Typical American
I have had some debates with some friends on the differences between a liberal and a conservative. Then taking that one step further, what is the differences between Democrat and Republican. I had spent several years in the Marine Corps so I built my foundation on not choosing one because I had to deal with the other also. Now this is not to say that I don’t know where I sit but it is for me to look at why I see things as I do.
Most of the arguments I hear are rhetorical when dealing with facts. And factual when dealing with rhetoric. I think that I am a very logical person and I am going through this exercise for my benefit. If it spurs thought and debate that helps me then I have been successful here.
First I am going to define traits and values that I have and then the issues the parties define for the platforms.
The Traits that I have ingrained by the Marines are Justice, Judgment, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, Endurance, Honor
These are described well here and http://www.chadduck.com/ymarines/useful/traits.htm
As for Values Honor, Courage, Commitment have been the U.S. Marine Corps Core Values.
As for Issues that determine the choice of believing the Democrats or the Republicans.
Abortion: I believe that life starts at birth so I am pro-life. I am also pro support to a mother and holding the father accountable.
Affirmative Action: (race relations) - I like Rev. Martin Luther King’s dream of a color blind society. This does not mean that we do not acknowledge the color and celebrate it.
Budget & Taxes : This goes to what the government provides to the people it governs.
I believe that the government should provide safety (Police, Military, Boarder Security)
I do not believe that the government should pay farmers to not grow crops. People should get unemployment for six months or so and no more. I do believe that government should build highways and by ways (gas tax). Schools are built and maintained with property tax and this should be leveled out across the states. I believe in government projects that support the public over all but I believe that this has gone to far these days. I am for art but I do not see the requirement for the tax payers to pay for it.
Crime & Punishment:- I think that our legal systems are falling down in providing basic protection to public. I think that jail is a punishment and should be about punishment as a type of reform. I am not touchy feely and if someone is convicted for a crime they should have to work hard to be equal to someone that has not. I think that if someone has been convicted for a felony they should lose the right to vote.
Drugs : Drugs are bad for people. They should not be legal.
Health Care: In theory a socialist health care system is best but it take away all incentive to do what is right let alone right now….there are many issues in this area but the government is not the solution. Our healthcare system is really good other than the liability issues.
Education - I think that public schools do a pretty good job as long as parents do there job in raising kids. Schools are not public baby sitters. Also the unions are not healthy for the students. There is a direct conflict of interest. There is a balance out there some where but the unions are not helping. I think that to be a teacher should be one of the most highly prized positions in our country. But how do you deal with that and the fact that the people do not want to pay for all of it. Big issue with lots of contention.
Environment: if we want to keep the environment healthy we should not ever go into it. Well that just doesn’t fly. We should have a balanced approach to the environment for the natural resources is provides and balance that based on how we impact it. We need to manage this because we have impacted it with the growth of our cities.
Foreign policy: We should always try to get along with all other nations. Our policy should have honor, integrity, and other values. Out policy should be be in favor of America not any other country
Free Speech: free speech is good for America.
Gay rights: I happen to think it is nurture and not natural.. I also think that people should have the same protection regardless of if they are gay or not. That does not mean gay marriage. Gay union? Sure because they should have the same tax and inheritances as the rest of us.
Guns - Guns do not kill people. Rounds, fired by people kill people.
Immigration: Legal immigration should continue to be allowed. That is how we became who we are. That does not mean that we should allow immigrants to change what we believe.
Internal trade: Open trade provides the lower cost for products for us. It needs to be fair for us to trade to other countries also.
Jobs: Training enables people to find jobs. the government does not create job.
Military: Peace through strength.
Social Security: Pay now and get paid later.
Equal Rights:
Here is a link to resources http://www.politics1.com/issues.htm it is biased but acknowledges this fact
I will finish this post later….this is getting longer than I had expected.
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