I'm fifty one years old. I didn't leave the republican party. It left me. I say this as someone who voted for Bush for governor, and Bush for president twice. We're screwed. I'm a christian first. A conservative second. And I was a republican, third. Now, I'm just independent, I guess.
And I have another real screech down this topic on healthcare. :)
You know, I really like Palin, but I have been very angry at McCain choosing her because I think she's been a drag on the ticket. She's wildly popular with the pro-life base, but I don't see her popularity going beyond that. And I've been waiting since 1973 for something to be done re Roe vs. Wade, and I just don't believe the corporatist party leaders give a damn about that. sigh
The GOP has left me too. The GOP has pretty much abandoned real conservative values...many of those values that would attract independents and Democrats to the ticket. Reagan Democrats carried Reagan in 1980 and 1984...mainly because Reagan wasnt the Liberal Globalist like the Bushes were
Unfortunately the GOP went with McCain, who may even be more left of the Bushes
I understand the problems many are having w healthcare. Our system is a mess...and those who want to preserve the current system either work for the government, or, havent left their parents basement yet.
Neither candidate adequately addresses the healthcare issue...its more money for the health insurance industry...and worse health care.
A better system is to allow unlimited Medical Savings accounts...with no penalty for deposit and withdrawal when used for medical care. Business would be allowed to do the same. This would force the health care industry to be more competitive....and force insurers to be more competitive (the current $5000 per year limit is laughable)
Not a perfect solution, but a lot better than the ones out there
As for pro-life...anyone thinking McCain is going to appoint conservative judges has a few screws loose...he was the Senator that led the Gang of 14 who blocked the appointments of Federal judges Bush was going to appoint (one of the few things Bush kept conservative on). McCain’s actions will make the Federal courts even more liberal, and less pro-life.
As for Palin...she is the sole reason McCain isnt going to bet a 50-state beat-down this election. Palin has ignited the Conservative base, but, even that is limited...since McCain is the Presidential nominee.
Palin will probably not be the 2012 Presidential nom....history shows that the losing VP is pretty much sent to the dustbin of history. In recent times, only FDR has went from a losing VP nod (1920) to the White House. Mondale in 1984 and Dole in 1996 were beaten soundly in elections.
The GOP needs to dump its liberal Globalist base, and get back to being a conservative party. Running Obama-lites isnt going to cut it
You are quite right. They consider all the social issues to be embarrassments they would rather not concern themselves with. So they don't.