WaffleTwineFaceoff wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2024 3:50 pm
MDlaxfan76 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2024 2:47 pm
yup, waffle refused to answer why they are a Democrat or explain what Dem policies they like...
Here was the question:
"Why are you a Democrat? What policies do you like about them?"
I did answer! Obtuse hints by omission in my partial non-answer elliptically obfuscatory answer are all there, clear as a bell.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
I've stated: lifelong registered D. I'm sorry not sorry if your need for literal black and white definitions which box persons and their opinions here into one size fits all frameworks don't allow for shades of outside the box gray to exist. Dust off that right cranial hemisphere, sir!
Here you go:
I like the Democrat position on body sovereignty (including access to abortion) for women. I approve of the aspiration of universal health care and health insurance - no reason we can't eliminate spending on pork somewhere - and apply that to a desperately needed societal good (although I shudder to think of reality versus theoretical - based on observing things like medicare fraud, medical "industrial complex" malfeasance, and NGO trough gorging in existing gigantic government programs, but call me skeptical). Same with education - for a smart country we sure are dismal at realizing footing the bill for educating our citizens well is a great investment in the future. I like the Democratic position seeking to overhaul (not defund) policing and our justice system's broken bits (while at the same time being discouraged at EXTREME activist DA's/judges and SOME of the clown decisions being made regarding plea deals, catch and release of violent recidivists, parole insanity, etc.). I also applaud proven initiatives to intercede in underserved communities which are criminal violence breeding grounds (while at the same time being as folks here know 99.99% against these programs so often being tied into demands for the law abiding among us to give up a particular right almost 100mm citizens practice responsibly).
Anyways, those are some Democratic "policy likes" I have (with my editorial caveats, in the spirit of shades of gray
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
).
If I recall you're a Republican? Any newcomer here would be kind of surprised to learn that if they viewed your posts, no? I'm trying to recall what you like about Republican party policies, aside from MAGA/Trump enmity? Apologies if I'm incorrect in your being an R.
no, you're correct that I have remained stubbornly registered as a Republican and have only once voted in almost 44 years for a Dem for President. Second time will be 2024. Twice voted third party, 1980 and 2016.
Call me a an old school moderate to socially progressive R, internationalist, pro national defense.
There's almost nothing about the current MAGA party that I like, from the segregationist/racist/misogynist, anti-immigrant garbage to the strong man cult worship. The Orban/Putin international right wing "Christian Nationalism" stuff makes me ill to be associated with the GOP at all.
And as the owner of 8 guns, I'm sick of the 2nd Amendment absolutism and gun worship that has infected the GOP as well. I'm very comfortable with sensible gun regulation and find it crazy that police can be outgunned by weapons of war wielded by criminals. I'm quite fine with making it much harder to obtain such weapons and regulating time and place of usage and appropriate storage. Same for all guns for that matter. Let's get smarter about making legal gun usage possible for the responsible, but dramatically reduce the prevalence of guns in our societ for those who are irresponsible in their usage and storage.
Interestingly, you and I agree on some of what you describe 'liking' on the Dem policy side, though without some of the snide hyperbole and yet with some of the same caveats and concerns, but we disagree on guns and immigration policy.
On the latter, I want much more documented immigration, easier and faster, and much greater resources for swift adjudication of the undocumented. Very much in line with the bill negotiated last fall that Trump effectively nixed. I want a demanding path to citizenship for documented immigrants, including prior undocumented and asylum seekers who are approved. Bring people out of the dark, paying taxes and with a stake in the future of the country in which they live. Green card for masters and PhD grads. Immigration is a major strategic strength of our country which will sustain us for another century of growth and position of positive influence in the world. Turning inward would hobble us. Reagan understood this.
All that said, when I get a Florida license this fall I likely will re-register as an Ind. It's been useful, though, in my discussions with Fox News watchers to be able to start with "I'm a lifelong Republican" before discussing current affairs. I at least have a chance at being heard.
As at least an instinctual fiscal conservative, I find it ridiculous to keep cutting taxes on the wealthy and corporations under the disproven notion of 'trickle down economics'...I have no issue with those who thought it was worth a try, but if flat doesn't work and makes no sense. The fiscal debt has grown much more under Republican white Houses than Dem, so no more hypocritical BS of actually being the party of fiscal conservatism. It's become crony capitalism not productive, well-regulated capitalism.