Soaps.com - MESSAGE BOARDS

Hi everyone!

I'm not trying cause any controversies. I've glanced over the Red/Blue threads & they were unable to answer the general questions I have. Maybe you guys can help?

What makes a person Republican?

What makes a person a Democrate?

What are the specific differences?

Where do the parties share common ground?

I think the Red and Blue, Left or Right, as well as the Republican or Democrat labels are part of the problem. I consider myself independent. I believe we should have: Health care for all.
We should not go to war before exhausting any and all other options.
We should reach out diplomatically to all countries and not try to impose our system of government, religion or anything else upon them. Our way is not always the "right" way.
We should be making real attempts at finding new sources of energy and put an end to our dependence on foriegn oil.

Our congressmen should realize that they work for us and that elections mean something. Do what the people elected you to do. Remember the world is watching - don't embarass us by acting like children.

The President outlined the changes he was going to make when he was campaigning for office. The majority of the American people voted for him because they too seek those changes. Leaving Iraq, health care reform, a change in the way our country interacts with other countries...
The reforms he seeks are not part of some hidden agenda- he was elected because these were the reforms he promised to make. You may or may not agree with everything he is doing but he is giving 100% and he makes himself available to answer questions and to keep the country informed.

He has only been in office a short time yet he is addressing issues that have been ignored or put on the back burner for years. He is only human and will make mistakes but overall he doing a good job in a very hostile environment.

******I am RED WHITE & BLUE An AMERICAN********F

Never wore labels myself. I vote for an individual not along party lines. Frankly there isn't a party platform or an individdual that I can agree with 100%.

I read material and watch news knowing their slants from both sides. The truth is always somewhere in the middle.Often it isn't what they say but what they don't say that is important.

I consider myself an independent. I've voted for both republican and democratic parties. I truly read the issues and go from there.

However, I believe many look at politics as if it were a football or baseball game. Whoever their parents supported ...by large that's whom they support (through and through).

Loyalty is important but our nation and what's best for all should take precedence. I may be alone in my thinking though.

I am currently leaning towards the Democrats simply because I believe in Healthcare for all.

I believe in liberties for all. I'm am old gurl who believes if the majority in our nation are without proper healthcare, we all are doomed to hell. LOL

On the other hand I believe in proper citizenship laws too.

We live in a great nation and many people to enjoy the benefits we have. Unfortunately, many undocumented citizens forget or disregard following the proper channels to become a part of our great nation. This of course makes it very hard for Americans to enjoy the wonderful benefits afforded to us.

Until this little issue is resolved in some way and we can get everyone to contribute into our plans, we all will continue to suffer!

I am a republican that leans very close to the middle. At the core of my belief is opposition to big government. I think the government should help those who are UNABLE (not unwilling) to help themselves with programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. The government should protect us from attacks and provide aide in disaster.

I strongly believe in capitalism and that those who work hard should not have to pay for those who don't. I don't believe Healthcare is a basic right (I think food and shelter would come before healthcare insurance), but I have no problem paying tax to provide insurance to the elderly and the working poor. I very strongly oppose sociaized medicine.

On the flip side, I move toward the center because I'm not particularly religious, I believe in stem cell research, and I have no real opinion on abortion (although I was raised Catholic). I think moving toward cleaner energy is a good thing and I really think we need to boost our education in the U.S. because children in many foreign nations put our kids to shame. I'm not fond of war, but I don't think we can stick our head in the sand and hope terrorism goes away.

Sundevil 98, I can explain why some other countries are putting our kids to shame. After traveling to countries like Japan and the Philippines, what I saw was pure support from parents in education.

Children were so respectful to their teachers and all adults for that matter it was unbelievable yet eye opening. There is a BIG difference in some countries compared to what I've experienced here for years!

What I've also observed here in America is a clear disrespect of teachers and education for that matter on all levels. When there is a budget cut in America the first plan to go are educational plans at least that's how it's been in the past.

Teachers, counselors, security, afterschool programs, psychologists, and nurses in our colleges and grade school facilities are severly under appreciated and do not nearly receive the support nor monies warranted. This lends itself to failure to adequately prepare our nation to compete at times.

But that's another thread altogether!
We truly do not want to address this issue on this thread do we?

The President just recently addressed this issue. He feels American students do not spend enough time in school and it puts them at a disadvantage. Read the following article for more information:

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33044676/ns/us_news-education//

Will this be called another one of his "socialist ideas"?
You have to give the man credit he has no fear of trying to change the status quo - Good for him!!!

I could not find this link. It just would not open for me.

Not looking to debate. Just thought it might interest you.