[orerviche]

What it means to be a Democrat
by Jim Quigg

January 11, 2006

Are you a Democrat? Why? If your answers are “Yes” and “Because I hate Bush”, this column is for you. If those aren’t your answers, “Welcome to Seattle University. Please enjoy your visit.”

Like most college campuses, SU leans left politically. Do you ever wonder what you’re voting for when you vote Democrat? Please count how many of the following statements you agree with to see if you’re at home in today’s Democratic Party.

1. The government should grow bigger to protect Americans from greedy corporations who care about profit, not people.

2. Taxes should be raised on the rich because the rich don’t pay their fair share.

3. The nine members of the US Supreme Court, not individual state legislatures, should determine social issues such as abortion, euthanasia and medicinal marijuana.

4. Vouchers and charter schools waste dollars that should go to the under-funded public education system.

5. EPA regulations should be expanded to save the environment from businesses who exploit our planet’s fragile resources.

6. The war on terrorism is not served by propping up Bush’s puppet regime in Iraq, and the troops should come home now.

7. The transportation department’s purpose is to compel rider-ship on monorails, trains, ferries and commuter lanes, not to relieve traffic congestion.

8. Every American is entitled to universal healthcare, regardless of its discouraging effect on the innovation of new medicines.

9. US taxpayers should provide a majority of the funding for the United Nations’ mission of global harmony and equality.

10. Allowing workers to invest part of their paycheck into mutual funds instead of Social Security will unnecessarily bankrupt an unquestionably sound system which enables our elderly to enjoy their golden years.

11. Background checks and waiting periods for gun purchases protect people and do not violate the Constitution.

12. Gay people should enjoy the same rights and privileges as straight people.

13. The death penalty is an indefensible punishment that risks killing innocent people while barely deterring more crime.

I agreed with those last three too. How did you do? Did you find yourself differing with many of those statements? Most? You’re not alone; many Democrats have abandoned the Party that abandoned them. As a result, Republicans now control all three branches of government. Democrats should be stirred to action by the Republican’s misuse of their new power.

Three appalling examples of how power has corrupted the Republicans include:

1. Countless pork projects, most notably a bridge to an empty island in Alaska;

2. Abuse of Congressional authority in a misguided attempt to intervene in Terry Schaivo’s death; and

3. The insulting appointments of Bush’s imminently unqualified friends, Michael Brown and Harriet Myers, to warm chairs at FEMA and the Supreme Court.

Historically, Democrats have provided a much-needed balance to the homophobes, militiamen and corporate fat cats who pull purse strings in the GOP. But today’s Democratic leadership is alienating reasonable liberals who cannot stomach the derisive mantra of MoveOn.org and the ACLU. Good Democrats are disheartened that union bosses and trial lawyers have high-jacked their once mainstream party.

Before their party disappears into the dustbin of history beside the Whigs and Naderites, clear-thinking Democrats must reposition their platform toward “the middle” in consideration of the following realities:

TAXES: Claiming that the rich “don’t pay their fair share” is laughable considering that the wealthiest 20 percent pay 82.5 percent of total federal income taxes.

EDUCATION: Expecting that the teacher’s unions will rescue the failing public education system if we just entrust the unions with more money is like expecting that a burning monorail that has crashed off its tracks can carry more passengers if its wheels would just spin faster.

HEALTHCARE: Nationalizing healthcare will discourage pharmaceutical companies from inventing new medicines and will chase away America’s finest doctors

IRAQ: Abandoning Iraq’s fledgling democracy now will embolden the terrorists and tell America’s allies never again to count on our support. Furthermore, America is not “occupying” Iraq. As we did for Germany, Japan, South Korea and the former Soviet states, we will battle the tyrants, we will help the people stand on their own and then we will go home.

FDR, Truman, and Kennedy were great Democrats who stood up against despots like Hitler, Hirohito and Stalin to free the world from tyranny. Today’s great Democrats must now stand up against Howard Dean to free their party from extremism. Only then will Democrats contend for the hearts and minds of America’s indispensable independents. Only then will more people feel welcome in the People’s Party.
Source No, no, you must bash Bush to be a good Democrat.
You must bash Christians every chance you get because they back Bush and the Republicans.
Face it, Democrats can't win on issues, so you must bash.
Bash Bush, bash America, bash Christians, bash Republicans and bash the red states. Go after them with a vengeance!
Malign, lie, assasinate characters, libel anyone that stands against Democrats.
Democrats can't win on the issues, because their issues are against freedom, private property, and the Constitution, so Democrats have to bash like they did Alito, like they did Bush during the Bush/Gore and Bush/Kerry elections.
Democrats have to try harder, invent bigger lies and attack anyone that stands in their way.
It's the only way to power.
Democrats sure as hell are not going to get elected by promising to raise taxes and to surrender in Iraq. So let the bashing continue.

[dxpfmP0l]

FDR, Truman, and Kennedy were great Democrats who stood up against despots like Hitler, Hirohito and Stalin to free the world from tyranny. The establishment's version of the history of the United States is disturbs me

[LoloLibia]

The establishment's version of the history of the United States is disturbs me

please explain

[JulietOreira]

What is missing from ther OP is a discussion of just how many Democratic Parties there are to a degree there have always been.

Also, 'Jim Quigg' makes more than a few out-right erronious statements that do not apply to any Democratic Party I have ever seen- and I was in said party for 20 years.

[catarleriarly]

Personally, I think the bridge was a pretty over-the-top pork project, too.

[glazgoR@]

...- and I was in said party for 20 years.

With all the cheer and joy you spread around here, you must have been the life of the party.

[Zarekylin75]

I made a contribution.

How about you, ever been in a political party?

[www.forumsovetov.ru]

I made a contribution.

How about you, ever been in a political party?

Explains why the Democrats are self-destructing.

Keep up the good work, we appreciate it.

[AccusaJalsBub]

No, no, you must bash Bush to be a good Democrat.
You must bash Christians every chance you get because they back Bush and the Republicans.
Face it, Democrats can't win on issues, so you must bash.
Bash Bush, bash America, bash Christians, bash Republicans and bash the red states. Go after them with a vengeance!
Malign, lie, assasinate characters, libel anyone that stands against Democrats.
Democrats can't win on the issues, because their issues are against freedom, private property, and the Constitution, so Democrats have to bash like they did Alito, like they did Bush during the Bush/Gore and Bush/Kerry elections.
Democrats have to try harder, invent bigger lies and attack anyone that stands in their way.
It's the only way to power.
Democrats sure as hell are not going to get elected by promising to raise taxes and to surrender in Iraq. So let the bashing continue.

You forgot to take your Ridolin this morning. Do you want to take it now, or would you rather, I Notify the hospital so the men in white coats can come take care of you?

[bawayTeen]

You forgot to take your Ridolin this morning. Do you want to take it now, or would you rather, I Notify the hospital so the men in white coats can come take care of you?

I see you refuse the argue with facts. Good thing. Democrats don't have many goodns.

[QzVyZbTg]

Apparently this wasn't originally intended as a poll, but I think it wiuld make a good one, Not just for Democrats but also for Republicans, and Independents, Thus, I will start the ball rolling by posting the form, and then answering the items, one by one:

The POST in entirety:

What it means to be a Democrat
by Jim Quigg

January 11, 2006

Are you a Democrat? Why? If your answers are “Yes” and “Because I hate Bush”, this column is for you. If those aren’t your answers, “Welcome to Seattle University. Please enjoy your visit.”

Like most college campuses, SU leans left politically. Do you ever wonder what you’re voting for when you vote Democrat? Please count how many of the following statements you agree with to see if you’re at home in today’s Democratic Party.

1. The government should grow bigger to protect Americans from greedy corporations who care about profit, not people.

2. Taxes should be raised on the rich because the rich don’t pay their fair share.

3. The nine members of the US Supreme Court, not individual state legislatures, should determine social issues such as abortion, euthanasia and medicinal marijuana.

4. Vouchers and charter schools waste dollars that should go to the under-funded public education system.

5. EPA regulations should be expanded to save the environment from businesses who exploit our planet’s fragile resources.

6. The war on terrorism is not served by propping up Bush’s puppet regime in Iraq, and the troops should come home now.

7. The transportation department’s purpose is to compel rider-ship on monorails, trains, ferries and commuter lanes, not to relieve traffic congestion.

8. Every American is entitled to universal healthcare, regardless of its discouraging effect on the innovation of new medicines.

9. US taxpayers should provide a majority of the funding for the United Nations’ mission of global harmony and equality.

10. Allowing workers to invest part of their paycheck into mutual funds instead of Social Security will unnecessarily bankrupt an unquestionably sound system which enables our elderly to enjoy their golden years.

11. Background checks and waiting periods for gun purchases protect people and do not violate the Constitution.

12. Gay people should enjoy the same rights and privileges as straight people.

13. The death penalty is an indefensible punishment that risks killing innocent people while barely deterring more crime.

I agreed with those last three too. How did you do? Did you find yourself differing with many of those statements? Most? You’re not alone; many Democrats have abandoned the Party that abandoned them. As a result, Republicans now control all three branches of government. Democrats should be stirred to action by the Republican’s misuse of their new power.

Three appalling examples of how power has corrupted the Republicans include:

1. Countless pork projects, most notably a bridge to an empty island in Alaska;

2. Abuse of Congressional authority in a misguided attempt to intervene in Terry Schaivo’s death; and

3. The insulting appointments of Bush’s imminently unqualified friends, Michael Brown and Harriet Myers, to warm chairs at FEMA and the Supreme Court.

Historically, Democrats have provided a much-needed balance to the homophobes, militiamen and corporate fat cats who pull purse strings in the GOP. But today’s Democratic leadership is alienating reasonable liberals who cannot stomach the derisive mantra of MoveOn.org and the ACLU. Good Democrats are disheartened that union bosses and trial lawyers have high-jacked their once mainstream party.

Before their party disappears into the dustbin of history beside the Whigs and Naderites, clear-thinking Democrats must reposition their platform toward “the middle” in consideration of the following realities:

TAXES: Claiming that the rich “don’t pay their fair share” is laughable considering that the wealthiest 20 percent pay 82.5 percent of total federal income taxes.

EDUCATION: Expecting that the teacher’s unions will rescue the failing public education system if we just entrust the unions with more money is like expecting that a burning monorail that has crashed off its tracks can carry more passengers if its wheels would just spin faster.

HEALTHCARE: Nationalizing healthcare will discourage pharmaceutical companies from inventing new medicines and will chase away America’s finest doctors

IRAQ: Abandoning Iraq’s fledgling democracy now will embolden the terrorists and tell America’s allies never again to count on our support. Furthermore, America is not “occupying” Iraq. As we did for Germany, Japan, South Korea and the former Soviet states, we will battle the tyrants, we will help the people stand on their own and then we will go home.

FDR, Truman, and Kennedy were great Democrats who stood up against despots like Hitler, Hirohito and Stalin to free the world from tyranny. Today’s great Democrats must now stand up against Howard Dean to free their party from extremism. Only then will Democrats contend for the hearts and minds of America’s indispensable independents. Only then will more people feel welcome in the People’s Party.
Source

Now, point by point:

What it means to be a Democrat
by Jim Quigg

January 11, 2006

Are you a Democrat? NO, I am a Moderate-IndependentWhy? N/AIf your answers are “Yes” and “Because I hate Bush”, this column is for you. If those aren’t your answers, “Welcome to Seattle University. Please enjoy your visit.”Thank You, Iwill

Like most college campuses, SU leans left politically. Do you ever wonder what you’re voting for when you vote Democrat? Please count how many of the following statements you agree with to see if you’re at home in today’s Democratic Party.

1. The government should grow bigger to protect Americans from greedy corporations who care about profit, not people.NO

2. Taxes should be raised on the rich because the rich don’t pay their fair share.YES

3. The nine members of the US Supreme Court, not individual state legislatures, should determine social issues such as abortion, euthanasia and medicinal marijuana.NO

4. Vouchers and charter schools waste dollars that should go to the under-funded public education system.Probably

5. EPA regulations should be expanded to save the environment from businesses who exploit our planet’s fragile resources.No, but they should be enforced

6. The war on terrorism is not served by propping up Bush’s puppet regime in Iraq, and the troops should come home now.AGREED

7. The transportation department’s purpose is to compel rider-ship on monorails, trains, ferries and commuter lanes, not to relieve traffic congestion.DON't Know, but that doesn't make sense

8. Every American is entitled to universal healthcare, regardless of its discouraging effect on the innovation of new medicines. Yes, (what dicouraging effect????

9. US taxpayers should provide a majority of the funding for the United Nations’ mission of global harmony and equality.[COLOR="blue"]Definitely NOT
COLOR]

10. Allowing workers to invest part of their paycheck into mutual funds instead of Social Security will unnecessarily bankrupt an unquestionably sound system which enables our elderly to enjoy their golden years.Non-valid question. the system is anything but sound.

11. Background checks and waiting periods for gun purchases protect people and do not violate the Constitution.Agreed

12. Gay people should enjoy the same rights and privileges as straight people.Agreed

13. The death penalty is an indefensible punishment that risks killing innocent people while barely deterring more crime.Disagree

I agreed with those last three too. How did you do? Did you find yourself differing with many of those statements? Most? You’re not alone; many Democrats have abandoned the Party that abandoned them. As a result, Republicans now control all three branches of government. Democrats should be stirred to action by the Republican’s misuse of their new power. Immaterial

Three appalling examples of how power has corrupted the Republicans include:

1. Countless pork projects, most notably a bridge to an empty island in Alaska; Agreed it is wrong, Disagree that the republicans caused it

2. Abuse of Congressional authority in a misguided attempt to intervene in Terry Schaivo’s death; and??????

3. The insulting appointments of Bush’s imminently unqualified friends, Michael Brown and Harriet Myers, to warm chairs at FEMA and the Supreme Court.Agree regarding Brown, Jury's out regarding myers

Historically, Democrats have provided a much-needed balance to the homophobes, militiamen and corporate fat cats who pull purse strings in the GOP. But today’s Democratic leadership is alienating reasonable liberals who cannot stomach the derisive mantra of MoveOn.org and the ACLU. Good Democrats are disheartened that union bosses and trial lawyers have high-jacked their once mainstream party.Now you re talking Liberals, not necessarily Democrates

Before their party disappears into the dustbin of history beside the Whigs and Naderites, clear-thinking Democrats must reposition their platform toward “the middle” in consideration of the following::opinion vs opinion

Claiming that the rich “don’t pay their fair share” is laughable considering that the wealthiest 20 percent pay 82.5 percent of total federal income taxes.disagree even so

EDUCATION: Expecting that the teacher’s unions will rescue the failing public education system if we just entrust the unions with more money is like expecting that a burning monorail that has crashed off its tracks can carry more passengers if its wheels would just spin faster.Agreed

HEALTHCARE: Nationalizing healthcare will discourage pharmaceutical companies from inventing new medicines and will chase away America’s finest doctorsNOPE

IRAQ: Abandoning Iraq’s fledgling democracy now will embolden the terrorists and tell America’s allies never again to count on our support.NONSENSE Furthermore, America is not “occupying” Iraq. As we did for Germany, Japan, South Korea and the former Soviet states, we will battle the tyrants, we will help the people stand on their own and then we will go home.opinion vs opinion

FDR, Truman, and Kennedy were great Democrats who stood up against despots like Hitler, Hirohito and Stalin to free the world from tyranny. Agreed (sort 'a)Today’s great Democrats must now stand up against Howard Dean to free their party from extremism. Only then will Democrats contend for the hearts and minds of America’s indispensable independents. Only then will more people feel welcome in the People’s Party.Opinion vs opinion,

Just my two Cents
Source

[ditpiler]

I see you refuse the argue with facts. Good thing. Democrats don't have many goodns.

Is that enough arguement for you????

[viagra-kaufen]

Basically I can't call myself a democrat... I've never been able to really fit into either major political party, but I do prefer the Domocratic party to the Republican party.

I would actually have to classify myself as a socialist because I can't stand the fact that a country as great and as powerful as the US can't feed, shelter, and give medical care to its people. It also boggles my mind that we can't provide a decent public school system that can compete with students world-wide. We have the resources, but so many politicians consider welfare programs and education "burdens."

A smaller government would be less prone to corruption.
The US should focus its energy on caring for its people rather than fighting wars.

[Narcodran]

spadplatter,

Sticks and stones..............................

hansteam,

Welcome.

You do know what Will Rogers said about being a Democrat back in the late 1920's?

[NudiJuicervich]

Basically I can't call myself a democrat... I've never been able to really fit into either major political party, but I do prefer the Domocratic party to the Republican party.

I would actually have to classify myself as a socialist because I can't stand the fact that a country as great and as powerful as the US can't feed, shelter, and give medical care to its people. It also boggles my mind that we can't provide a decent public school system that can compete with students world-wide. We have the resources, but so many politicians consider welfare programs and education "burdens."

A smaller government would be less prone to corruption.
The US should focus its energy on caring for its people rather than fighting wars.

So, the world owes you a living and the property of others is yours.
Well, you fit right in.
Cows get cared for, cats and dogs get cared for.

[cxddfrxc]

See... I DO agree with most of those. So whats your point?

[mireOpekrhype]

So, the world owes you a living and the property of others is yours.Well, you fit right in.Cows get cared for, cats and dogs get cared for. Listen here before you try to bad-mouth someone who is trying to help others. I have never asked the government for anything. I'm going to school and working two jobs. I've put in 24 hours in the last 48. I haven't asked for anything from the US Government for myself.

Unfortunately, there are people who aren't in a position in which they can do this. There are people who plain and simply are not capable of making it. There are people born into a socio-economic class that is so weak that they really cannot climb out of it. These people never get a shot.

The primary reason for people to do poorly in school is socio-economic status; one third of people in the United States who are living in poverty are children. Don't let that be a statistic for you; let it sink in. Let yourself understand that there REALLY are children starving on the streets in your own city. There really are. These children should be given food and water and clothing and housing and an education. So should their parents!

Rather than accusing people of trying to feed of the system, how about showing a little compassion. You will wind up with free-loaders, but you'll also save lives; that's what it's all about.

[tousuarshatly]

Poverty is a very misused word in this country. In this country poverty is defined as only one big-screen color TV and not all the movie packages on the cable, and maybe only one cell phone.

Katrina exposed (and still is) a lot of people that refuse to do anything for themselves. They're still living in hotels and are complaining that the hotels need their rooms back. Sure, it's not all people that are on welfare, but there is a huge sub-culture of welfare recipients that have been getting it for generations. Even a Socialist like you has to admit there is a limit to how long a freeloader should be allowed to do nothing.

There is no need for anyone to starve in America. There are many, many, many agencies that will feed, clothe and shelter anyone that needs it.

[ardsdelinq]

Even a Socialist like you has to admit there is a limit to how long a freeloader should be allowed to do nothing.

There is no need for anyone to starve in America. There are many, many, many agencies that will feed, clothe and shelter anyone that needs it.

There is a limit on how much welfare someone can get.
Even then receiving government welfare puts someone below the poverty line.

But don't get any idea's someone stays on it forever if they want to.

[Rndouglas]

There is a limit on how much welfare someone can get.
Even then receiving government welfare puts someone below the poverty line.

But don't get any idea's someone stays on it forever if they want to.

The "poverty line" is just a measure of how many luxuries one has. No one in America truly lives in poverty, which can be seen in Africa.

So how many generations will you accept before you say "Enough"?

And yes, some people get welfare their entire lives, and their mothers and children, too.