Here's an answer to a question posed by Mitt Romney recently. This came from another website. In his "big economic speech" last week in Chicago prior to the Illinois primary, Mitt Romney said something that really caught my ear. Romney said "I don't see how a young American can vote for, well, can vote for a Democrat." This, combined with Romney's suggestion that college bound high schoolers are on their own in paying for college, makes me want to share with the former Masachusetts governor just why people my age vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. I vote Democrat because I don't want to be saddled with medical debt my whole life; because I don't mind pitching in to help others get the medical help I need; because I know that a single payer, public option is the most equitable way to organize a national health care system; because health insurance is a scam, and stands between me and good health. I vote Democrat because I think war is wrong; because war costs this nation billions of dollars and millions of lives; because war and agression breeds hate overseas that leads to things like 9/11; because I believe our differences with other nations (yes, even Iran) can be hashed out in other ways besides sending our young men and women to die. I vote Democrat because I want to do my part in preserving our beautiful planet; because I believe human beings have played a major role in climate change; because I don't reject science; because I understand that oil is a finite resource that depends on the whims of unfriendly and unpredictable nations; because I see the need to start investing now in alternative energy, before we are left behind by other nations. I vote Democrat because I have no problem pay taxes if it means good roads and schools and other vital services; because I dont think the free market and profit motive can solve every problem; because I see a constructive, important role for government in making this country great; because I don't want to see all the wealth accumulated in the hands of a few, but instead have every person earn their fortune, not inherit it. I vote Democrat because I think policy reflects values, and the values I see coming from the Republican party are ones of greed, elitism, disregard for others, small-mindedness, and an aversion to achievement and success of all people, not just a priveleged few. I vote Democrat because I think every vote is equal, and all people deserve the right to vote, no matter their race, color, sex, age, or history; because money does not equal speech; because candidates should be judged on their abilities, not on who can raise the most money; because Super PACs make my vote increasingly irrelevant. I vote Democrat because I don't trust big banks and financial institutions; because I think a free market does not equal a fair market; because I believe government has a role to play in making a level playing field from which all people can then achieve to their highest potential without ruining everyone else. I vote Democrat because education is a right, and should be provided to all no matter their race or religion or wealth; because education is not a for-profit business; because a college education is essential to a achievement, and a nation of college graduates is a strong nation; because government should help everyone achieve the dream of higher ed; because never being able to pursue my desired career because I have to spend my life paying off thousands of dollars of college debt is not what I envisioned for my life. I vote Democrat because all people deserve a living wage, safe working conditions, and a say in their place of employment; because unions helped build the middle class, and the destruction of unions has coincided with the destruction of the middle class; because collective bargaining is workplace democracy; because the interests of CEOs and executives are not the interests of laborers; because we fought this battle a hundred years ago in the Gilded Age, and it should be a settled issue now. I vote Democrat because poverty and hunger and sickness is not acceptable in 2012; because all people in all nations deserve a fair shot at life; because I don't think its ok to own 12 houses while millions of children starve to death; because human rights belong to ALL humans, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, education, country of origin, ethnicity or wealth. I vote Democrat because, as a Christian, I view a social policy that respects all people, serves all people, and hates no one; because I am not so smug as to believe that I have the market cornered on morality or God; because the Jesus I follow taught economic justice, human rights, social justice non-violece, an attitude of service, forgiveness and humility, and I intend to live my life that way, not just pay lip service to religion to win votes; because I believe that budgets and policy making reflect our values as a people. I vote Democrats because Republicans agree with almost none of this. Got that, Mr. Romney?
Very eloquent and well-put. Thank you. I especially like the part about Republicans not cornering the market on morality, since they so often act amorally.
It does stand as a stark contrast to the actual words of all the Republican candidates, including Mitt Romney.
Ohhhhh BURN!! On the OP, its 100% truth, it's just a shame so many routinely are brainwashed into voting against their best interests, and for the interests of a few greedy rich men.
What you have to remember is that every time you go to a doctor, keep a brother from going to war, protect the glaciers or a peregrine falcon, spend some money on a new highway, read a book or insist that you don't get black lung disease, you are depriving some Romneyite hump of his FREEDOM.
not naive, but some sentiments are idealistic. And what exactly is wrong with being a idealistic? Your forefathers were idealistic and they were the ones the wrote the declaration of independence and the constitution. And thru the generations, their idealism of dedication made america great.
Instead you want the rich to be saddled with your medical debt. Sure it seems 'fair'. They make more they should pay more, but why are you entitled to other's money? We don't need the government to stop us from polluting. Also, how do you explain ice ages? The earth got extremely cold then warmed up then cooled down then warmed up. Nobody was driving gas guzzling SUVs and polluting the planet and yet we had a great shift in climate. We don't have good roads. We have all right roads. Many roads go unfixed for years. We don't have good schools, we have pretty crappy schools. They teach to standards instead of teach to help kids understand. The government has no right to say how much money you can own. Republicans don't want the government to redistribute wealth. They are fine with voluntarily donating to the poor, but they don't believe in forceful 'donations' to the poor. Republicans believe everybody is equal. Also, it was the democrats in the south during the civil war. It was the democrats who started the KKK. It was democrats who started affirmative action which causes people to not get into universities/jobs because of their race. The government does not give everybody a fair playing field. They help those who will help them or have helped them in the past. If you didn't help them you are less likely to get help. Really? Where are you given the right to an education? It is not in the Constitution, it is not in the Deceleration of Independence. It is not a natural right according to Locke and people like him. If you want to go to college, then great go, but the government subsiding education increases prices causing those who could already to be unable to afford it. If you are saying have the government pay for everybody's college then it causes more students in the classes. This makes it harder to learn. Also, it encourages students who do not want to go to college to go to college which causes them to not be successful at college. If you have too many college graduates you will have less people to do the lower quality jobs. Who is going to flip the burger, be a trashman, etc with a college degree? Where do you stop? Everybody should have a right to a house, a car, a computer, internet, TV, junk food etc? All of those are "needed" to have a successful nation. When the government creates a minimum wage it makes it harder for people to jump into the market. If the employer has to pay double what you are worth to him he will think twice about hiring you. Unions are fine, as long as they do not have forced membership. Forced membership is wrong, voluntary unions are fine. Most people think this. There will always be poverty and hunger unless you provide everybody with a job. If you do that, then you lower the incentive to work harder since they will be able to slack off and always get paid. This diminishes the quality and quantity of goods and services provide ultimately harming the country and those who want to work hard and succeed. It encourages laziness. Sickness has nothing to do with politics. There will always be diseases and illness and death. It is part of life. Many republicans do not hate people, they want to respect people, they want to serve people. Jesus did teach economic justice. You are correct. Please tell me where he said give all your belongings to the government which will give it to the poor. He did say give your stuff away, but not to give it to the government which will waste it and give a small portion to the poor. Jesus would have supported charities. The government steals your money to give to the poor. Jesus would have been against. There is a commandment that says 'Thou Shalt Not Steal'. I am not going to get into the rest since I am tired of typing but there is a mistaken belief that you need the government to do things for you. Please look at my quote at the end. Democrats think that because republicans don't want the government to force something to be done that republicans don't want it done. Republicans believe in the same future as democrats. Everybody can have a job, nobody gets hungry etc. They just have a different way of accomplishing it and a different way to keep it going. "Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. We disapprove of state education. Then the socialists say that we are opposed to any education. We object to a state religion. Then the socialists say that we want no religion at all. We object to a state-enforced equality. Then they say that we are against equality. And so on, and so on. It is as if the socialists were to accuse us of not wanting persons to eat because we do not want the state to raise grain." -- Frederic Bastiat
I don't vote Democrat because I don't want my children and grandchildren to be burdened with a national debt that prevents them from enjoying the freedom I have enjoyed. I don't mind helping others in their time of need, but we need to identify those that truly need help vs those that just take advantage of the system. I don't vote Democrat because, while war is horrible and sometimes innocents end up paying the price, war is sometimes needed. I am not naive to think that the earth is full of teddy bears and unicorns. I am fully aware that there are some evil people in powerful positions and it might take force to remove that power from them. I am also aware that many innocents people are being starved and killed by their own leaders (bullies) and turning a blind eye to these issues are not going to solve them. I am also aware that negotiations do not always work. I do not vote Democrat because there are a large faction within their followers that push environmental concerns without considering the ramifications. They do not balance the need to protect our environment vs the need to maintain society. While I believe that the protection of th environment is paramount, it must be approached logically and not by "knee-jerk" reactions. I do not vote Democrat, however, I also have no problem paying taxes if it means good roads and schools and other vital services. I do not agree in making some people pay an unfair percentage of their wealth in taxes just because they have been successful in their lives. I am aware that not all rich people (actually, very few) earned their money through inheritance. I do not vote Democrat because their party is also one of greed and elitism and cater to the poor in middle class only if it will increase their voter base. I also do not vote Republican for the same reason. I do vote for who I fell would be the best candidate to represent me based on the person, and not based on the political party they belong to. I do not vote Democrat, however, I also believe that every vote is equal, and all people deserve the right to vote, no matter their race, color, sex, age, or history; because money does not equal speech; because candidates should be judged on their abilities, not on who can raise the most money; because Super PACs make my vote increasingly irrelevant......however, this is not a partisan issue. I do not vote Democrat, but I also don't trust big banks and financial institutions; because I think a free market does not equal a fair market; because I believe government has a role to play in making a level playing field from which all people can then achieve to their highest potential without ruining everyone else. However, I feel the playing field IS level enough for me to succeed in this country if I work hard enough at it. how much money someone else makes has no affect on my earning ability. I do not vote Democrat because I do not feel it is anybody else's responsibility to pay for my higher education. I will honor my debts and pay them off when I am able. I do not whine about how rough I have it when there are many more that have in much worse than I. I do not vote Democrat because it is the party of "ME". I will negotiate the wages paid for my skills. If someone does not wish to pay my asking amount I will find someone that will. If I still can not find someone to pay my asking price, I will improve my skills so I am worth more. While I feel that unions did provide a purpose at one point in history, I believe they have evolved into nothing more than a mafia where the worker's interests are the least of their concern. I do not vote Democrat because I believe that poverty, hunger, and sickness is not a major epidemic in this country. I believe that it does not matter what my neighbor owns. I believe that if he decides to share his wealth, then that is his decision, not mind. I do not vote Democrat because I believe that I am not my neighbor's keeper. I will live my life as I see fit and help those in need when I can. I do not pass judgement on others or decide what "they SHOULD do". I do not vote Democrat because I know there are strength and weaknesses in ALL political parties. I am wise enough to know that no one party has all of the answers. I am also smart enough to not make blanket statements on what the many members of any political party might be thinking. I base my judgement on an individual's actions, not on any political or religious dogma.
The problem is with what you're saying is that you wish to use Force in order to acquire said Health Insurance. While also the massive amount of people unemployed, part time and various other conditions currently that cannot afford such insurance are now going to be on the "Government Plan". The illegals in the South are already hurting the Hospitals in the South... can you imagine what it would be like if everyone else who cannot get great coverage now receive free coverage from the backs of the Taxpayers? The idea works at the State level because the failure is only State wide... you're talking about a National Level of Healthcare which could bring the Nation to its knees. Either the taxes destroy the workers or the inflation kicks in and in the end it is a Doomed to fail program. The Government as is cannot even manage with what they have now... what do you expect with a possible multi trillion dollar expense? Tell President Obama that when he attacked the Libyan Government and funded the Rebels. Why not also tell Obama what a disgrace he is for publicly saying he is above the Law and can willingly attack any Nation at any time without Congressional approval or knowledge. Why not also address the other point about him assassinating US Citizens for their "Possible" desires to join Al Qaeda. President Obama is a scumbag when it comes to Foreign Affairs. Private Investments are fine but, keep the Government out of it considering the Government will only drown out knowledge through bureaucracies and create Economic hazards because men & women believe they can run an Economy. If alternative energy is viable it will be accepted but, don't force people into a way of life. What you see today is Corporatism... It's Government given all the tools to do as they pleased while having numerous Corporations/Organizations burrowing into every possible level. The Free Market does work which is why the USA was so much more competitive in the past compared to what it is today. Government manipulation creates more harm than good. Some would say that Democrats are a party of lazy, incompetent/reckless behavior policy wise, nanny state lovers, protectionists, expects hand outs, corporatists and knee jerkers. There is an Age limit for a reason... But to go to the case of "History" I'd rather not let murderers, traitors, and rapists vote. The Government is the Agent of Inequality... It doesn't equalize to what you think it will do because you're entrusting Humans to not be Humans at the level of Powers given. Also this idea of "Fairness" is completely ridiculous... A man/woman who puts in more time and effort in their work deserves to be beyond those who don't. You're promoting a form of regression by restricting and hampering the idea of effort equates to success by limiting the success of people. The Government can't even manage to teach Pre-School to High School effectively enough... and you expect them to teach at the College level too? Also where is all the money going to come from? You probably expect teachers to receive x2 or more to their salary and with the Economic debt currently at hand... Where is it all going to come from? You strive for balance yet, you wish to give more Power to those who do not own the Businesses themselves. How is there balance when you reward numbers over effort/skill? You're asking for a Doomed Society... Now you expect the USA to pay for the livelyhood of other Nations? Your Society rewards not the effort of the individual but, just because they were born they deserve everything. Where are all of these finite resources going to spring from? Are you going to enslave a group of people or simply downgrade the lives of others so there is a pseudo balance? Did Jesus also teach you to use Force/Aggression towards other people if they do not want to live the way you wish or dream it could be? When a man decides he doesn't want to take part of your dream... what happens to him? Would Jesus approve of fines, torture, imprisonment and execution to achieve your balance? Selflessness is the key... It's okay to be selfless but, do not force others to your way just because you believe it to be the right way.
I don't vote Democrat or Republican because I don't believe that is right to use violence against others in order to force them to go along with my moral agenda. While it's laudable that you want power to serve the people, it's clear that throughout history, power serves itself and the more power that is centralized, the more the people who hold that power serve themselves and oppress the people. Voting for either party at this point is a display of naive ignorance of the truth of power.
