Why are you a democrat?

Question

I am a democrat, but often when people ask me why, I have trouble thinking of the right way to say why. So I want to know what you say when people ask you why you're a democrat.

Answer 1

I am more of an independent, but I can see where Liberals and Conservatives come from.

The way I think of it is like this: Conservatives are more interested in individual liberty and freedom.  Liberals are more focused on Social Equality and broader problems.

I lean left because while I feel that individual liberty is important, I also feel that every person has a duty to contribute to the whole so that society can progress.

Answer 2

Freedom...

...of conscience

You have the right to think as you wish.

...of religion

You have the right to worship as you please. The government has no business either supporting or opposing religion in general or any specific religion.

...of speech

You have the right to express your views, whatever they may be. Only in the free marketplace of ideas can truth emerge.

Civil rights

All people are equal under the law. Any type of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender is not only inconsistent with a free and civil society, but is immoral as well.

Universal public education

Equality of opportunity requires all Americans to have access to a basic education consistent with maintaining informed citizenship and the ability to participate fully in society.

Tolerance of Differences

Because we are all unique beings, with different skills, needs, and wants, we must respect the life choices of others as long as their life choices do not infringe on the rights enjoyed by other citizens.

A Social Safety Net

Recognizing that circumstances beyond mortal control play a part in all our lives, a basic social safety net shall be avaliable to all who need it, not as a permanent lifestyle, but rather as a helping hand to get back on one's feet.

Employees' Rights

We spend most of our lives working. Work is the foundation of our economy and a major part of the glue holding together communities. The employee is an equal business partner with the employer, and as such, has the right to collectively bargain for terms of employment.

Environmental Protection

Contrary to some people's opinions, it is possible to both protect the environment and sustain economic growth. We support taking all reasonable and responsible steps to protect the environment and the species contained therein.

Strong Families

The family is the primary social unit in America. It must be respected, and encouraged in all its forms. Government should make policy with this in mind.

Responsibility

With rights come responsibilities. Exercising our rights means taking responsibility for our actions, and their effects on others.

Free Enterprise

The capitalist economic system is the most efficient solution to providing for peoples' wants and needs. Government's role is that of a regulator, not a controller of industry, and any regulation must only be for the good of society as a whole, and not for the benefit of any one entity.

Rule of Law

Law is the framework in which society operates. There can be no society without justice. Justice means that those who commit crimes must be made to answer for them, and that the criminal code is fair and wisely constructed. When criminal actions go unpunished, respect for the law weakens. The law applies to all, including all agents of the government.

...most importantly, Progress

Progress is what Liberalism really means; moral progress, economic progress, and social progress to benefit all humanity. This represents the path towards a better world. At its heart, Liberalism is an optimistic philosophy.

Answer 3

I think ALL the votes should be counted in an election and that the country should work for all of us, not just an elite.

The USA is cooked and done without sustainable "no drill" energy independence.

Answer 4

because we like facts and proof...

look at any nation in the world... if you would want to live there... it's usually got many of the ideas that the democratic party puts into practice and supports...

look at Republican ideas... what they want to do with the nation... and then look at the nations that have used these ideas... it's no where you want to live...

is that just some magical coincidence?

Answer 5

Well, for this election I'll be voting Democrat.  The main issue for me is energy.  The Democrats seem to be the ones who are ready to deal with the issue.  They have addressed that it WILL be a challenge, but as previous generations have done with other challenges, our generation will have to step up, find solutions and even make some sacrifices.

Answer 6

REP=Rich get richer, Poor Get Poorer

Dem=Some essential values are still existence so that we can live free and work as we please...not send our jobs over seas..