Since we're one week into the new year I thought it was time for me to get a little political. You may or may not agree with me, but I think many people are a little disillusioned with our current President's first year in office. He has focused so intently on his health care agenda that he has let so many other things, including the economy and national security fall by the wayside. Yeah, yeah, I know, "he inherited a big mess." Yes, he did, but it's his job to try to fix it. You can't play the blame game forever.
It seems like the political tide is shifting slowly but surely, and many people are rethinking their political views. I am a perfect example. For the past couple of years I have been leaning very strongly towards a Libertarian political philosophy. I believed in as little national government intervention in our lives as possible, with the exception of defense.
Because of all the uproar during the last election, as well as a result of the banking crisis and incidents with terrorist attacks on American lives, I no longer have such an extreme belief that the government should play a hands off role in our lives. I think my previous philosophy was a bit naive.
It seems like the political tide is shifting slowly but surely, and many people are rethinking their political views. I am a perfect example. For the past couple of years I have been leaning very strongly towards a Libertarian political philosophy. I believed in as little national government intervention in our lives as possible, with the exception of defense.
Because of all the uproar during the last election, as well as a result of the banking crisis and incidents with terrorist attacks on American lives, I no longer have such an extreme belief that the government should play a hands off role in our lives. I think my previous philosophy was a bit naive.
A fellow blogger drew my attention to this article from The Wall Street Journal....it describes the "Republican stereotype" which labels members of the Republican party as people who "use homophobic language, express thinly disguised contempt toward immigrants, or ridicule heartfelt concerns for the environment, they affront the values of the educated class."
The article goes on to describe a group of voter's that he calls "Whole Foods Republicans." This article resonated with me, because in so many ways it describes me, my husband and many of my friends. (Although I have to admit, my husband does NOT ride his bike to his job, 40 miles away...even though I think he's like to!)
"—independent-minded voters who embrace a progressive lifestyle but not progressive politics. These highly-educated individuals appreciate diversity and would never tell racist or homophobic jokes; they like living in walkable urban environments; they believe in environmental stewardship, community service and a spirit of inclusion. And yes, many shop at Whole Foods, which has become a symbol of progressive affluence but is also a good example of the free enterprise system at work. (Not to mention that its founder is a well-known libertarian who took to these pages to excoriate ObamaCare as inimical to market principles.) What makes these voters potential Republicans is that, lifestyle choices aside, they view big government with great suspicion. There's no law that someone who enjoys organic food, rides his bike to work, or wants a diverse school for his kids must also believe that the federal government should take over the health-care system or waste money on thousands of social programs with no evidence of effectiveness. Nor do highly educated people have to agree that a strong national defense is harmful to the cause of peace and international cooperation.
Bottom line is, yes, we are Republicans, but just because we don't want the government to have it's hand in every aspect of our lives, does NOT mean we are homophobic, racist, or heartless.
If you want an interesting read, head on over and read the article in it's entirety, and tell me what you think...
Bottom line is, yes, we are Republicans, but just because we don't want the government to have it's hand in every aspect of our lives, does NOT mean we are homophobic, racist, or heartless.
If you want an interesting read, head on over and read the article in it's entirety, and tell me what you think...
12 comments:
I think everyone's poltical views are changing. Things/the times are different. The big world has become smaller and sometimes much more frightening.
Yay!! A comment. I'm hearing crickets here people.
It's been so quiet I decided to comment on my own post.
Wow, that article was really interesting. Thanks for the link Jill.
You are one brave girl to take on politics! I so agree with your bottom line. I am a proud Republican and am definitely Anti Big Government. I am also afraid of the direction I think this current administration is going to take our country but that is just my opinion.
You know I have never been infatuated withe the current admin. Don't like his politics at all. I too am a Republican who isn't homophobic, racist, or heartless! xoxo
I've always called myself a Republican and have read a lot about Libertar. and just think too hands off does lead to too much chaos. I would also like to point out that you hilited in this post exactly the basic MO (or anti-Republicans)... name calling and assaulting moral character. If you don't agree with a Democrat you're a racist, a homophobe, a heartless wench who doesnt' care if innocent Iraqi children get killed by Marines. I wrote a post a couple months ago about Big (Liberal) Government. What it gives, it always takes back. Always. And their veil of helping people really, in the long run, just keeps people down. Which is what Big Government really wants. Because those that are kept down and rely on Big Government for their livlihood are the ones that keep electing Big Government into power - so it's a nasty cycle. Oh, and I'm a disgusting heartless wench.
oh man brave brave brave i just cant do politics BUT you have some valid points and backups...we be repubs as well and i do not know what i would do without my gay friend who helps me shop....is that politically incorrect ;-)
It is an interesting article Jill.
We all know that stereotypes are oversimplified unfair generalizations about people. I find that most people who resort to using them have run out of intelligent things to say.
Before you disparage government, please remember that in disasters such as Hurricane Katrina the only entity large enough to respond IS the federal government unless it's crippled by those who would weaken the Federal govt.
Great point Maggie. Another reason why I think my libertarian stance was naive.
I support FEMA and think it's a necessary part of our federal government.
I think the media created version of both parties are basically caricatures at this point. I've never voted for a Republican candidate, but that doesn't mean I'm some wacky, pot smoking, free love, socialist hippie(well not ANYMORE...hahaha;) Most people don't fit into the ridiculous political boxes that the media would have you believe - and regardless of a politician's views - I respect anyone who has chosen to put their money where their mouth is and try to DO something to make changes!
Also - I've met plenty of "Log Cabin Republicans" over the years...straight people don't have the market cornered on conservative politics.
Standing ovation there. THANK YOU for posting this and thank you to whoever wrote that at the bottom.
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