Never talk politics
Jun 9th, 2008 by The Dude
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
~Thomas Jefferson
I seem to exemplify contradiction because of my political leanings. I’ve confused friends, bewildered my wife, and scared some co-workers. I think it stems from the company I keep and how their views clash with mine in several important areas…since they outnumber me I try to keep quiet when the topic of politics rears its ugly head but it’s hard to bite my lip sometimes.
I’m a Republican. This has really tested the sensibilities of some of my friends and I can’t blame them. I’m well aware of the stereotypical Republican image but I don’t think I fall into that bucket. I’m a social liberal. I’m pro-choice, I believe in the welfare program (although it needs to be fixed), I’m for Gay Marriage, and I’m all for the environment.
That said…I’m a fiscal conservative. I agree with Regan when he said Government is not the solution, Government is the problem. I don’t believe in a National Healthcare system, I do believe in tax cuts, I am all for shrinking the National Government, and I believe privatizing social security will save it. I also believe that a person must define their own destiny even in the face of great opposition.
I understand there are social inequalities. I’ve faced them myself being of mixed race but I have never let that deter me. We live in a nation where anyone can rise above their prescribed station and taste the rewards of hard work. We all have a unique opportunity in a unique period in human history to change from rags to riches, from pauper to king. Unfortunately I have seen our citizens develop a sense of entitlement and that will, in the long run, bleed our country dry. Who needs to work when you have welfare?
I’m a Republican because there is an underlying optimism that I find lacking on the other side of the isle. It’s the belief in the human spirit and trust in the free market system. I don’t always agree with my party and I find myself morally opposed to some of their views but when I dig deeper into the rhetoric I find something most of my friends fail to see…hope.
