April 27, 200719 yr I remember asking this question back in about the 7th or 8th grade. The answer was short and simple. The person said Republicans want to allow the people to spend their money how they want, whereas Democrats want to tell people how to spend to their money. Republicans are for bigger, stronger military with less government, while Dems are vice versa. How accurate does everyone think that statement is?
April 27, 200719 yr How about Democrats are for helping the poor, the sick, the young, the old, the crippled and maimed and discriminated, while Republicans are out to help themselves and people that look like them? Or Democrats are for reasoned, responsible stewardship of our planet, while Republicans see natural resources as a means of production to be exploited. Democrats are for foreign policy strategies that strengthen goodwill for America and preserves our ability to defend ourselves and others while Republicans believe that might makes right and to hell with those that won't get in line and bring 'em on. The truth is, NEITHER party has a personal line to God. NEITHER party has a monopoly on ethics or righteousness. Or self righteousness for that matter. One last time, just for fun: The big difference between Democrats and Republicans? Democrats believe that if we all get together and bring our hammers and donate our time we can fix what's broken, and Republicans just want to know who has to pay for the nails.
April 27, 200719 yr How about Democrats are for helping the poor, the sick, the young, the old, the crippled and maimed and discriminated, while Republicans are out to help themselves and people that look like them? Or Democrats are for reasoned, responsible stewardship of our planet, while Republicans see natural resources as a means of production to be exploited. Democrats are for foreign policy strategies that strengthen goodwill for America and preserves our ability to defend ourselves and others while Republicans believe that might makes right and to hell with those that won't get in line and bring 'em on. The truth is, NEITHER party has a personal line to God. NEITHER party has a monopoly on ethics or righteousness. Or self righteousness for that matter. One last time, just for fun: The big difference between Democrats and Republicans? Democrats believe that if we all get together and bring our hammers and donate our time we can fix what's broken, and Republicans just want to know who has to pay for the nails. Come on man, now tell us how you really feel...
April 27, 200719 yr Basically, Democrats have faith in government to solve problems. Republicans trust individuals to solve problems. Both have it's strong points, both have their flaming failures in these mindsets.
April 27, 200719 yr For me... There are a few social/moral stands each side take; in which they are opposite. I think as far as running government (more govt. vs. individual), the means to achieve a goal are different, but the results do not drastically vary or drastically alter anyone. General comment here: I guess the thing that saddens me is this notion that people have to adopt one school or thought or another and people neglect their own personal morals/beliefs to stand alongside a party platform. For the most part, our elected officials all vote down party lines instead of doing what they are elected to do... look out for the interest of their constituents. You are not going to convince me every single Republican believes "Exhibit A" and every Democrat believes "Exhibit B"... if you know what I mean.
April 27, 200719 yr Democrats are for foreign policy strategies that strengthen goodwill for America and preserves our ability to defend ourselves and others while Republicans believe that might makes right and to hell with those that won't get in line and bring 'em on. Presidents at the beginning of past wars: World War I - Woodrow Wilson - Democrat - 116,708 KIA World War II - Franklin Roosevelt - Democrat - 407,300 KIA Korean War - Harry Truman - Democrat - 36,940 KIA Vietnam War - JFK/LBJ - Democrats - 58,193 KIA Persian Gulf War - Bush I - Republican - 299 KIA Afghanistan War - Bush II - Republican - 370 KIA Iraq War - Bush II - Republican - 3,236 KIA Your assertion doesn't line up with my facts.
April 27, 200719 yr 02Ram54, I know that you are more objective and contemplative than you are letting on in this thread. Noone has mentioned the contextual problem of party history. Both parties have changed dramatically over time. If we are talking about the Republican and Democratic Parties, right now, today, then I would describe both parties as suffering from an internal and idealistic failure to agree on what they stand for, leaving the general public with mixed messages about past and present. I really do believe the world has passed these parties by.
April 27, 200719 yr Simple question with no simple answer. I tend to agree with LBBC's opinion if you're talking rank and file. If you're talking politicians for the most part I don't think there are fundamental differences. Getting/holding power and playing the "gotcha" games rule with both.
April 27, 200719 yr Presidents at the beginning of past wars: World War I - Woodrow Wilson - Democrat - 116,708 KIA World War II - Franklin Roosevelt - Democrat - 407,300 KIA Korean War - Harry Truman - Democrat - 36,940 KIA Vietnam War - JFK/LBJ - Democrats - 58,193 KIA Persian Gulf War - Bush I - Republican - 299 KIA Afghanistan War - Bush II - Republican - 370 KIA Iraq War - Bush II - Republican - 3,236 KIA Your assertion doesn't line up with my facts. Come on, don't ruin things with facts.
April 27, 200719 yr Both parties face the same problems and attempt to fix them in their own ways. The line between parties is often blurred, especially during election years, and both parties have found success in their policies in the past. But, I find both parties are contradictions of themselves. With glaring exceptions, Republicans want less governmental intervention in the economy but more intervention in society. With glaring exceptions, Democrats want more governmental intervention in the economy yet less intervention in society. I think Alexis De Tocqueville said this "There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle."
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