Why are you a member of the party you are?

[Bleeding heart conservative, HTMLdon]

I'm a Republican because I believe in the fundamental principles of individual liberty, individual responsibility, and American Exceptionalism that is generally espoused by the GOP.

I'm apparently a Moderate Republican because I believe we should fervently focus on the principles laid about above, and cease and desist from the conflicting, irresponsible, and un-American policies that raise taxes on future generations, promote greed rather than responsibility, perpetuate a culture of discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans, and deny widely accepted scientific ideas.

[War on Want]

This is easy:I am leftist, and the Democrats are the most leftist party. I also am not a fan of policies that create rigid class lines, no healthcare for 50 million Americans, and failed states.

[Earth]

Does the Democratic Party's track record lend itself to that ideal?

More so than the Republican party, yes.

Without political parties, people would just be unorganized, opinionated blowhards. Unorganized political action is generally ineffective. I'm a leftist, so I picked the more leftist of the bigger two parties. Organization is key to getting anything accomplished. Can you imagine 435 independents debating in the House?

Kill me.

To the both of you, why pick from the major parties? Is it because they're the only ones who stand a chance it winning elections?

2. Republicans still think the Iraq war was a good idea.  Democrats have realized it was not.

What about the idea of proclaiming the Iraq War to be a negative from the start? The way you phrase it leaves the idea (correctly) that the Democrats, at first, thought it was a good undertaking. In total, 111 Democrats voted yes for the war. From an anti-war standpoint, doesn't that make it seem like they're towing the line?

This is easy:I am leftist, and the Democrats are the most leftist party. I also am not a fan of policies that create rigid class lines, no healthcare for 50 million Americans, and failed states.

But the Democrats aren't actually leftists. Compared to Europeans, "our" left are a bunch of conservatives. To me, it doesn't look like any of the actions made by the Democrats amount to tearing down class lines, but inadvertently reinforcing them.

-

The problem I see plauging the political landscape is very much apparent here as well; picking between a simple dichotomy of American "left" vs. "right". 

[War on Want]

This is easy:I am leftist, and the Democrats are the most leftist party. I also am not a fan of policies that create rigid class lines, no healthcare for 50 million Americans, and failed states.

But the Democrats aren't actually leftists. Compared to Europeans, "our" left are a bunch of conservatives. To me, it doesn't look like any of the actions made by the Democrats amount to tearing down class lines, but inadvertently reinforcing them.

In the American elections system you have to pick the lesser of two evils and I do think that Obama will move away from lots of Clinton's actions that made the Democrats like a wing of the Republicans. It is not as if I agree with the Socialists or Greens much anyways, just some Democrats from the progressive and labor wings.

[The Mikado]

Because, for the most part, the Democratic Party stands for what I do.  It is the party of NAFTA, the party of support for international institutions like the IMF, the World Bank, and the UN in keeping a global outlook on the world, the party of standing up to provincialism and reactionary beliefs.  Its the party of scientific progress, of not encumbering science to hidebound dogma (see evolution, stem cell research, etc), the party of preserving the environment.  Its the foresighted party, the one that thinks rather than be chained to ideology.

[Holmes]

Because at least the Democrats would acknowlege homosexuals, let a woman chooose what she thinks is best, and tax cuts aren't the only solution to all our problems.

5. Republicans want to teach creationism, an idea that requires the suspension of scientific thought, in science classrooms.  Democrats oppose the teaching of religious philosophies in public schools.

Depends where you are. In the Deep South, Democrats love the idea of creationism, and in the Northeast and West, even Republicans wouldn't support it.

[Earth]

Its the foresighted party, the one that thinks rather than be chained to ideology.

It's ideology seems, to an outsider like myself, to be fully wrapped up in the same old garb, indistinguishable from corporate america. If it's a failure of mine to correctly illustrate their agenda, it's because they have none, and not in a positive way, but one of constant shifting, for their own benefit. It looks like populism within an authoritarian mindset. 

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I always find it amusing when supporters of abortion* use comically tortureous euphemisms to describe it.

*teasing, that's all. Supporters of liberal abortion policy.

[Mint]

Because the Republicans have been hijacked by christian fundamentalists, supply side hacks, and hysterical flag wavers who will trade any freedom for the illusion of safety. Also the Democrats have a sizeable amount of people who aren't dyed in the wool liberals or at least demonstrate competency even if I disagree with them. If that wasn't the case I'd just go Independent.

[Aizen]

anti-republican and right now only the democrats can stop the party of evil.

It seems like the only things the Republicam party cares about these days is abortion and Gays.

You need to get out more.

or you need to get out of orange county more. kidding. or am i?

[Torie]

anti-republican and right now only the democrats can stop the party of evil.

It seems like the only things the Republicam party cares about these days is abortion and Gays.

You need to get out more.

or you need to get out of orange county more. kidding. or am i?

Nah, I pop up to LA and the Bay Area quite regularly to indulge my more esoteric interests. And then of course we have the internets, and well books (remember those?), with which to  take little mental trips away from suburban white bread "bliss" or whatever. Plus my pad looks anything like the stereotype once you get inside. Trust me. 

And there you have it.

By the way, OC (at least in general the higher income Anglo and Asian precincts) is not that atypical of higher income large metro area suburban/exurban America, and is moving Left just like the rest in general outside the South. The only difference is that it is more secular than many other otherwise similar venues.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

I;m a member of the GOP cause I believe first and formost in freedom, with Responsibility. I believe that life begins at conception and support at least some restrictions on abortions. I think that the greatest social ill this country is facing is the collapse of the traditional family and that the institution of marriage needs to be strenghtened not weakened. I think science is a good thing as long as it is ethical and responsible. I beleive that the best friend of peace in the world is a strong and vibrant USA and that the world has benefitted greatly from the US existing. I beleive that protecting freedom is important but that our freedom ends where another person's life, property, or privacy starts. I beleive that we need an immigration policy that lets the most threatened(either economically or politically) in first and doesn't allow for unchecked migration acrossed out borders. I'm a supporter or our National Soverignty and while the national Party hasn't done so well the only people who stand up for us on this are in the GOP or are independents. I support free trade as long as both countries have a level playing field, intellectual property is protected as well as the environment, and worker rights. But the deals have to be 100% transparent, not involve any secret agreements(North American Union), and not interject foriegn law into our country. I support a strong Military as a deterent to terror and dictatorship but that is only used when absolutely necessary. I think that we should not spend our way to prosperity and that spending projects should be based on the recommendations of the respective federal agencies and not based on the wants of Washinton insiders and pork barrellers. I beleive that gov't should be small, efficient, and effective; and not leave future generations with a lower standard of living cause we spent to much. I think that as long as the economy is expanding we should strive to have a surplus. I support a complete overhaul of the education system such as pay for performance, charter schools, vouchers, and better teacher pay in general. I however oppose certain changes such as year round schools, and school uniforms.  I think something needs to be done on health care but that it can best be done at the state level with some federal gov't support so far the only ones proposing that are in the GOP. 

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

I believe in a meritocracy, which obviously rules out the Republican party.

[Smash255]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

That is interesting. Putting aside that I am not particularly interested in having some per se stricture inculcated in teenagers against sexual activity (in fact I would oppose that actually come to think of it; one size does not fit all), it would seem to me that if one wanted to combat sexual activity, the only way to do that would be by abstinence. Is there a way that one can be both abstinent while engaging in sexual activity?

The balance of the list is also tendentious to a substantial extent, but enough already.

The problem is abstinence only education does not work and results in more unwanted pregnancies, more std's etc.  The issue isn't that abstinence is being taught, but that it is the ONLY thing taught which is extremely dangerous. 

Anyway I'm a Democrat because I'm a liberal and its the more liberal party.

[Padfoot]

2. Republicans still think the Iraq war was a good idea.  Democrats have realized it was not.

What about the idea of proclaiming the Iraq War to be a negative from the start? The way you phrase it leaves the idea (correctly) that the Democrats, at first, thought it was a good undertaking. In total, 111 Democrats voted yes for the war. From an anti-war standpoint, doesn't that make it seem like they're towing the line?

I purposely phrased the statement that way because of that.  Although many Democrats have opposed the war from the outset there were also many more who initially supported it.  However, the real difference I was trying to highlight is that most Democrats who supported the war have realized their mistake yet Republicans have stubbornly stuck by their idiotic leader. 

Yes, Sadaam Hussein was a brutal dictator and was certainly capable of causing problems in the Middle East but he was in no way, shape, or form an immediate threat to America.  The Iraq War has been an unmitigated disaster on all fronts.  It completely threw out all of the global goodwill and support we gained after 9/11 and the invasion of Afghanistan.  It resulted in a massive number of Iraqi civilian casualties and completely gutted the country's infrastructure.  Instead of combating terrorism in the Middle East, it sparked a new wave of hatred for America in the region and has been a breeding ground for new terrorists.  And most importantly, the Iraq War led us completely of course in Afghanistan and it is completely to blame for our failure to stabilize that country in a timely fashion.  Yet through all of this, Republicans have been steadfast in their support for one of the biggest foreign policy mistakes in American history.  It is absolutely mind boggling.

[dead0man]

    Because the Republicans were too socially conservative & economically leftist.

..and Dems are full of economic halfwits.

[Brittain33]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

That is interesting. Putting aside that I am not particularly interested in having some per se stricture inculcated in teenagers against sexual activity (in fact I would oppose that actually come to think of it; one size does not fit all), it would seem to me that if one wanted to combat sexual activity, the only way to do that would be by abstinence. Is there a way that one can be both abstinent while engaging in sexual activity?

The issue isn't abstinence, which tautologically prevents STDs and pregnancies. The question is about abstinence-only sex education, which may lead to higher levels of STDs and pregnancies than comprehensive sex education because it emphasizes a goal unattainable for some while denying information about prevention to those who don't meet it. Given that most people have a hard time with abstinence, education needs to find a way to deal with that reality instead of hewing to an ideal scenario.

[Brittain33]

The Democrats have a modern worldview that respects science, intellectual endeavours, and multiculturalism. It behaves more intellectually honesty and with greater integrity than the Republicans, is concerned about the environment and long-term policies, believes in public services and infrastructure, and looks out for people with fewer resources.

It's also not actively bashing me to win votes in order to get into office to give tax breaks and regulatory breaks to its biggest donors.

[TheresNoMoney]

I am a Democrat because I support economic populism and social libertarianism.  I rarely disagree with the Democratic party on the issues overall.

I can't ever remember agreeing with a Republican candidate more than a Democratic candidate in any race.

[Torie]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

That is interesting. Putting aside that I am not particularly interested in having some per se stricture inculcated in teenagers against sexual activity (in fact I would oppose that actually come to think of it; one size does not fit all), it would seem to me that if one wanted to combat sexual activity, the only way to do that would be by abstinence. Is there a way that one can be both abstinent while engaging in sexual activity?

The issue isn't abstinence, which tautologically prevents STDs and pregnancies. The question is about abstinence-only sex education, which may lead to higher levels of STDs and pregnancies than comprehensive sex education because it emphasizes a goal unattainable for some while denying information about prevention to those who don't meet it. Given that most people have a hard time with abstinence, education needs to find a way to deal with that reality instead of hewing to an ideal scenario.

Yes of course. I was just being obnoxious.

[Associate Justice PiT]

    Because the Republicans were too socially conservative & economically leftist.

..and Dems are full of economic halfwits.

     I would think it follows that if the Republicans support intolerably leftist economic positions, the Democrats fail as well in that regard.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

I'm a Republican because I believe in limited government, low taxes, a strong national defense, a strong military, and personal responsibility. I believe in giving anyone, regardless of their gender or race, a fair shot at succeeding in this country without artificial help from the government or any other institution. I don't believe that you should be punished for getting ahead in life. You should be able to reap the benefits of your labors without being a target. These reasons, above all, are why I am a Republican.

[Matt Damon™]

What part of killing brown people and backing Israel is part of 'strong national defense'?

[JSojourner]

My faith informs my politics.  But I hasten to add that loads of honorable people of faith view things very differently than I do.  For me, it boils down to...

St. Matthew's gospel, chapter 25.
31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 41 Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

The prophet Isaiah, chapter 58...
6Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

The prophet Jeremiah, chapter 22...
1 This is what the LORD says: Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 'Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, you who sit on David's throne— you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David's throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people.  5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the LORD, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.'

and then...

13Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his countrymen work for nothing, not paying them for their labour. 14 He says, 'I will build myself a great palace with spacious upper rooms.' So he makes large windows in it, panels it with cedar and decorates it in red. 15Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He did what was right and just, so all went well with him. 16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me? declares the LORD.

[Keystone Phil]

My faith informs my politics.

I can only imagine how many liberal heads would explode if a conservative said this. Not a swipe at you, JS. Just pointing out the double standard of some of your friends.