We have GOT to find a way to make a distinction.

[Pacifist Patriot]

I've noticed this for years and it bugs me from time to time. The words "Democrats" and "Republicans" have two very different meanings depending upon the context. It either refers to the movers and shakers/party elite or the voters who tend to identify with one party or the other.

If someone were to say to me, "Those Republicans haven't worked an honest day in their life," I would understand that person to be referring to the likes of Bush and Hastert not my working slob idiot brother-in-law who votes Republican.

If someone were say, "Those Democrats need to stop breaking ranks for third party candidates or we're never going to get a majority," I'd know he was referring to the voters.'

But if someone were to say, "The Democrats need to get on the stick with respect to party loyalty," it could mean either or both.

I've seen plenty of times when generalizations have hurt feelings or generated ill will because the context was lost on the recipient. Maybe writers/speakers need to be more specific and readers/audiences need to ask for clarification before jumping to conclusions and taking offense.

Just a thought.