Chris Said:

Democrats vs. Republicans?

We Answered:

In short, the Democratic party believes that the government has a responsibility to help everyone thru government programs, should be inclusive of all people and has historically been liberal on social issues (pro abortion, pro affirmative action, anti capital punishment, pro taxation)

In short, the Republican party believe that less government is better, that Americans should strive to solve problems themselves or at a more local level, that the majority rules even if at the cost of the minority and they have historically been conservative on social issues (anti abortion, anti affirmative action, pro capital punishment and anti taxation).

Hope that helps

Diane Said:

How to settle Democratic vs. Republican differences? This is your chance to persuade me & win a convert.?

We Answered:

Well, it would be better to "negotiate for however long it would take to reach acceptable compromise positions." but sometimes time is an issue. I am closer to (3) I guess, but I hate the whole labeling thing that we do. It really helps to divide us further not unit us. Politically, left always means socialist type attitudes while right is translated as well... right. Get my drift? We should give ourselves more credit than the labels suggest.
I consider myself spiritual but I am not affiliated with Judeo-Christian theology. My feelings are probably more Eastern in nature. I like the teachings of Buddha, Mahatma Ghandi and others.
Unfortunately I believe the method that wins the most converts is the one which plays on our fears and has a specific purpose to impose on "us against them" or "right versus wrong" attitude. Compromise may be intellectually superior but it does not win as many converts. President Bush's war in Iraq and the policies that we have been mired in since were instigated with fear of Islamic fundamentalism. Wether factual or not (witness the CIA & Pentagon reports) the Republican Party was strongest after 911 because of it. A different tact could have been taken. One that appreciated world sympathy with the U.S. and worked in coalition with other nations of the world to come to peaceful solutions. Instead our fear drove us to basically go it alone internationally, forsake the United Nations and undertake a war which can be argued as misguided.
Politically, the Republican Party are "hawks" and the Democrats "doves"
Stark contrast but not truthful at all. Roosevelt, and Kennedy are two Democrats who were mired in warfare during their administrations. The peaceful compromise does not always work either but as former President Jimmy Carter, a Noble Peace Prize winner said, his greatest accomplishment was NOT declaring war on Iran after the hostage crisis because he thought the cost to America in lives and resources was too high a price to pay. He also has the distinction of being the last American President to successfully make progress in the Middle East peace process by getting Israel and Egypt to sign the Camp David Peace accords. At the time Egypt had sworn to the destruction of Israel, but compromise was able to forge an agreement that is STILL in effect to this day almost 30 years later.
John McCain wants to fight, while the Democrats today seek flight. I was raised to believe that violence only begets more violence. This is evident today by the formation of Al Quaeda in Iraq (after our invasion) and the recent deterioration of stability in Basra. It's obvious to me that the road the GOP wants to travel is fraught with minefields that will only blow-up in America's face (so to speak)

Tina Said:

Can someone please help me with my essay on conservatism vs liberalism?

We Answered:

I dont know if this will help, but this website organizes conservatives and liberals views on different issues.

http://www.studentnewsdaily.com/other/conservative-vs-liberal-beliefs/

Floyd Said:

Basic summary of Republican qualities/beliefs vs. Democratic qualities/beliefs?

We Answered:

Democratic: Bigger government (believe the people need the protection of the government and laws and need government to work properly) Government guides the people

Republican: Small government (legislations should be on a smaller level...your congress members and senators will probably try to get things on a state or local level rather than national level.) The People guide the government

General viewpoints (although they vary by canditate, obviously):
Democratic:
Stricter gun control
Pro-choice (on abortion; it is always a woman's right to choose)
Strong anti-discrimination laws are necessary
Higher tax percentage for higher income
More government programs to aid society
Decrease military spending
No death penalty


Republican:
Opposes more gun legislation (citing constitutional rights)
Pro-life (on abortion; that new life should only be taken if the mother's health/life are in danger or other more "justified" reasons)
Anti-discrimination is something that should come though better education and individual conscience
Lower taxes overall benefit the economy
Less government programs, but more community programs
Strong military is important
For death penalty

As I said, the positions on each of the issues varies by candidate and by the importance of each issue at the current time.

If you want to see what each candidate's current thoughts are on some of these issues, check out the matrix on msnbc.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21116732

Carla Said:

Republicans VS Democrats. Help.?

We Answered:

The parties are pointless and stupid nowadays. When/if you do go to the poles just vote for the third party candidate because right now it just seems like every president has to sit on his hands because of congress and vice versa. It sucks but it's true. Where the republicans/democrats stand on issues? Against each other. Plain and simple. It's pointless and stupid.

Bernard Said:

Democratic vs. Republican?

We Answered:

Democrats... big goverment, higher taxes, higher spending. Republicans... small goverment, tax breaks(we can't afford), and higher spending. Republicans are pro corporations, democrats are pro people. If you own a business you would probably go with the republicans... you'd get tax breaks but the deficit would constantly grow, but you wouldn't care as long as you're makin a profit. The democrats have less of a global agenda and they would be a bit more realistic with tax breaks(it seems to me). The country owes a whole lot of money, It seems silly to give tax breaks to me. You need to see what each candidate offers and vote accordingly. Republicans are conservative, democrats are liberal. Good luck deciding.

Brenda Said:

Modern day Republicans vs. Actual Republicans....liberals don't you notice the difference?

We Answered:

As a once proud conservative I might be able to shed some light on this topic.

The "old school" conservative is one who believes in small government, especially when it comes to small business. That is the opposite of what modern republicans effect. Instead of regulating BIG business to protect against the large economic, environmental and social crimes they can commit, modern republicans are in the pockets of big business. This has the effect of stifling competition from below, squelching contrary opinions and crushing small business.

The "Old school" conservative believed in the Constitution and understood its intent.
The modern republican lies about the constitution and mentions it only when he wants to appeal to a certain demographic for votes. They CLAIM we are supposed to be a christian nation, just to get votes from christians, then they turn around and cheat on their wives or have gay sex in public restrooms at airports. Shortly thereafter, you see the same guys on FOX news, being paid to spread propaganda.

Now, does that make me a liberal? Hell no.
i recognize the value of social security and well managed welfare programs, but I do not want to see welfare for giant criminal corporations.

Nowadays, people are so concerned with political labels that they cannot see how these labels have lost meaning. Terms like Liberal or conservative are now just battle cries in a din of confused voices. I am just a person who believes in common sense, the spirit of law and justice. i cannot align myself with ANY political party, since they are all corrupt and have so few real leaders.

On the off chance you see good leadership in some area, say from Ron Paul (rep. conservative constitutionalists) or Al Frankin ( liberal dem) it is not because of their political affiliation. In fact it is often IN SPITE of their affiliation.

When shock-jocks on FOX use the term "liberal" like a vulgar word, they are merely reinforcing the illusion of a separate party, to create a scape goat for their pernicious insinuation and outright lies.

When the so-called "liberal media" responds, it only acts as if it cares, then goes on with business as usual. The money is in the argument, not any solution. And that's why political labels are no longer valid. Both Republicans and Democrats are in the fat filthy pockets of giant corporations. Both sides are getting their pockets lined with our tax dollars siphoned off from government defense contractors.

Now, in a sense, I am still proud of the republicans, since they are expert at dirty tricks, filibustering and generally ******* their opposition. They have absolutely no ethics, but they are damn good at getting their way by hook-or-crook. Sure, they're evil selfish lying fat bastards, but they're good at it!

The democrats? Well, they can talk a good game, but they can't pull their thumbs out long enough to wave bye-bye. Even with a majority and a newly elected Dem Pres, they were the weakest most ineffectual pile of wimpy tree huggers in history. They did not want change. They just wanted their ******* jobs. They still keep the wars going, they still spend WAY TOO MUCH money on defense. They didn't fight for net neutrality, much. Yeah, they fought, but in the same way little girls fight.

Right now, I'd be embarrassed to be republican or democrat, since the only difference between them is a name and how fast they roll over for corporate cookies.