OMG! Am I becoming a :::gasp!::: LIBERAL?!?! (1104 hits)
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Submitted by Goldeneyes (View user info) at 2004-03-12 08:51:50 EST
The first thing you must know is that I'm a die-hard Republican. I've probably only voted for 2 or 3 Democrats in my life (I'm 33), and those were in local elections. My family has given tens of thousands of dollars (easily) to Republican candidates. I've worked for the Republican party on the state level and I've run for public office as a Republican. Elected officials on the local, state and federal level address me on a first name basis.
Yet, I find my myself more and more disgusted by the Grand Old Party every day... Let's examine the issues (in no particular order):
1) Gay marriage. I'm a straight male. The thought of being with another guy is...well, not something I like to think about. But I'm not anti-homosexual. And, I fully believe in the rights of people to make a commitment of marriage. Who does it hurt? Not me. Yes, I realize there are issues of insurance and health care and so forth...but those are easily resolved. Let gay people marry. You don't like it? Fine - you aren't gay, it doesn't affect you, find something else to obsess over.
2) Stem Cell Research. The advances in medicine that could be achieved as a result of stem cell research are amazing. The people who could be helped by this number in the millions. But for some reason, GW and his boys don't want to help people. They want to prevent medicine and science from advancing. I don't wish bad things on people, but perhaps if Mr. Bush (or someone close to him) had a family member who could be helped by stem cell research, he'd understand the need a bit more.
3) Abortion. I'm against abortion in most cases. There are far better alternatives - there are thousands of couples who would love to adopt a child. But not everyone else is against abortion. People have different viewpoints than me. That's why, despite my person objections, I believe in a woman's right to choose. It's a tough decision to make - and it should be - and it's one a woman has to live with. But she should have the right to make that decision.
4) Freedom of Speech. If you're reading this, as a member of Ubersite, this should be *very* important to you. The Government - under the guidance of President Bush and FCC Chairman Powell (yes, Colin's son) - is looking to stifle people's right to free speech under the guise of "protecting people from indecency." You know what? If you don't like something - a movie, a TV show, a radio show (such as Howard Stern's show) - TURN IT OFF! That's right, turn it off. I was offended by Julia Louis-Dreyfus' TV show - it was that bad. I didn't watch it. Neither did anyone else. It was cancelled. Problem solved. I don't need the government to tell me what I can't watch or listen to - to tell me what's "indecent." Howard Stern is indecent? Then why is his radio show #1 in dozens of markets across the country?
And what's next? The internet? A heck of a lot of things I read and see here on Ubersite are indecent. Is the government going to try to shut down Ubersite? Will we be fined if we say something indecent? Fuck that shit. There. Fine me.
I could go on further, but this post is long enough. I think you get the point.
Am I becoming a liberal? Maybe, maybe not. But I say to President Bush and other Republicans - I am a die-hard GOP supporter. But you're losing me...fast. Shape up, or we'll ship you out.
User Reviews
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-12 22:14:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I know this is old, but I thought I'd leave a comment anyway
I think the problem is the Republican party. The Republican party is no longer a "traditional conservative" party - I think it's become something new in and of itself. Since the mid 90s it has started using the powerful organizational skills of the religious right to its advantage which has obviously influenced much of what it does. It's almost become a personality cult more than anything, an oligarchic entity. Anyway, my point is, regardless of your views to begin with, I think it's pretty clear that the Republican party is dramatically different than it was 10 years ago. Apparently they used the Clinton years, working from much of what was done during the Reagan administration, to essentially plan what we see happening before us. If you care about your party, you should fight the obvious criminal element that seems to have taken the helm. Just my opinion. (Obviously)
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-04-14 08:44:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
You have just been the victim of a drive-by ranking.
Submitted by Nepa (user info) at 2004-04-05 05:00:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
..*sigh* I admit it. Please, think about it..? Come to Denmark.
I'll teach you all about our political systems, point out Tivoli and the little mermaid. I'll even show you Christiania and all our Arne Jakobsen buildings.
Come to Wonderful Copenhagen! (and me)
;-)
Submitted by Goldeneyes (user info) at 2004-04-02 11:22:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Nepa - I think you just want me. That's why you want me to move to Denmark.
Admit it.
Submitted by Nepa (user info) at 2004-04-02 05:05:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm glad for you. Good choices and well important thoughts GE.
Oh, and GE, if you're unsatisfied, move to Denmark. There's enough political parties for everyone.
Submitted by Goldeneyes (user info) at 2004-03-13 13:16:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by UrbaneMischief (user info) at 2004-03-12 16:53:18 (#)
Ranking: 0
1) Gay marriage. I'm a straight male.
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did you get a sex change, Amy?
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You must be referring to "Goldneyes" - I am "GOLDENEYES" (note the "E" before the "N"). I didn't realize there was already a name so close to mine when I created it.
We are thinking of getting married and just picking a single name to avoid confusion.
Submitted by parxhelic at 2004-03-13 06:37:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
An honest republican, this must be a sign that the End Days are upon us.
Submitted by K.M (user info) at 2004-03-12 17:08:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by fingerbang (user info) at 2004-03-12 17:06:45 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
kill yourself now before its too late
Submitted by UrbaneMischief (user info) at 2004-03-12 16:53:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
1) Gay marriage. I'm a straight male.
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did you get a sex change, Amy?
Submitted by Tom (user info) at 2004-03-12 15:59:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Awww c'mon! There really ought to be limits to freedom!
Submitted by QueenAshlee (user info) at 2004-03-12 15:40:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
C'mon! Being liberal is fun!
Submitted by Random Joe at 2004-03-12 15:25:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Poor sap.
Submitted by Nicole3 (user info) at 2004-03-12 15:20:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I think Razor did a good job summing it up. I'd also like to add that party ideologies tend to migrate. If one were to keep the same philosophy throughout all of ones life, at times you may call yourself a democrat, others a republican, whig, libertarian, etc. I agree and disagree with moth of the major parties on most issues, yet I consider my beliefs to be consistant and not at all at odds with one another. Actuallyk, I think both republican and democrat stances to often be hypocritical. They backstep and rephrase the issues to try and appeal to a greater number of people instead of remaining consistent. I already know that I won't be voting for either of the two major candidates because of such inconsistancy. Actually, I hope to god that Bush continues to alienate fiscal conservatives and those of us who believe in personal liberties. It might help open up a space for a third party candidate to take some ground. I can just see the Loki marching next to the gun toting NRA member.
Submitted by bart (user info) at 2004-03-12 13:53:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I think the most important thing to realize is that not everybody can be lumped into one of two categories. There is no such thing as black or white, as "with us or with the terrorists", etc. I am by no means a Republican or a Democrat. I am more Libertarian than not, but I also disagree with the Libertarian's viewpoint on companies as having rights similar to those of the individual.
All the issues you mentioned are the ones that have won The South for the Republican party: intolerance and Bible banging. No matter what wording someone uses to justify their anti-gay stance, it always comes down to the fact that it's icky, unnatural, and God says it's wrong.
The US is a big place, the world is a bigger place, and the only way to handle conflict when conflict arises is with more freedom for everybody. Unfortunately, most of the folks in government feel it's their job to save the people from the evils of the world.
Submitted by Bob_Bank (user info) at 2004-03-12 12:45:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You sir, are an American. Congratulations. May you find peace in your choices.
Submitted by jonukah (user info) at 2004-03-12 12:06:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This could almost have been my post.
Submitted by Random Joe at 2004-03-12 12:03:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Kudos to Razor. Excellent explanation.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2004-03-12 11:56:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
It's not just you. There are quite a few folks in the Grand Ole Party who are socially liberal and fiscally conservative - actually I think I fall into that category as well, BUT Bush has not following the principles of fiscal conservatives at all. Clinton was far more fiscally conservative than Bush is and yet they still call Democrats "tax and spend" well fuck you "tax and spend" is a whole lot better than "spend spend and to hell with the future".
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2004-03-12 11:26:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I agree with you 100%. In fact, I am an elected republican. I'm seriously considering switching to independent because of the same reasons you listed. The only reason that I don't switch is because if you give up on something, you then cannot change or influence it.
Whatever happened to the GOP theory on smaller government? Over the past three years it has been totally pissed away. The way things are going, we're all going to either be government employees or dependent on the government.
Unless things change, Ralph is my guy in November.
Submitted by dohnuts (user info) at 2004-03-12 11:11:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 for a well-written post, and for being an independent thinker.
One of the signs of genius: being able to change one's mind (--Albert Einstein, or, um, somebody).
Submitted by Random Joe at 2004-03-12 11:08:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
So you're a republican but not a conservative, those do exist. You don't have to agree with all the points as the big head republicans in charge to still be one. I'm a liberal and I agree with you pretty much on all of those points, but I'm sure there are some that I dont :)
Submitted by Adereterial (user info) at 2004-03-12 11:05:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Yes... you are.
Submitted by Razor (user info) at 2004-03-12 11:05:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
The problem here (and I know this to a degree has already been said) is that people are forced to lump their social and fiscal opinions into one when making a decision.
Whoever said it below was right. You are a libertarian at heart. So am I.
The problem is, the libertarians don't have momentum, a candidate they can advance, or anything along those lines. They need to stop thinking presidency and start thinking house of representatives, governor, that kind of thing...
Us libertarians at heart end up siding with either the democrats or the republicans, but we're never completely comfortable with either. The big thing for me is that Republicans terrify me, whereas I think Democrats are just a bit irresponsible.
I've actually voted Libertarian in every presidential election... I know that they are not going to win, and Maryland will select a democrat every time, so I can safely spend my vote trying to up the libertarian percentages.
A big +2 for you my friend... research the libertarian party. Social freedom, economic responsibility.
Submitted by itchy (user info) at 2004-03-12 10:59:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good point Gent - I was speaking more of traditional ideologies rather than the way those principles are being implemented or ignored by the current administration. Bah. Sell-outs.
Submitted by Gent (user info) at 2004-03-12 10:14:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
"...You are simply being consistent in a desire for "limited government." (GOP likes this in fiscal matters but not social..."
Calling the current administration fiscally conservative is 100% inaccurate. These guys spend like drunken sailors.... hence the enormous deficit they have created. Clinton, on the other hand, created a budgetary surplus. So, in recent years, your above statement is false.
But to address the post, you are seeing the light. This administration is doing everything they can to both appease christian conservatives (religious right) and trample the Constitution. During his current term, Bush has supported no less than seven ammendments to the Constitution. I guess the work of the Founding Fathers was not good enough for him. Of course, most of these ammendments are designed to support the religious right.
Submitted by Goldeneyes (user info) at 2004-03-12 10:05:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I still support the GOP in fiscal matters, and in the past, I've let that rule my decision. But all this cracking down on personal freedoms...I don't know. It's starting to sway me.
Who will I vote for? I'll let you know in November. :-)
Submitted by whataefag (user info) at 2004-03-12 09:53:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
So why exactly do you consider yourself a diehard Republican? What issues do they support that you agree with? Tax cuts? I'm confused.
You're not becoming a liberal, just reasonable. With those opinions, you were already a liberal.
Submitted by DarthAwesome (user info) at 2004-03-12 09:30:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hey I'm not happy with my party either. I suppose both of the two have changed a lot, Dems and Republicans have both lost my respect for the the time being. I'm not crazy for Kerry, but hes much better than Bush from what I can tell.
So who are you going to vote for?
Submitted by firefly (user info) at 2004-03-12 09:25:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by Deisangua (user info) at 2004-03-12 09:11:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Gimme some of that old-time Republican...don't fret Goldeneyes, just because you're not in league with the radical right claiming your party's seat doesn't make you liberal. As far as I can tell, this current Republican leadership barely looks like the party as it once was. And I respected the old Republican party a lot more.
Submitted by itchy (user info) at 2004-03-12 08:59:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
DO NOT PANIC! You are not becoming a liberal. You are simply being consistent in a desire for "limited government." (GOP likes this in fiscal matters but not social, Dems like it in social, but not fiscal.) I assume you still believe that you are entitled to keep what you earn, and that you should not be coerced into "giving" it to someone else just because they "need" it? If so, you are NOT, I repeat, NOT becoming a liberal.
You are becoming a libertarian. I would recommend Robert Nozick's "Anarchy, State and Utopia" as a primer on your new way of life. Congratulations and good luck. If you've ever watched a Libertarian convention on C-Span, you will understand why I say good luck.
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2004-03-12 08:57:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
1) Gay marriage. Who cares? 50 Cent does "I aint into faggots!" says the be-clubbed one. This is another reason gay marriages should be legal-to piss off shitheel morons like 'fiddy'
2) Stem Cell Research. Crack those babys open
3) Abortion. Crack those baby open
4) Freedom of Speech. Fine providing idiots arent aloud to speak, in my opinin fools should be gagged! It seems you agree with me so Ill shut up now and gag myself!
Cheerimmfffffffffff
Submitted by Lucifer_Industries (user info) at 2004-03-12 08:55:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Yay. Welcome to reality. Bring some friends along with you this Novemeber.
Malone
Submitted by JMG114 (user info) at 2004-03-12 08:54:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
It's never to late to return to the light side of the force. Join us.