Democrats or Republicans? How about Americans!
Posted: Monday, June 01, 2009
by Rob Neal
The Guiding Institute
Whatever happened to the Democrat and Republican parties? Or at least to the idea they were supposed to be examples of what makes the American political system the best in the world.
Today they're surrounded by moats and trenches dug so deep and wide that no one dares enter their fortresses without fitting the prescribed molds.
The Republicans seem to think that because they usually have more money and so-called conservative values that they should be trusted to lead. Or as one of them might put it, "We can pay for it (the election and corporate influence) and we won't take any risks for America." Which too often translates into nothing innovative within our boundaries and nothing collaborative with other nations. Of course Obama blew them away on money this past year as the Republican old fogies tried to cling to the failed power of the Bush W. years. Time to move on fellas!
Historically, the Democrats seem to think that because they have less money (except last year) and so-called progressive values that they should be trusted to lead.Or, as one of them might put it, "We're the common, hard-working people and our creative brilliance will make America the country we all want." Really, are you also going to tell me which books to read so I can be enlightened? Until Obama, this party has basically been led by those so called "progressives" with inherited wealth and vacation homes. The common touch!
Where do some of the political leaders stand on issues today?
A Republican might say: "Code Red! Code Red!, they're coming to our neighborhoods! These terrorists, uh, I mean these homosexuals want to have marriages and families just like us normal Americans."
A Democrat might say: "Gay marriages? Sure, why not? Its a matter of equal civil rights. They certainly can't do any worse than heterosexuals do at marriage."
A Republican might say: "We're in a war against terrorism all over the world. No one can deny that. We will work for peace and collaboration wherever we can in the world, but we will not kid ourselves into thinking these terrorists want anything other than to kill us and destroy every free and open society."
A Democrat might say: "We don't need these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, or a war on terrorism. Only peace will work, not violence. We need to bring love into the world." .....Boom! Boom! "Help! I think a bomb just went off in our building! Help!" Where are the soldiers to protect us?
Would any of us find ourselves saying anything similar, positive or negative? Does our attitude and behavior match the stereotypes about either Republicans or Democrats? Certainly stereotypes don't fit everyone in a particular group, but often have enough truth in them to cause discomfort for many of us when we look in the mirror.
So while Republicans have historically been weak and stubborn on equal civil rights, Democrats are far too often the last to acknowledge how dangerous the world can be and that more and more terrorists backed by an extremist ideology will never change and need to be stopped, and often killed, not negotiated with.
CURRENTLY I feel more aligned with Democrats, but many of them still seem to lack the courage or conviction to stand up for what they really believe for fear it won't sound politically correct. They seem to want to please just about everybody and risk becoming ineffective and disingenuous. I feel a bit more hopeful now because of Obama's pragmatic tendencies in making decisions. This can only help the Dems get a grip on reality. I don't always agree with him but I appreciate his desire to do what works best regardless of ideology.
I wonder, however, who will step up in either major party to lead our political process towards bipartisan collaboration. Both parties have turned our political system into a "winning at all cost" game. The Democrats have most of the cards right now so its not really a true test of how collaborative they are. The real test will come when the Republicans regain their footing and win back a few seats in Congress. Then both sides will have to talk and compromise, or else we will go right back to early days of the Bush W. years where compromise was no where to be found.
What future do we want for ourselves and our children? We can do better, and as citizens we must demand better from our political leaders. Regardless of which Party has the upper hand at any given time the same dynamics are in play. Let's all hold our leaders across the political spectrum accountable to a higher standard of dialogue, collaboration, and decision making. It will never be perfect of course. Its politics! It's also our country.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)YOu made some very good points. I agree with many of them. I believe that there are flaws in both parties. The words Democratic and Republican are simply that...just words. Just titles... It's like joining a club of preference. I have chosen to go outside of party affiliation. I listen to the issues and vote accordingly. Thanks for your article. It is very important that a wide range of opinions are shared in an effort to reach a common goal.
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