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Claire had dated so many losers who thought just like her. She ends up dating a lawyer who is really nice, and then to her horror, she discovers he's a Republican, and no moderate either. They had this funny scene where she called him a total fascist, going on and on, and then suddenly she gets the news that her brother fell seriously ill. He was totally there for her, even when she was hateful to him in her grief. She eventually marries him. Why? Because kindness and consideration trump politics every time. I guess the only deal breaker in that realm goes to values, not politics. You can have similar values, but wish to achieve them through different approaches. This guy sounds more libertarian than neo/fundie con, which I think has the potential of being perfectly compatible. At least libertarians don't want to control women's bodies or their sex lives. Basically, they just want their guns and limited government. It is true that the Republicans have largely abandoned this wing of the party (the Democratic party no longer fights for gun control, so that seems like a non-issue these days), except for tax cuts, but really without a corresponding spending cut, that is not libertarianism to me.
I've been married twice. My first husband was a libertarian (he passed away) and my second is from Germany and largely would vote for the Christian Democrats, the conservative party of Germany. He thinks Bush is the dumbest president ever, and pretty much thinks the voters in this country are a bunch of idiots to have voted not once but twice for him. He's no bleeding heart like I am (part of that is welfare state fatigue -- IMO Germany is a little too lenient to the career unemployed, and they need to change that). But my point is is that you're never going to find the "perfect" person, and even if you did, you might find them not as compatible in real life as it looks on paper. This guys sounds a LOT better than a lefty freeper, right? Anyway, it's early yet, and if you really like this guy, then keep dating him. If he starts to annoy you, then you know it won't work, but if he makes you happy, then don't overanalyze it. Then if it gets serious, you talk about the Big Things, like wanting a budget for political and charitable donations, your opinions on raising kids, and all of that. I tell you, I know Democrats who raise their kids in a way I don't approve, and Republicans for which I admire their discipline techniques. Politics simply don't factor in.
And finally, I feel compelled to defend Republicans here. They are people, you know. They simply think differently, and are afraid which has perhaps warped their thinking. Some truly and sincerely believe that the free market works better than government programs. I disagree, but I would say that this is a compelling economic debate that will continue for years to come, with data to support both sides. I have a friend here who listens to Rush Limbaugh and reads newsmax.com. And guess what? She is one of the most considerate people I know, and I really enjoy her company. But her political philosphy is the polar opposite of mine. But here's the funny thing: at least she is interested in current events, and knows a thing or two. The people who annoy me the most are ignorant swing voters who just don't care (except about themselves), but unfortunately, they vote, completely in the dark about the issues. They're the reason why JK will have to do "stupid politician tricks" if he wants to become prez, instead of focussing on the issues. Anyway, soap box speech over.
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