Posted By:
JimCrandellJoshua,
Thoughtful comments--my response(probably not nearly so thoughtful):
1)Demographics make it increasingly difficult for the Republicans in the future. More of the country every year will be black and hispanic--two groups that vote overwhelmingly democratic. I don't believe it is in the cards for the Republicans to significantly turn this around unless they abandon their low tax, controlled govt spending and views on illegal immigration. What the US is facing is not unlike the rest of the world. The birth rate among western Europeans has now for many years been below the level to sustain its population--immigrants have come in to fill the void. Muslims and Black Africans are experiencing strong population growth in most western European countries.
2)Govt spending--I am not disputing your figures but I am surprised that non-defense social spending went down under Clinton. If so it was probably because it was constrained by deficits. The positive effect of the deficits has been that they have limited the amount that Democrats could spend. Regardless, I am an advocate of an extremely limited role of govt. Like many of the previous posters, the govt takes over 50 percent of everything I make and we have one of the most progressive tax systems in the world. I have a middle class background and worked hard to achieve what wealth I have today. To see the government grab over half of every dollar I make to see the things they spend it on is extremely disheartening.
3)I give a lot to charity including our church and various educational, pro-life and charities for the needy. I believe in giving and believe I give generously. I don't believe it is the role of government to spend money on all of the earmarks it does--see the Grace Commission report--old but still valid. This is not just the fault of the democrats.
4)Moral issues--I am not defending Palin's life here. All I am saying is she has the same set of moral values that I do--which are the opposite of what the democratic party believes today. I would rather have someone as vp who believes that life begins at conception and does not know if Africa is a continent or a country as vp than having someone who is seemingly indifferent to the tens of thousands of unborn children who are murdered every year.
I don't think I ever said I was for tax breaks to the already wealthy--I am for taxing all income at the same rate. I think corporations are overtaxed. Many companies have reincorporated overseas to avoid the high tax rates in the U.S. You have to be competitive in this world--the big corporations are global in nature and can certainly relocate out of the U.S. Obama I believe favors a "windfall profits" tax on the oil industry which is one of the most ridiculous concepts imaginable--if you want the oil companies to slow down their investments for oil and gas and alternatives that is a good way. The logical conclusion of that argument is less supplies and higher prices and ultimately rationing.
This is probably not as thorough an explanation as you wsould like Joshua but I have to head into my office so I can give 55 cents of every dollar I earn back to the Government.
Jim