Partisanship and politics are almost curse words in my mind. I have mentioned before that I grew up in a conservative home and that my dad was about as far to the right as you could be. Small government, and let the market decide, was his philosophy. Many of these values were instilled in me and on many issues I tend to be conservative, but on others I am clearly not. My dad listened to Rush Limbaugh and loved how he went after liberals, I tried to listen and get into it just to please him, but I never liked it. I can honestly say the thing I dislike most about politics, is just that; politics. Whether it is Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, or Ann Coulter making fun of liberals or James Carville, Arianna Huffington, or other lefties bashing conservatives it is the thing I detest about politics. One side makes fun, belittles, and mocks the other side. Partisanship at its worst or some might say best.
It has been a long time coming, the last presidential election got me thinking, local politics got me thinking more--about parties and politics. Four years ago nationally John Kerry was one of the worst candidates ever(I maintain that Howard Dean may have won had he received his party's nomination) His campaign wasn't about voting for him, it was don't vote for Bush. That is about as uninspiring as it gets. George Bush has done little to bring people together, the country is dissatisfied with the Iraq war, although they should be just as upset about NCLB. I voted for Bush, mainly cause I really didn't like Kerry and felt it sent the wrong message to abandon Iraq. Yeah I know that was four years ago. I am much wiser, I have the grey hair to prove it.
Here are some of the reasons I am independent:
First and foremost I can't stand party politics and would hate to have to feel that I should vote for a detestible person just because they were a republican or democrat.
Why are so many people on the republican band wagon? Seriously, tax cuts for the rich and letting businesses do whatever. Two main premises of current republicanism. That sounds ridiculous to me. The part of me that loves Robin Hood will never let me buy into those stupid arguments.
I guess it is because of abortion and gay marriage. I am opposed to abortion, but I do have a few thoughts. The Supreme Court has already ruled on this and in my mind it is a dead issue so it doesn't really matter what anyone thinks. The Court has ruled. Let me add that while I am against it, taking away someone's free agency is not good either, but as I have found out we like free agency when it comes to our own choices, but wish we had more control when it comes to others.
Why is it that minorities by and large all vote democratic? That is quite troubling when you think about it. It basically means that republicans are white and only legislate for themselves. Why haven't minorities voted republican? It is because they have not been helped by them. The civil rights movement proved that.
Locally the issue of vouchers was pushed by rich white people and it was the democratic party along with teachers unions and concerned parents that helped defeat it.
The view of a rich white guy as the poster child for republicans is not too far off in my book.
As far as the notion that they are for less government, that can be attacked as well. Pres Bush expanded government more than any president save that of FDR.
The war thing is a problem too. Why all the fighting? Why all the deficit spending? No wonder no one in this country can balance a check book, our government with a planned budget is trillions of dollars in debt. But its okay because we need to spend the money on weapons.
ON the other hand...
Liberals can be the most closeminded people of all. They claim to be open minded but that's only if you agree with them, if not they call names just like a jr. high kid would.
All the rights given to criminals in the name of due process have let many a guilty person walk off scott free. If someone is guilty and you have the evidence all the other stuff is secondary. I understand the need for procedure but come on sometimes its a joke what the police have to go through. Our prisoners get treated better in some cases then do hard working citizens down on their luck.
We don't need a government section for every aspect of our lives. Government can't be the hand out king. Personal responsibility should come into play. I know that government needs to equalize situations--but thats what it needs to do, not legislate everything.
Those are some of the reasons I am independent. This will be part I of II. Next time I will explain voting for the person...this year I think its a no brainer, but I'll explain more next time.
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