Political Affiliations
Sorry couldn’t come up with a better title than this.
So I have been thinking a little bit about my own political affiliation. I began to even somewhat consider changing my political affiliation to the Republican party. I even borrowed a book from the library about the party (see most recent Currently Reading).
I remember that the Republican Party was the party of Lincoln! The party of Theodore Roosevelt! Both Presidents that I admire.
But is the Republican Party of today the same as it was then? I’m not sure. I don’t think so. I have not read much of the book yet so I might post some information about that once I get further in my reading.
But after thinking about it some I kind of came to my senses about affiliating myself with them.
Even though I do agree with the party’s stance on several issues, I can’t bring myself to agree with their stance on other issues.
And quite frankly, I am pretty sure that they would not have me anyway. LOL!
I certainly can’t bring myself to align with the Democrats either. Even thought this was technically the party of Jefferson, another President I admire, it has turned into something totally different. In my opinion, the Democratic Party seems to be okay with big government. That is, that the government is the solution to all of our problems. This is a generalization based on my own experiences within the party of course.
I’m not a Libertarian. Although I do agree with quite a bit of their positions, I think their position on the pro-life issue is not in line with mine and I will not align myself with them base don that principle alone.
So that is why I affiliate myself as an Independent.
I voted for Nader in the last election. Not because I agree with everything he has to say. But because it is my way of ‘flipping the bird’ at the two-party system. I think we could all be better off in most election if we had other choices. Granted, we do have other choices but not to the extend that these other choices would ever hope to get a significant amount of the electoral vote.
Take the last general election for example.
In the Presidential race, we had the ultra-liberal, somewhat shady past, Democrat on one side and the only kinda sorta Republican on the other. No real safe bet there.
And in the Washington gubernatorial race, we had the crook going up against the straight party line lying liberal on the other side. Again, no safe bet.
So as you can see, if we had more “real” choices, we could probably, just maybe, come up with some elected officials that aren’t corrupt businessmen or blind partisans that will do anything to please their party.
We might just get some elected officials that actually do work for the people.
It could happen. Although I am not holding my breath.
I am a member of the Republican party and voted that way in the 2008 election. The reason I did was because of my distrust of Barack Obama. I simply did not want him in office.
Having said that, I do not like the way the Republican party has been headed. I believe the best candidates we had in the primaries were sidelined because the Republican establishment did want them winning. They did everything in their power to make sure they maintained their power base.
LarryJackson
June 17, 2009 at 12:48 am
My advice to both of you is that if you agree with some or much of what a party is about then become a part of that party and work to change from within… not subversion mind you but "change".
If you stay on the outside and wait for others to change things to your view… it might be a long wait. I'm just sayin'..
red
Red S Tater
June 17, 2009 at 2:42 am
Are you familiar with the Modern Whigs? They might appeal to you, judging from this post. Their slogan: "A Party for the Rest of Us."
d.eris
June 17, 2009 at 2:56 am
is that anything like a festivus for the rest of us?
Otter
June 17, 2009 at 4:35 am
seriously though. i can see validity in your point as well Red. truth be told though, i was never much of a joiner for the most part.
Otter
June 17, 2009 at 4:35 am
My dad stayed a registered Democrat in Oklahoma because (Democrat controlled at the time) he could vote in the primaries and small elections and have an impact and then he voted Republican in the general elections.
You can have an impact on the party you agree with most by registering with that party and voting with your views… or dare I say, getting involved.
Red S Tater
June 17, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Cramer and George's dad… too funny, that cracked me up when I read that… nearly spewed my coffee.
Red S Tater
June 17, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Personally I left the Democratic Party earlier this year because I could no longer be part of the two party system. I see nothing but power hungry corruption in both the Democratic and Republican parties. Neither are looking out for the folks and both make me sick. Red’s point about working from within the parties to reform them is a good one and there may come a time when I return to the Democratic Party, but it’s not going to be anytime soon, and it sure won’t be under the current leadership.
I do have a question for Steve. You said that you could never join a party that is pro-choice. I completely respect your position on this issue, so please don’t take this the wrong way. Has the abortion issue become a litmus test for you?
Oh…that Seinfeld reference was brilliant!!! Good show.
Dave
June 17, 2009 at 5:39 pm
well, yeah, it kind of has. for me it has become that one issue that i just have to take a stand on.
I feel that it is my moral and godly obligation to work toward making sure those babies get a chance at life. even if they are unfortunately born under the Obama administration.
granted, i know that a President or a member of Congress does not have any real say over whether or not abortion stays legal or not in the day and age but with legislation like FOCA being introduced, i think their opinion absolutely matters to me.
even if i am the only person that takes a stand on a candidate based on their abortion platform, i will be that one person.
however, if i agree with a candidate's stance on abortion but the rest of their platform sucks, i might go looking elsewhere.
understand that this is all quite new to me in some ways so i think the next general election will be the true test of my own moral fiber.
i pray that i do not falter.
Otter
June 17, 2009 at 6:23 pm
That’s interesting and makes sense with your worldview. You are right that the next general election is going to be a challenge.
I’m not really sure if I have any litmus test issues. There are some that I am very earnest and passionate about but I can’t think of anything, other than maybe the abuse of power or a candidate’s stance on the scope of Executive powers, that would be a make or break issue for me. I tend to look at the big picture of the candidate, appointee, or election and make my decision based on that big picture and not the individual issues.
Dave
June 17, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I can see your view as well. Aside from the abortion issue, I do really tend to look at the big picture of a candidate.
Otter
June 17, 2009 at 7:14 pm
heh. Support is growing for Festivus too.
d.eris
June 17, 2009 at 11:02 pm