think that the cleanliness of our air and water is important.

I don't think that the Iraq war was or is a good idea, but not because I don't believe in going to war. I think that there are a million other places in this world where people are conspiring to do us harm for a variety of reasons. Our military should be there.

I realize that we need to clean up the mess in Iraq so that it doesn't bite us on the rearend in twenty years.

I believe that this country, when it puts its mind to it, can do just about anything. Likewise, I believe that if as much effort (and funding) was put into alternative energy sources as was put into getting a man on the moon, the Saudis would be back to trading spices and camels already.

I swell with pride when I hear the national anthem, see an honor guard of veterans pass in a parade, or pledge allegiance to the flag.

Typical Liberal? Yuppie? Pinko? Commie? Hippie? Babykiller?

[lowstroke]

I'm in agreement with almost everything you believe. I'm a republican. So does this mean I am really a Dem?

[4everlearning]

I also agree with most everything you have said.
I believe we are just individual men with individual ideals.

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by lowstroke

I'm in agreement with almost everything you believe. I'm a republican. So does this mean I am really a Dem?

No. The purpose of this little exercise is to show that demonizing people based on their choice of political parties is based on stereotyping, not rational thought. I find that often on message boards like this one the facts and issues at hand frequently take a back seat to stereotypes and assumptions.

[Powerstrokin03]

With almost everything as well other than 2 guyz getting married but thats just me. and as long as i didn't have to see them everyday i guess i wouldn't care either..

[Banshee34]

How do you feel about The Welfare System, Raises for Congress and Higher Taxes?

[mdkallam130]

not to hijack... but since this was brought up for discussion heres my .02 cents...lol....The welfare system is incompetent... congress needs to learn how to live off a blue collar wage and see how their laws effect the majority of the country... and i think we are taxed way too much already... with that being said i like to think im a republican but most of all im american..that is the way we all ought to be thinking instead of trying to keep the country divided between non existant parties...

thanks and GOD bless

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by Banshee34

How do you feel about The Welfare System, Raises for Congress and Higher Taxes?

Welfare

Most people's perception of welfare is that of what it was pre 1996-a straight entitlement program that was essentially a handout. The system was bloated, rife with corruption, and needed change. It got it with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (I won't mention who worked hard to get it passed ), and welfare was changed to "workfare." Recipients now must look for work or look for work in order to continue to receive federal benefits. Since the act was passed, most state caseloads have dropped by 50%. So in short, I support welfare.

Raises for Congress

A Member of Congress makes $165,000 per year. Granted that's a lot more than you and I make, but you and I don't need a residence on Capitol Hill (where $1 million will get you a nice fixer upper), and a house in the home district. "But most members of Congress are millionaires" you say? You're right, many are. However, how could you expect someone with young family from a middle class background to run and win? I know a candidate personally who is a 32 year old guy, recently married, and makes an average wage at his current profession who is running for Congress. He's not sure what he'll do if elected in terms of a place to live during legislative sessions in D.C. All the pension stuff you've probably heard is bunk too. They pay into social security and retire at much less than half salary, like most folks who are lucky enough to have pensions. I don't mind members getting a cost of living increase.

Higher taxes

Who the hell wants higher taxes? As I stated before though, if you're going to cut taxes, you better be cutting spending by that much or more. What good does cutting taxes do when all it means is that now you're digging the country deeper into debt? It's very simple, don't spend more than you earn!

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Last edited by Badfish740 : 01-29-2008 at 12:01 PM.

[owtcast]

This is a very good thread. Badfish, thanks for starting it. I too have felt that same pressure and ridicule from friends, family you name it over my choices for elected officials. I feel I am somewhere in the center when it comes to voting since I can't stand an overpowering government that wants to micromanage. Nor do I like the idea of making law that supports the uber-rich. Being a firefighter I am definately union. Not the type of union member that bickers over longer breaks and lives by the "It's not my job" mentality. But the union member that supports 2 in 2 out, sufficient staffing for manpower, and something better than the lowest bid equipment the city can haggle up. What most people know as "employment" today is far different from what it would be like if unions hadn't ever been formed. With that said, I don't think I am a democrat. I don't think I fit into the republican peg either. I just wish there were actually someone that was worth voting for running for president, no matter what side they are on.

[Mike6176]

I agree with most everything most folks have said on this and I agree mostly with Badfish but I consider myself a Republican. I do agree with Outcast that I do not fit in either predefined or stereotyped group. The main reason I lean more towards the republican side is, their core belief (or at least my core belief of what a Republican is) of smaller government. I believe that the government has their hands in way too much of our lives and pocketbooks. The federal government main propose should be their to protect us from foreign invaders not protect little Susie from fallen down and scraping her knee. I believe we should do away with most, if not all, social programs. If you want to help someone or if you see someone who needs help, start your own charity and help that person. I believe if the government did not tax us so much for their social programs, many of could do it or better support folks who do. Just my . Agree or disagree it doesn't really bother me. As Toby Keith's song (I cannot believe I'm quoting a Toby Keith song) "Sometimes we should agree to disagree.