Republican or Democrat or ?
So I’ve been watching the presidential race, something I’ve never really done, and I have always consider myself a Republican… but what makes someone a Republican or Democrat or Independent or whatever?
It seems to me that even though there are these major parties running our government no one actually agrees with everything that their “party” stands for.
So where does that leave us newer voters? Should we choose a party because we like the way a certain candidate looks? Or because we agree with one speech made by one person at one time in a certain place to a specific demographic of people? What are the key issues that separate the parties?
The only real issue that I know is that Republicans are opposed to abortion and seek to overturn the Roe V. Wade decision - which even this is an idea not supported by all the Republicans.
Democrats are.. hell what are the democratic issues?
I Googled “difference between democrat and republican” and realized that I’m not the only person faced with this dilemma. On one site I read “Republicans tend to spend money on government program (defense, etc.) while Democrats tend to spend money on government services (welfare, etc.).” Is that really true? And if it is… does that help us to know which party we should affiliate ourselves with?
Any help is appreciated - let me know what you think!
-Trina
Filed under: Ramblings, politics
Trina, you mentioned “new voters” and I’m not clear on what you meant by that but I can tell you that I’m not a new voter and you’re right. The candidates we have at this moment (and too late for anyone new and exciting to pop up, I should think) are wandering back and forth over certain parts of the map so “the issues” don’t seem to be apparent.
What is irking me at this juncture is “change” seems to be the mantra of all three candidates yet not one of them has explained just HOW they will change anything they believe needs changing! It’s like being in the middle of a bumper car fest. Change! Where, how, when, to what??
For my money I’d take Ron Paul…only problem is, while this would appear to be the best and furthest someone with his Libertarian views has attained, we know it cannot be enough…yet….so, frankly, I’m going to abstain. And I wish there was a box on the ballot for “Abstention…and why”. Only my personal opinion but I don’t see a one of them who may succeed as being worthy of my vote or the highest office in the land. Some say “vote the lesser of two evils”. Can’t do that since the lesser of two is still ‘evil’ in that context. So it’s not apathy, weather, forgetfulness or inability that will keep me from voting this year…it’s that none seem worthy.