The Party system
Written by Stan Matuska.
I was thinking recently about the different parties that people associate themselves with.
I myself say I am a Democrat, but am I really? Are you of the same belief of the party you align yourself with? What does each party stand for? If a party isn’t either Democrat or Republican, then does it matter, since typically only Democrats and/or Republicans get elected into office?
Is a Libertarian a cross between a Democrat and a Republican? How is that party different than the Independent Party? Am I a Social Conservative? Maybe I’m a Moderate. No – I am a Democrat. At least that’s what I tell people. Am I a Democrat because I dislike the Republicans or because I believe in the Democratic views? Do I even know all of their views? Not really, but I am learning more and more each day.
You see, most people would not profess to not having a great deal of knowledge about their party affiliation, but not me. I am an open book as far as politics is concerned. I listen carefully, read cautiously, and watch diligently to learn all I can. I don’t understand all the party identifiers though: Moderate. Democrat. Conservative. Liberal. Independent. Republican. Libertarian. Maybe I’m not even a Democrat by definition!!!
I am going to share with you my core beliefs, and you tell me what party I belong to. How’s that for a post!
I was born and raised Catholic, but I am not a practicing Catholic.
I don’t care for abortion, but I don’t believe the government should intervene. I say leave it up to the parties involved.
I believe in an eye for an eye – so I believe in the death penalty.
I believe in the right to bear arms – but not bazookas
I believe the government should not meddle into our lives.
I believe if anyone commits a crime, then they should be punished accordingly.
I have mixed feelings about affirmative action. Good idea, but it has caused reverse discrimination in some cases.
I believe gay couples that live together for 10 years or more should have the same legal rights as married couples in the form of a civil union.
I believe marriage and divorce should come from the same institution. Why does the church perform the ceremony, and the government perform the divorce?
I believe drug use within the confines of your personal property should not be a crime.
I believe imminent domain is a very bad thing.
I believe the government should continue to allow a form of welfare, but only on a very limited basis. No free rides!!!
I believe we need to do more to clean up the environment.
I believe that all American citizens should know how to read and speak English.
I believe we need to overhaul the tax system.
I believe we need to stop shipping our jobs overseas.
I believe we need to increase the minimum wage.
I believe if you sue someone in court and lose, then you should have to pay all costs.
I believe we need to balance the budget.
I believe we need to stop the war machine.
I believe the little guy is currently getting shit on, and big business is getting most of the breaks.
I believe we need to stop selling America’s property and land to overseas buyers.
I believe in stem cell research.
I believe our country was founded on Christianity and we should be allowed to show it, speak of it and be proud of it. The government must not dictate or deny any religion, except where a law has been broken. You can’t say, “My religion allows me to beat my wife” and get away with it because of freedom of religious expression (as happens quite frequently).
I believe the government needs more oversight by its employer – the people.
I believe Bush is the worst President we have ever had.
I believe I am telling you way too much about me!!!
Ok, now it’s your turn. Am I a Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Libertarian, Conservative, Independent, Moderate, or Other?
posted by Stan Matuska @ 11:30 PM
25 Comments:
I believe you're a human being.
I scored it...
5 Republican responses
8 Democratic Responses
11 Libertarin Responses
You are a mixture... I would say you are closest to a Libertarian; however, you do have some big government views that are closer to The Democrats...
Who cares...they sounded good.
Having personally sat on a platform commitee, I can tell you that party platforms RARELY represent any particular person's set of beliefs. No two intelligent people agree on each and every issue. Instead, the best thing to do is focus on the issues that are important to you and support the parties and candidates that best address those issues.
Stan -Out of all of those, I only partially disageed with one! Guess that's why we've been friends since. . .yikes. . .coming up on three decades!!
I believe in all that because it is how we should all live safely together. Check out ourdems.org.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Since you asked- A moderate Republican.
Peace.
I was a little apprehensive about my post, but I am glad I did it. I am also surprised that I didn’t get comments the size of a thesaurus! Apparently I am not too off base from the average reader.
Kyfriedwoman – “I believe your a very smart man Stan.”
Thank you! Remember, I spent many years growing up with your son-in-law!
Robert Rouse – “I believe you're a human being.”
I am very pleased with your reply. As a man of many words, I really appreciate your short and honest reply. It’s not easy exposing yourself knowing not everyone agrees with your beliefs.
LP Mike – “You are a mixture... I would say you are closest to a Libertarian”.
For some reason that doesn’t surprise me. I was surprised though at how many Republican points I scored!
Sumo – “Who cares...they sounded good.”
I appreciate that. I am surprised that I didn’t get any/more negative comments.
Robert Enders – “No two intelligent people agree on each and every issue.”
I hear ya on that Robert! That’s the mystery I see in politics. I prefer a politician/party, which shares the majority of my views, instead of focusing on a primary view, such as abortion.
Azgoddess – “to me they are not republicans but assholes..rich white assholes!”
I wish you would just say how you really feel – LOL! I love your comments! Thanks!!!
John – “Out of all of those, I only partially disagreed with one!”
Actually, that surprises me. I didn’t realize we were so politically aligned. After almost 30 years of friendship though, I don’t know which one you partially disagreed with! Btw – hope you didn’t mind me crashing a post on your site.
You never asked for the key back, so I thought I would use it =)
Anonymous – “I believe in all that because it is how we should all live safely together.”
In a utopian world maybe, but the closest thing for now would be a Democratic landslide in the mid-term elections, followed by a Democratic President. Thanks for the comment.
Kvatch – “I believe gay couples that live together for 10 years or more should have the same legal rights as married couples in the form of a civil union.
Nope they should just have them, and according to the 9th Amendment...they do”.
I appreciate your comments. You know, I am not going to totally disagree with you regarding the 9th Amendment for a couple of reasons. To me, it sounds vague. “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” I also feel that there has to be a line drawn somewhere, otherwise everyone would qualify. Maybe that is your point, but I am talking about a variety of “benefits”, such as a survivor’s beneficiary, Living Wills,
Members of a family health insurance plan etc. I do believe they should, at some point, be able to reap the same benefits of married persons.
Human - “Since you asked- A moderate Republican”
Yikes!!! Are you serious??? Wouldn’t a moderate Republican be the same as a conservative Liberal or an independent. Maybe Libertarian. I also like Roberts “Left of Centrist”.
Do you believe you answered based upon a common set of guidelines, or based upon your belief of the guidelines? I appreciate that Mike took the time to rate me as follows:
5 Republican responses
8 Democratic Responses
11 Libertarin Responses
Mike - How did you know which ones were Democratic and which ones were Republican? I know you are a Libertarian, so I believe you know those.
My point is simply this: I don’t believe there is an actual book of Party guidelines for each party to follow, but rather a conception of how things should be, with the exception of abortion, gun control and a few other hot topic buttons.
For now, I will stick with being a Democrat, but you all have opened my eyes to see that I am not the 100% Democrat I thought I was.
I actually made a list of all of your comments and went and looked at the Platforms...
Mike Sylvester
Mike - I don't want to sound stupid, but where exactly did you find "the Platforms..."? Is there a specific web site you went to?
Thanks.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I went to several...
The Dems and Reps have National Platforms they use during each Presidential election.
For the Libertarian items I went off my own knowledge.
You are a mixture...
I think most poeple are a mixture; I know I am.
Mike
Same here. A mutt. I am not associated with a party. Literally none. I find it easier, of course when certain times arise that they force you to claim a party I try my best not to. I say lets scrap the two major parties, you know the two I speak of, so let's scrap them and begin again...
Oh! Utopian dream? Maybe...
Peace.
poetryman - If we are going to scrap the two major parties and start over, we should also scrap *all* of the members of congress as well. Hey, it's a utopian thought.
Mike - Why would one say they are a Libertarian instead of an independant? How can you identify Libertarian candidates when they are mostly (stated) Democrat or Republican? If they appear Libertarian, then why aren't they calling themseleves Libertarians?
Point being - you (I) don't hear much about Libertarians. I appear to be aligned closely to the Libertarian party, yet I still want to call myself a Democrat.
I think you should call yourself whatever you want...
I would have to say that The National Libertarian Party has done a terrible job of "branding" itself...
One of the main reasons you hear so little about Libertarians are the laws that the Dems and Reps have passed that protect incumbents and that prevent 3rd Parties from getting on the ballot.
Indiana is a good example. A few years ago you had to get 1/2% of the total votes cast for Secretary of State to be on the ballot as a 3rd Party.
The year the Libertarians finally got 1/2% of the vote guess what happened Stan?
The Reps and Dems united and quickly agreed to raise the ballot access requirement to 2%!
I believe only THREE elected officials opposed this move (One being Fort Wayne's Mitch Harper).
Reps and Dems are interested in keeping all competition out. That is wrong...
That is one of the reasons why everyone should vote Libertarin in the Secretary of State Race this year. Mike Kole is a great candidate and is the only way we are going to get fair elections in Indiana.
The Reps and Dems have proved that they cannot be trusted on this matter...
Mike Sylvester
A Libertarian as Sec. of State? Great idea Mike. That would scare the heck out of the establishment.
Peace.
Mike - Thanks for the reply.
I am learning more and more every day.
I agree strongly that it is wrong to deliberatly attempt to keep a third party from running. What are they afraid of, losing?
I will look into Mike Kole as you have suggested.
Stan Matuska
Democrat/Libertarian
"Mike Kole is a moderate Libertarian." found on the website http://www.mikekole.com
Here we go again. Now I need to know what a "moderate Libertarian is"!
Don't bother to answer that. I am merely pointing out yet another confusing party name.
Stan - My responses:
I was born and raised Catholic, but I am not a practicing Catholic.
I was raised U.B., but am agnostic.
I don’t care for abortion, but I don’t believe the government should intervene. I say leave it up to the parties involved.
100% agree
I believe in an eye for an eye – so I believe in the death penalty.
Agree IF there is absolute proof and NO doubts of guilt.
I believe in the right to bear arms – but not bazookas.
100% agree. Use some common sense.
I believe the government should not meddle into our lives.
That's sort of a blanket statement.I would need clarification to comment further.
I believe if anyone commits a crime, then they should be punished accordingly.
Agreed. Sort of covered above.
I have mixed feelings about affirmative action. Good idea, but it has caused reverse discrimination in some cases.
Agreed. Time and place for.
I believe gay couples that live together for 10 years or more should have the same legal rights as married couples in the form of a civil union.
Gay couples should be ensured the same rights as heterosexual couples. ALL people should have the same rights.
I believe marriage and divorce should come from the same institution. Why does the church perform the ceremony, and the government perform the divorce?
They already do. Try to get married w/o a government license. The church is a personal decision, a formality if you will.
I believe drug use within the confines of your personal property should not be a crime.
Agreed. Regulate the sale of ALL drugs/alcohol, but allow the sale. This is the only way to eliminate the drug-trade crime. Treatment for addicts would be far cheaper and less violent than the "war on drugs".
I believe imminent domain is a very bad thing.
It's original intent was good. It has been seriously abused and needs to be tightly reigned in.
I believe the government should continue to allow a form of welfare, but only on a very limited basis. No free rides!!!
Absolutely. Temporary assistance in MOST cases. There will always be variables.
I believe we need to do more to clean up the environment.
MUCH more. Start by re-instating what this admin has gotten rid of.
I believe that all American citizens should know how to read and speak English.
100% agree again.
I believe we need to overhaul the tax system.
I doubt that any same person will dispute this one!
I believe we need to stop shipping our jobs overseas.
Absolutely!
I believe we need to increase the minimum wage.
And then some. If the minimum wage had kept pace with the increase in CEO's salaries since 1990, today's min.wage would be roughly $24 an hour.
I believe if you sue someone in court and lose, then you should have to pay all costs.
Makes sense. Don't we already do that?
I believe we need to balance the budget.
Again. Thanks, W!
I believe we need to stop the war machine.
No.We need to dismantle it completely so that war can never be tied to corporate profits ever again.
I believe the little guy is currently getting shit on, and big business is getting most of the breaks.
You are correct. Thank 12 years of GOP peddling to corporate America.
I believe we need to stop selling America’s property and land to overseas buyers.
Absolutely!
I believe in stem cell research.
HELL yes! Ask Michael J, Fox what HE thinks. . .
I believe our country was founded on Christianity and we should be allowed to show it, speak of it and be proud of it. The government must not dictate or deny any religion, except where a law has been broken. You can’t say, “My religion allows me to beat my wife” and get away with it because of freedom of religious expression (as happens quite frequently).
Agreed. There must also be a 100% and CLEAR seperation of church and state. THAT was what this country was founded upon; the Pilgrims left England because they were being forced by "the state" to practice a different religion or be outcasts.
I believe the government needs more oversight by its employer – the people.
Absolutely!
I believe Bush is the worst President we have ever had.
Beyond ANY shadow of a doubt. Nobody has ever so blatantly ripped apart our founding principles and constitution. He needs to be tried and jailed!
I believe I am telling you way too much about me!!!
John - You never cease to amaze me. Your replies are very good!
I neveer really thought about the marriage license thing. You don't have to go through the church to get married - duh!
I guess you and I are very closely aligned with the Libertarian party.
Don't forget to remind me to vote on November 8th!
Stan - Nope. I'm a solid Dem!
KYFried - Do NOT laugh! HE forgot to vote in the primary!! HOW??? I do NOT know! Try that as a legal defense:
"How do you plead to robbing that bank, Stan?"
"I, uh, I forgot. I forgot armed robbery was illegal in this state!"
"Okay! Carry on then, case dismissed!"
Very informative post and comments thread. I have found I can get on board with about 50% of libertarian views. And maybe about 2% of republican - lol! I am currently a democrat after years as an independent. Bu$hCo drove me to register as a democrat before the 2004 elections. I vote democrat most of the time - always have. But I vote against more than I vote for. Which is sad to me. We really need to break this 2 party system once and for all.
Btw – hope you didn’t mind me crashing a post on your site.
You never asked for the key back, so I thought I would use it =)
Stan - The SM monogram on the key should have been indicative of my intent! You are welcome to post your views/thoughts here anytime you wish. We're all in this fight together. ;)
John - I forgot to tell you not to tell anyone that I missed the primary vote. It could look pretty bad on me if this were to get out!!! See - I keep forgetting!
I wondered about the SM monogram. I just assumed you were into the S&M thing, and I didn't want to bring it up and embarass you. Whew!
We are all in this fight together, as you stated. It's also more then evident that we all don't share the same views, yet we band together as one.
Btw - what's the record for number of comments on a post? This one has to be getting close.
SM
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