Misty (and all):
I agree with both of you completely about needing alternative parties. I personally can't stand the Democrats because of their socialistic views, and their stance against the rights of the people to protect themselves and their communities against hostility.
And, although I am a confirmed, but "non-practicing" Catholic I can't stand the moral judgements that the "religious" right portion of the Republican Party would like to proclaim across the nation. After all, Jesus didn't throw the prostitute in jail - he forgave her for hurting herself like that in an effort to increase her self-worth and put her on the "right" path.
On the issue of Iraq - I'm still undecided as I have a friend whose husband was recently promoted to Major in the AF. So, I have strong feelings all the way around on the issue itself.
I know how horrible a dictator Sadaam was. I have personally spoken with a man whose family members were killed by Sadaam when he came to power and who defected during the war by delivering to us an f-16(?) in the process (He was a pilot in Sadaam's Air Force).(I will spare the details but his was a military family of some status in the old regime - it was not your typical murder scenario). I also know where L(l)ibertarians are coming from when they protest to policing the world and fighting others wars, and how our armed forces being spread out in over 100 countries puts us more at risk for attacks at home as well.
Along the immigration front I personally think that our borders should NOT be wide-open. I believe we should make every effort possible to make free-trade and the ability of people who are not terrorists and criminals able to enjoy visiting, working and learning in the United States. I also see a real need to protect our citizens who would be harmed by those entering our country to do harm, it's a difficult issue to resolve which is precisely why all sides should be brought to the table...
Besides those issues, BOTH parties constantly side-step the restraints of the U.S. Constitution. So you are definitely correct that it would be good for ALL Americans to hear the dialogue. We need to have these discussions on the issues because the avoidance of the main parties to address these problems is destroying the very fabric of our nation...
I could go on and on... (o:
Thanks for sending this article along to your list, I appreciate it. (o:
- Michelle
Thanks. I appreciate your thoughts. I feel much the same, however, I do support the Republicans because even though we have our religious right (and I believe in God) many of the issues are not legislated, as it should be. As Ronald Reagan said about abortion....it shouldn't be a Federal issue! Many things need to stay close to home. Our government is way too invasive and as long as the Republicans honor our differences and avoid intrusive legislation I am happy.
I do agree with the decision on stem cells and partial birth abortion, but these issues have been pushed and required action. We have our bible thumpers and I personally feel that all of us would be better off with a strong value system based on religious beliefs, but our government must be judicious about passing laws when people can easily disagree without affecting others.
With regard to socialism, forget it! My ancestors fought for our rights and American value system and I will NEVER support those who would spit on our sacrifices! I am highly offended by most Democrats in government for that reason.
The two party system is best, in my view. But we also have to realize that everything in life seems to swing on a pendulum that carries us from one extreme to the other. Extremes leave many of us out in the cold. I think we need to be able to dialogue about things and the issues might be more centered when we allow others their right to speak. I can't imagine ever voting for a third party because I believe we can fight the battles within our two party system to bring them back into line. That is what is supposed to happen during the process of chosing our candidates. But look at all those who were left out of the debates even during that process. The media has too much power to shut down speech that is necessary to keep us centered. That is my basic concern and complaint. If I were given a vote about whether or not we should have more parties I would probably have to vote no. But I do want more dialogue and resent that we are all being spoon fed by a media that wants to control the outcomes.