Is there a Difference between Democrats and Republicans?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Got a tip from Jerri about this site. At first glance it looks very interesting. Sort of puts a damper on the argument that both parties are the same. Results matter and that is the difference.
Of course results are a function of what the population allows either party to get away with.
She has a D&C editorial blog about this subject. Pop over and comment (then come back :-))
While I agree that there are differences in the two major parties, the site Jerri refererred you to does not add much of value to the question, unless you want to base your conclusions on “facts” and “statistics” from a partisan source.
I enjoy your site, despite the fact that I disagree with virtually everything you post, because I appreciate being able to survey diverse opinion, even unsound opinion.
The site Jerri quoted contained second-hand statistics from another self-described “non-partisan” group (VoteSmart.org). I’ve found that partisan sites (whether right or left-leaning) tend to serve up statistics that support whatever conclusion they are tring to sell. I prefer to reach my own conclusions after reviewing objective evidence.
I was surprised Jerri believed the site to be “fair and balanced”.
So John - thanks for disagreeing with us.
My take on the differences in the two parties. The Republicans are about individual success at the expense of communities and the Democrats are about using communities to enhance individual capability.
Are there exceptions? Sure on both sides so one can never say ALL Democrats or ALL Republicans - I mean Zell Miller is a Democrat so was Joe Lieberman. They aren’t exactly Democratic heroes. Rudy G was Pro gay marriage before he was against it. Pro womens choice too if memory serves (at least before his bid).
Results do matter. As someone on the other side of the political spectrum. How is the Republican mantra of fiscal conservativism working for you? Expanded government and all that?
What is your take on our recent COMIDA posts? Surely the market should decide and does government have a role in bailing out a poor business decision? Those are my tax dollars that will be affected - not yours.
I’m sure there is more but that’s it for now.
Jerri can defend herself and her one choices of what she posts. On the other hand - as someone on the other side how are we doing nationally and do you support it?
I would have responded sooner, but I did not see that my comment actually posted to your site.
I haven’t been a reader long enough to reach any big conclusions about your posts.
Let me say that I think we are better off when the market dictates whether or not a business is a success or failure rather than relying on goverment assistance. You may view COMIDA as dispensing “corporate welfare”, however, in my opinion Democrats seem more often predisposed to ignoring the dictates of the market than Republicans.
I’ll have to give some thought about your description of the differences between GOP and Dem. priorities. I don’t quite understand your view of the parties’ respective preferences on communities vs. individuals. I think liberals’ tendency towards moral relativism has made it difficult for communities to have norms to which all are bound and with which all agree.
I’d also say both parties (at the national level, at least) are captives of their interest group supporters. In Rochester, I’d say that the party distinctions may be less ideological and more educational and socio-economic.
In any event, I certainly enjoy the site. I’ll drop by and offer a dissenting view now and then.