What is a "Democrat"??

[kentuck]

One thing I know. It is not a "Republican".

[DJ13]

1. One thing I know. It is not a "Republican".

An awful lot of people who call themselves "Democrats" seem to think both parties should be Republicans.

We wouldnt want to give voters real choices, would we?

[Drale]

2. I like Urban Dictionary's definition

1. One belonging to the United States Democratic Party

2. Tend to believe that government should come to the aid the most disadvantaged in society (see Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security). We don't bring it up much, but it's what Jesus taught.

3. Believe in the separation of church and state, on the off-chance that not everyone in America is a Southern Baptist.

4. Doesn't believe that industries have the unfettered right to dump carcinogens into our water supplies. Also believe in protecting public health and worker safety.

5. Believe in strengthening public education, rather than gutting it with vouchers.

6. Believe in civil liberties and equal rights for all people, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation; a Democratic President pushed through the Civil Rights Act even though it meant losing half of his party. That half, comprising mostly of racist whites, now overwhelmingly votes Republican.

7. Most have actually read the 9th amendment. Can also spell "amendment."

8. Represent broadest spectrum of the American public: women, blacks, Latinos, gays, Jews, seculars, immigrants, union workers, and yes, also straight middle-class white male Protestants like me.

[blue neen]

3. With your permission, I'd love to use your post in a couple of e-mails.

It's that good! :)

[Drale]

6. Go for it

I think it fits what a democrat is perfectly.

[blue neen]

4. Delete. Double post.

:dem:

[w8liftinglady]

5. That is awesome...and..proudly..it describes almost all of us!

[readmoreoften]

13. Well, except for the politicians who run under the title...

:shrug:

[elocs]

7. Here's how I simply see it: Democrats are about people, Republicans are about money. n/t

[kentuck]

8. I like that definition.

Thanks! :-)

[bluestate10]

9. Core values from my perspective.

Democrats believe in true self reliance, but also understand that when a member of society needs help to get back on their feet, society has an obligation to provide that help.

How we go about getting to that core value varies with each individual. We do not make life easy on each other, but because of that, if we listen to each other, we come up with impressive working solutions to the nation's problems. We have done so since the early 1900s at a consistency that is almost surreal.

[grilled onions]

10. We live on Main Street

THEY live on Wall Street. We care. They care less. We create new ideas. They never change theirs. Democrats are more about people. Republicans are more about PULL. We care about future generations and they only care about the FUTURES MARKET. They think green as far as money goes but we think green as far as recycling,caring for the environment-what we eat,breathe and live in. They care only about their own home, while we worry that far too many have NO home. To me it seems it's more about cold vs warm. We care about humanity. They only care for those who fit into their "country club" by ways of what they own,look like and believe in.

[Greyhound]

11. According to one poster I've spoken with here, that's the only criteria. n/t

:kick: & R

[Octafish]

12. A Democrat believes ALL people are equal under the law.

A Democrat believes in using the powers of government to make life better for ALL American citizens.

A Democrat prefers peace over war as the normal state of affairs.

Those aren't "Republican" ideas.

Thank you for a great thread, Kentuck.

[kentuck]

14. We need an army...

...don't you think? :-)

[Octafish]

15. Agree. And the nation needs it.

Here in Michigan, the status quo has brought the state to near-ruin for all but the rich. More than a few of the top young DEMs are thinking about, eh, marching on their own. They say we can't wait to put up a fight as there soon won't be anything left to fight for.

Lot of old folk like me feel the same way, my Friend.

[kentuck]

16. I guess we just have to keep searching...?

...until we get the right person in the White House?

[Wednesdays]

17. I'm paraphrasing a quote I came across a few years back

Sorry I don't have any link to the original source, so my version may be off a little, but it still rings true.

Democrats believe people to be inherently good, and therefore need to be empowered.
Republicans believe people to be inherently evil, and therefore need to be controlled.
They differ in this approach, because they use themselves as the measuring stick by which they see others.

[Poll_Blind]

18. Your definition is one of the earliest definitions I was exposed to and the one...

...I find which has held up the longest. When I was exposed to the thought, it was more general, describing the difference between the Left and the Right in ideologies. Liberalism versus Authoritarianism.

Progressives believe most people are basically good. Authoritarians believe most people are basically bad/evil.

:thumbsup:

To this day, when I first meet someone and I'm chatting with them, I'll try to fish out how they see the world. It carries over to so many things.

PB