A question for everyone! Both democrats and republicans!?

Question

Please read all of this before commenting…

I'm white, I'm from Mississippi, and I'm republican. I'm truly amazed by the ignorance shown by most people when I share those 3 facts about myself. They automatically assume I'm religious, they automatically assume I'm a racist, they automatically assume that I'm super conservative. They think I must be some judgmental, small minded, backwards thinking person who doesn't know anything other then what I was taught in sunday school.... and on top of that the prejudiced people that think that about me also accuse me of being prejudiced.

The truth about me is I grew up in a very forward thinking home.... I’ve hardly ever gone to church and I'm agnostic… my mom was the bread winner… I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and I made a 30 on the ACT….and I’m a very liberal thinker.

So my question is this… why is it that people assume a republican can’t be someone like I just described myself to be.

I’ll tell you why I’m a republican first….

I value my freedom and I don’t want to have a huge government that tells me what to do in every aspect of my life. I don’t want to be heavily taxed and have the money I word hard for taken away so I can take care of people who won’t take care of themselves. I value life and I’m pro-life and I believe abortion is not okay unless the fetus is endangering the life of the mother. I believe all people are equal and should be taxed equally. The republican party isn’t just a party for the rich…. it’s a party for EVERYONE. My dad grew up very poor and he worked his way to the life he has now and he’s quite comfortable financially…he’s a republican because he doesn’t want somebody to try to take that away from him. Do people not see that the democratic party only wants to have a strong central government that controls everything? Do you really want that?

Answer 1

I value my freedom and I don’t want to have a huge government that tells me what to do in every aspect of my life.

- Democrats value freedom too, and advocate a government that helps people.  Nobody ever said anything about controlling people's lives

I don’t want to be heavily taxed

- Democrats advocate the lowering of taxes on the middle class and getting rid of loop holes that allow the wealthy to pay less than there fair share.  Unless you're one of the wealthiest few, your taxes won't be raised.

and have the money I word hard for taken away so I can take care of people who won’t take care of themselves.

- It's not that they WON'T take care of themselves, it's that in an economy with limited jobs, some people are bound to be left behind.  That's the way the economy works.  The Democrats believe that the government should help these people.

I value life and I’m pro-life and I believe abortion is not okay unless the fetus is endangering the life of the mother.

- I agree that abortion is wrong. However, this is mostly for religious reasons, and I respect the wishes of those that may disagree.

I believe all people are equal and should be taxed equally.

- Democrats believe that everyone should be taxed proportionately.

The republican party isn’t just a party for the rich…. it’s a party for EVERYONE. My dad grew up very poor and he worked his way to the life he has now and he’s quite comfortable financially…he’s a republican because he doesn’t want somebody to try to take that away from him.

- Democrats aren't trying to take anything away from anybody.

Do people not see that the democratic party only wants to have a strong central government that controls everything?

- The purpose of the strong central government is to help people, not to control everything.

Answer 2

I appreciate that you are more enlightened than the hypocritical rednecks who drive around in their pickup trucks shooting highway signs and small animals, but I disagree with you on your support of a party who has put this country into the most disastrous shape it's ever been in. Additionally, your view on abortion is absolutely unreasonable in that it's simply NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS--OR ANYONE ELSE'S--what a pregnant woman, her family, and her doctor decide is right for her in that situation. Period.

Other than that, I think you're a pretty decent person!

Answer 3

because look at the dumb@$$es in your party: bush, bush jr., nixon, reagan, mcwar

they are the ones who make your party a living h**l, not to mention the people their connected with(cia, fbi, economic elite, racist, military industrial complex, brainwashing media like faux news and cnn)

plus, i dont respect the republican party as much as the democratic and green party

Answer 4

Liberals can't differentiate between social conservatives and Constitutional conservatives.  

Answer 5

I agree with you, but the Republicans don't practice what they preach. The Democrats are full of hot air too. I hate them both, and would like to see a real working American in power, not going to happen. The media is full of lies, and endorse Obama. Obama tells us what we want to hear. McCain is not much better.  

Answer 6

I think you're kinda of a cynic. (no offense). Maybe its your enviroment or something but I don't think people are as judgmental as you say. I completely understand you and I agree there are people out there that are like that but instead of catagorizing all people in that group, I think you need to look harder at a more intellectual community. I understand you I see where you are coming from.

and No. Democrats see the party as a strong central government that wants to expand its power to help the people. Obama preached this message of helping the middle class. Now wheter or not this is really true is up for debate but thats how i think people percieve it.

I hope i helped. :)

Answer 7

I think most everyone can understand where you are coming from but lets face it the Rep Party is what it is and they know it...It's not a party for everyone... Dems don't want people to sit on thier a$$.. didn't Clinton but a stop to that with welfare to work... We all value life but it is not my business what someone chooses to do with thier body... this should not be a major issue when the counrty is going downhill... but I guess you have been living under a rock the last 8yrs.. This election not only affects this country but it affects the world....

Answer 8

Everyone stereotypes its human nature.

If i said I was a 20 year old female democrat from the north east people would assume that i am not very religious, am a communist and support abortion.  

Answer 9

You actually sound more like a Libertarian.  Vote Bob Barr!!!!

Mr. ???,

You could be just as easily describing the Democrats.  Teddy Kennedy's father wanted the US to enter WWII on Germany's side, and was supplying Germany with goods even AFTER we declared war.  Al Gore holds more Occidental Oil stock than anyone else. Heinz-Kerry. LBJ kept the Vietnam war going longer than necessary so his buddies in the Military-Industrial business rolling in the dough.

Answer 10

I think that people have preconceived notions of what a republican is and what a democrat is.  Lots of people are typecast in this country - not just white southerners.  Everyone, except for white northerners tend to be typecast (unless they are g*y).  I think it is because the images that we see of other types of people are generally caricatures and stereotypes.  Only white northerners who have some money are shown in a variety of different roles.

I am black and I generally (but not always) vote democratic.  Because of this, people always think that I grew up in the ghetto (I grew up in the suburbs), somehow I'm linked with welfare (I, nor any of my family or friends have ever been on public assistance), and they also think that I'm dumb (I'm working on a master's degree, have an A average), or that my mom is single (my parents have been married for over 30+ years) or that I am a single parent (I have no kids BECAUSE I have never been married).   While I appreciate some of the ideals of the republican party, I do like to have a little more government intervention because I think there is a protective role that they can play for people who are poor.  While it isn't perfect, I'm concerned about abolishing programs (like head start) would negatively impact people who don't have much of a voice.  I am blessed in my life because I had the opportunity to attend good public schools.  I have choices ... but I know many others who didn't.  I also like the democratic positions on foreign policy - I am concerned about the current aggressive actions that we are adopting.

So, you are not alone.  Many people are not shown as they are.  The wierd part is, even though we may be aware that we are being "stereotyped" we'll turn around and stereotype someone else - and not even think about it twice.

Answer 11

The same reason that, when you tell someone you're a Democrat or (God forbid) a liberal, they equate you with Stalin. Or when you tell people that you're Muslim, they assume you embrace extremist ideals. Or when you tell someone that you're atheist, they accuse you of having no morals and raping and murdering everyone you feel like.

People are judgmental idiots.

Edit: At the same time, the current Republican Party totally conflicts with your ideals of freedom. You should never put party before your own ideology, because that's the thinking that leads otherwise intelligent conservatives to vote for neocons like Bush and McCain. Do you not see that the Republicans want to take from you just as much as the Democrats do? Your thinking like this takes away from your call for everyone to understand each other, as you're proving to be just as judgmental yourself.

Answer 12

this is why you are republican and probably categorized as that.

you dont fully understand what a republican is.. republicans cut taxes from the rich corporate industry. while they take (per-say) 10% from the big businesses... they also will take the same from middle class families 10%. in comparison to big business thats nothing! but middle families FEEL THAT!!

where as democrats believe in tax cuts for the middle class and raised taxes for the corporate business or the rich elite.

if you are aware of atleast this.. then you must have money.... or just need a bit more education then that 4.0 earnd in mississipi.

i also value my freedom!

Answer 13

The GOP is a racist and sexist party of rich religious backwards freaks.  

Answer 14

Democrats do not only want a strong central government.  They want a responsible central government.  I want Democrats to win because I believe they will spend my tax dollars on worthwhile projects, not blow it all and more on earmarks like the Republicans did.

I do have one question for you.  Given your rationale for why you are a Republican, how do you figure you are a very liberal thinker?

Answer 15

Republican is a party.. Not a political philosophy.. Therefore, you just admitted you put your "party" before your country.. You should say you are a "conservative"..

Republicans brought you record spending, record deficits and a bigger gov't with all 3 of their last presidents.. You shouldn't be one, unless you choose Barr or Paul anyways..

BTW - I suggest you look up your tax bracket on each of the candidates tax plans.. See who really wants to tax you more..

Answer 16

Bush & Reagan = largest deficits ever and largest growth in size, scope, and function of the federal government.

So, why are you republican again?

edit: huh? I wonder why she won't answer?

Answer 17

I am a Republican as well.  I enjoy my freedom too.  One thing that you did not mention is that the Republican Presidents have more backbone than the Democrats who have been president.   The second that Ronald Reagan was sworn into office Iran released the hostages.

Most of the Arab world is afraid of President George W. Bush.  If Obama is elected our Country will no longer be safe.  Terrorists are hoping that Obama gets elected so that they can attack us.

Answer 18

I live in central FL and all the rednecks here are conservative republicans and racists.  You are the exception to the rule, that's all.

*I respect the fact that you are a republican, but I have seen what the republicans have done to our country in the last 20 out of 28 years.  I will never vote republican.  As far as abortion goes, that shouldn't even be a political issue.

Answer 19

Who is John Galt? All of you need to read more and think a lot more I think. Freedom Has to be universal and Americans need to be free to fail as I see that(most of you who answered this question) your parent's have, just in the teaching of common sense and basic courtesies  

Answer 20

Amen let's all be Communists!!

Sorry, I have to attack everyone

Answer 21

If you are Liberal then you'd vote Obama. I am not against religious people, God is good.

Answer 22

Did your daddy tell you to become a Republican? Sure sounds like it.