Would everyone agree that Democrats support the Federal government?

[The Backlash Cometh]

As opposed to State's Rights? They believe that a strong Federal government with safety nets for the most needy are the best way to ensure that the country remain strong?

[Selatius]

1. Likely no. See California vs. federal government over medical marijuana laws.

Or states vs. REAL ID

Those are serious issues that pit federal power against state power.

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. Okay, so why do Republicans claim Dems are for big government,

if there is no difference between the two parties on this issue?

[Alexander]

9. The Republicans are talking purely in economic terms when they say that.

They want lower taxes, no regulations, and so forth - so they play on people's fears of being oppressed by saying the Democrats are "big government".

Socially, it's almost the opposite. Most Republicans want to ban abortion, contraceptives, affirmative action, and any hint of secularism in government. However, because the Democrats are generally pro-gun control, they push that talking point a lot too, again to play on people's fears of being oppressed.

The only way to stop this is to throw the strategy right back in their faces. Republicans have run up the debt and the deficit and created more useless bureaucracy in the last 8 years than we've ever had, and that's a fact.

[Historic NY]

14. Hasn't work for them ..............

this administration has presided over the largest growth in government in decades. It has run the deficits and spending caps up by trillions. So much for that theory. The Republicans have made over 14500 earmarks in the time that were in control. Think about it spending is spending and earmarks are mostly cake & icing. Democrats are now looking like the fiscal conservatives. Republicans only like taxes that don't have to pay, in other words that they can get loop holes on. It comes down to "Joe Six Pack" paying the tax while Republicans exploit the system. What moron was it that they wanted to shrink the Federal government so it could drown in a bath tub........How did that work out for them? :eyes:

[Selatius]

16. Not well for Republicans. Very well for a few arms manufacturers and big oil on Wall Street.

Bush has been the best administration for them in decades.

[RavensChick]

2. I would have to say no too

because as a Federal employee, I have yet to hear anything about a continuing resolution to keep daily operations going through the end of this year. I have a feeling it's possibly tied in to the war and other issues, but nothing's come through yet. We're still operating from the FY 07 budget, so hopefully I'll know something this week. One thing's for sure--we voted them in, we can just as quickly vote them out when the time comes!

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. Wow. They really are dragging their feet. Wasn't October usually the

end of the fiscal year?

[Alexander]

5. It really depends. There's no simple answer.

In areas where the states agree with the Democrats, yes, they support state's rights. Medical marijuana is a good example.

When the states don't agree with Democrats, like on gun control for example, they pass nationwide legislation.

What you are saying is correct but only from an economic perspective. Socially Democrats go from libertarian to nanny-state, depending on the issue and how they feel about it. But generally if they want nationwide legislation passed on an issue (save guns), it's to keep the states from taking away certain rights.

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. That's reassuring.

There was a new poster here yesterday who made it sound like he was for treasonous revolt against the federal government. I was trying to figure out if he was a freeper, but they locked the thread.

[angstlessk]

8. all you have to do is reverse your statements and replace Democrats with Repugs

and your point is???

[Alexander]

11. I was answering the OP's question - both parties support the Feds when it suits them.

And that's pretty much the truth. See: Bush v. Gore.

[Vincardog]

7. IF you are talking abut States rights to be racist and discriminate I agree.

If you are talking about the federal governments attempts to force everyone to sign up for the Federally recognized citizenship card or enforce Draculian federal marijuana laws NO.

States rights was code for racist pig in the ray gun era.

[sandnsea]

10. Democrats support the Constitution

State and Federal are clearly defined. As is the Bill of Rights. When the State tries to trample individual rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, then the federal kicks in to protect those individual rights.

States write marriage laws. The Supreme Court decides whether the Bill of Rights extends marital rights to every human being, as the individual human being sees fit. If the federal Supreme Court decides that, then very state has to write inclusive marriage laws - but can still have age requirements and the like.

It is not a matter of state vs federal. It's a matter of upholding the Constitution.

[The Backlash Cometh]

12. That's a clear answer.

Of course, the difference between Repubs and Dems, then, would be that the Dems interpret the Federal government's job more broadly than the States.

Which is kind of funny because all those Republican governors must have gotten a surprise in the last seven year when Bush started cutting back on the federal aid they grew accustom to receiving.

[sandnsea]

13. Utah's Primary Care Network

That's their medical program for low income adults. A small annual fee, and it covers office visits, basic dental and optical, and a few prescriptions. It doesn't cover treatment though. I guess they are tackling health costs from the preventative angle first. Oregon's is more expensive monthly, but also covers hospital treatment.

Point being, who the hell are these Republicans to have hissy fits over health care plans when they're implementing them right in their own states? With the assistance of federal money? Crazy mofos.

But we came together as a country and agreed to put our FICA taxes into a fund, we're entitled to have those funds spent according to the law. Same with medicaid, some welfare, etc. We can undo the laws. Funny thing, those governors you speak of don't want to. Or the 40% of women whose babies are born on medicaid. Etc. But this isn't really a constitutional issue, I don't think, more a legislative one.

[MaryBear]

15. Democrats support a balance of power.

They do not support the federal government over states rights.

The do not support an imperial white house.

They support the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.