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J LevineMore clarity please...name calling accomplishes nothing...I would like to respond to Jim Crandall who at times I have disagreed with and at times I have agreed with. I like Jim and I do not recall every having a problem with him in the past. I do respect him but some of his views are either short-sighted or not well thought out in my opinion. Jim, really my opinion and not an attack and I would love to hear a response from you in kind. Without name calling or the silliness that this discussion seems to have finally turned to.
First, I have to agree partially with Jim in stating that the victory of Obama was due to the economy. I also feel that the state of the Republican party, the choice of VP (for both candidates), anti-Bush backlash, and a hundred other factors probably contributed to this victory.
I also agree that because of the changing demographics of the country it will continue to be difficult for Republicans to win votes. They do win votes on the conservative immigrant side but lose votes when it comes to equality, minority status, and the economics of minorities. Republicans just have not embraced the viewpoint that the demographics of America are changing quickly. Until they seriously address these issues, it will be tough.
I find it interesting that he forsees "higher government spending, higher taxes, a decline of free enterprise, and a moral decline."
I will take these one at a time.
Government spending had actually gone down under Bill Clinton and rose under Bush. Not surprising since we are fighting a war, you say? True and the defense accounts for a large portion of our spending but according to the government run reports most other areas of government spending have increased as well. (see www.usaspending.gov)
Higher taxes will ensue for the wealthier people of the land. I see no problem with this as most Americans will see the same taxes or slightly lower taxes. I just want to understand the problem with this Jim. Your church (and I assume from many of your comments that you do belong to a Christian church of some form) ask for tithes, membership fees, donations, etc. These tithes (et. al.) are to help offset church costs and help the less fortunate in your congregation and to support other community related projects. This sounds very close to the socialism you fear so much. Have you increased your tithe as your income has increased? I bet you have. This is the same philosophy (a markedly Christian philosophy no less) that the democrats are following. As I said in a previous post, the bible promotes this kind of redistribution of wealth. (Acts 4:34-37)
A decline of free enterprise. This is one that might actually happen. But the decline will be in large corporations and bigger companies. Free enterprise will be alive and well for main street and the small business owner. I am tired of seeing a Wal-Mart on every corner. One less Wal-Mart and thirty small shops will likely help our economy more.
A moral decline....how about some statistics here...
The aggregate divorce rate among liberal states (including the dissolution of civil-unions) is 22% lower than Christian Coalition red states. (infoplease.com)
Your great political hero, Sarah Palin, contributes to this by having a grandchild out of wedlock. Her moral fiber, although no doubt very strong and well-intentioned, did nothing to stop her daughter's pregnancy. Would education, openness, and a willingness to listen? Possibly, but we will never know.
Speaking of Mrs. Palin. She voted every time to cut special education funding until the second she had a special education child. (Alaska voting record). Amazing how she flipped so easily when confronted with her own problems. I hate to speculate what would happen if one of her offspring "chose" to be gay.
Drug use is another hot button topic. The good news is that conservative children do not experiment or "try" drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes nearly as much as their secular peers. The bad news is that the rates are nearly the same once they hit adulthood.
I agree that there is a certain moral downturn in America. I do see that drugs, teen pregnancy, hate crimes, gangs, etc. are on the rise. Is this because America is run by a liberal Democrat? Do you think that the average teen who steals, does drugs, or gets pregnant is thinking about who is in office? Nope...are they reacting to the situations created by those in office? ABSOLUTELY! Now think about this...a moral conservative Republican who takes money away from social programs, education, and the medical industry to give big tax breaks, handouts, and capital to the already wealthy. A liberal Democrat who spends on education, after-school programs, treatment facilities, etc. using money from huge corporations? Who is the cause here? Who is part of the solution?
I always look back at reading the newspaper in the neighborhood of my school when they arrested a homeless man for stealing oranges and he fought with the officer and injured the officer. The owner of the rather large homestead was quoted as saying, "Why this guy is allowed on the streets is beyond me." To which the officer replied with a straight face, "Because the conservatives in the valley voted down the small homeless shelter that was on the ballot last month."
Jim, I do respect your views. I really do. But I want you to understand that there are other viewpoints out there and maybe somewhere in the middle we can help change things. I look at Obama as a force for good and change. Someone like Kennedy or King Jr. Someone who will mobilize the spirit of helpfulness, patriotism, and change.
I agree that the Dems. not taking 60 senators is a good thing. Even I, as a liberal democrat, see the need for checks and balances.
I still have not heard a concise, cogent and non-Biblical based reason for the ban on gay marriage. If the California Republican Party came out in opposition to the ban on the basis of equal rights, I bet you McCain would have had a ton more votes from California (and across the nation). I really do feel that the first political party that finally accepts people as equals regardless of sexual orientation will gain a lot of political power (you can read this as money and influence too). Jim, I sincerely hope you can provide me with one. I will listen.
James F. my friend...you make my arguments all too easy...What to do with your 37% of out of wedlock and possibly unwanted children?...give them to gay couples who often have more money, more stability, and lower divorce rates than "traditional families." Let them grow up loved and cared for with values like education, hard work, and equality for all.
Stepping off my soapbox for the night....
Joshua