I’m politically confused.
Six years ago I was a huge Democrat. I would debate with my customers at the bar about how great unions are for America, how we should legalize pot, give you directions to the nearest abortion clinic, sign petitions in support of gay marriage, and defend the need for welfare.
Now? Not so much.
I think I’m stearing more towards the right. But only because I make more money now. The income of both my husband and I has put us in a new tax bracket. I guess getting married, finding a real job, and growing up can do that to you.
But I still share many views with Democrats.
So what does that make me? Because now I find myself voting for people like Sarah Palin and cringing. I’m not sure if it’s her voice or her political views on certain issues that bother me more. But then sometimes, she says things that I like (in a really annoying voice).
Let me give you some examples, and you help me decide what I am. And you pretty much need to let me know soon because I’m voting today.
On the issue of gay marriage:
I’m so for it! Why wouldn’t I be? After all, I think I’m a Republican now. Which means that I want less government intervention. So shouldn’t this be something that Republicans support? Because it’s not. So that confuses me. Because they tend to be the ones that shoot it down. So it makes me feel bad when I vote Republican, because I want my gay friends to be able to marry whoever the heck they choose. What do we care what goes on in the bedroom? And straight people aren’t great at marriage either, so why are we the only ones who get to take a crack at it?
On legalizing marijuana:
I love the idea! What a great way to bring in revenue for America! Not only will we have a whole new crop to harvest and sell, but we will also sell more video games, Mountain Dew, and popcorn. This is pretty much a win for everyone. And aren’t Repulicans all about government not regulating our businesses? So why would they not want to legalize it? It could pay off the national debt.
On choices:
I am pro-choice. There I said it. But I think having this choice keeps women safe. And this just isn’t about having an abortion. Pro-choice is the choice to use birth control and have sex education available to make women … well … more educated. God forbid anyone ever has to make the choice to have an abortion, but at least you can turn to an actual doctor if you ever do. Again, doesn’t this sound like it should be a Republican thing? Less intervening comes from giving women a choice and reproductive control over her body.
Wars:
Hate them. With a passion. We should get out now. Maybe I hate them more than the average person because I know what it is to lose someone you love to war. So when I vote Republican, does that mean I’m voting for war?
Unions-Schmunions:
I think there was a time and place for unions. I don’t think this is that time or place. So I’m totally Republican on this one. Now that I sit on the side of the company, I do see what it means to say that unions protect lazy workers and overpay. Unions also have a way of holding back a business from making quick decisions. Yup. Working in Corporate America has swayed me. Total Republican on my view here.
Nationalized Health Care:
Dare I even say it? I hate it. I know a lot of you love it. Yes, our system is broken. No, this is not the answer. It is going to cost businesses too much money to do business. And it will cost us jobs. Something that we can’t afford to lose right now. I could debate all day long about the problems with this system. So maybe this makes me a Republican?
Taxes:
I don’t think it’s right that I should be paying taxes at a higher rate because I make more money. The solution to the tax problem? Make everyone pay the same percentage of their income across the board. Pick a number (15% – 20%) and everyone pays that. Have you ever heard Steve Forbes speak about flat taxes? It’s really brilliant. Don’t give incentives to the poor to stay poor. Let’s actually live the American Dream and give back, but give back what is fair for everyone. This may be the nail in my Republican coffin. Or it may even make me a Libertarian.
Welfare:
Yes, everyone needs a little help from time to time. But really, this needs better regulated. I actually know of someone that had more babies just to get more money from Welfare. Welfare should be a way to help people get from here to there. People on Welfare should have to attend classes and try to better themselves and prepare for a job of some sort. Welfare should not be a way of life. Nor should we allow it to become one. It’s just creating a new generation of lazy who are raised in this system and never get out of it. It’s making generations of families become stuck. And I feel like a total Republican for saying that.
So what do you think? You’ve heard some of the big issues and how I feel. Again, a quick run down:
- Pro-Gay Marriage
- Pro-Legalizing It
- Pro-Choice
- Anti-War
- Anti-Union
- Anti-Tax Incentives
- Anti-Welfare Abuse
Have I just committed blog suicide? Probably. But in all seriousness, I’m super confused politically!
What am I? My husband says that I sit on the left for the side issues, but on the right for the real issues. Would you agree? And what makes a side issue or a real issue?
I feel like Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde today. Smart, but dumb about things at the same time.
It’s really too bad we can’t just have reality TV shows follow these politicians. Because if we did, I would totally know who to vote for.
Snookie for State Senate! Beer bongs for everyone!
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I hear ya, sister. Kudos on a very brave and honest post. I voted this morning for candidates from the Democratic, Libertarian and Republican parties. Until this past year, I was considered an Independent and unable to vote in primaries (except for ballot issues) because Ohio was a douche. This year our dear Buckeye State has finally recognized the Libertarian Party — hallelujah! I encourage you to check out their national site (http://www.lp.org/) and Ohio site (http://www.lpo.org/). Happy voting!
You’re not confused, you’re a Libertarian. Welcome to the club!
You are the best! I wonder how many guys readers you have…
Not sure. But I know I need some more. Tell all of your friends.
Ditto. You’re a libertarian.
I could have written this exact post. I feel the exact same way on the same issues.
I think it’s rare that anyone falls completely on one side of the fence or the other for EVERY issue…not saying that some people don’t. I think if people truly think for themselves and don’t just ‘vote the ticket’ they will find they fall slightly one way but still have issues with their ‘party’ on certain things. I am 100% PRO-Union, PRO-Choice, Pro-Gay Marriage, ANTI-War, PRO-Social Services… I also think a flat tax rate would be a good thing (as long as EVERYONE has to pay the flat tax on their ENTIRE salary). When someone says they are ANTI-Union or Choice or Social Services because there are people that take advantage of it or that they end up protecting ‘lazy workers’…I take issue with that. MOST people that need the representation of unions to ensure fair/safe working conditions or need a social service to help get them through a rough time are NOT taking advantage..unfortunately the ones that make the news are the minority that abuse the system. To me that’s like saying we should abolish the First Amendment because there are people that abuse that right by protesting military funerals or burning the flag or any other disgusting interpretation they make to support their right to hatred. I detest when people abuse what was put in place to HELP protect, but you can’t throw the baby out with the bath water. I guess the bottom line for me is that you have to weigh each candidate and issue based on YOUR beliefs and vote accordingly…regardless of party affiliation. I’m sure some with disagree with me and that’s OKAY because I live in a Country where we are FREE to disagree with each other and we are FREE to vote however we CHOOSE…God Bless the USA!
God bless the USA! And I still like you even though I don’t like unions.
Not sure if it exits this year, but during the last presidential election there was a website that had several questions on social and economic issues. It calculated which candidate most lined up with your answers. Pretty cool.
I shall keep my very HUGE mouth closed!! Lol BUT I still love ya!! The cool thing about being American…we are sitting here on a public blog (kind of) and bitching about this and….it’s ok.
This blog is totally public. Hello? Did you see the bathroom stall up top.
And you should feel free to voice your opinions here whenever you want. I’m totally cool with that. I just like people to be respectful.
comment to – 2nd paragraph, last sentence: It sounds like your saying, Being now “grown – up” and “having a ” real job” has made you sway to the right. Implying – that being on the left makes you immature , without a real job. Which I don’t agree with. I don’t think u meant to come off like that. But maybe. By the way…What is a “Real Job”?
Gay marriage: I’m against it…but if it passes oh well! No biggy to me.
Legalizing Marijuana: completely agree with all you said. But if it were to get legalized—GREED—-the American way—would take over and only the rich could afford it anyway…
On choices: Completely against abortions. All for choice on use of birth control and education.
Wars: Also hate wars! Who does’nt…
Unions: I love the raises I get every 6 months being in the union vs the top out pay I got when I was non-union. But that is only thinking of me instead of the whole— another American trait.
Nationalized Health care: Health care HAS to change! My husband “had” a great job ( or shall I say a “real” job. lol) with great health care benefits. until that company shut down in 2005. The first time I went to get one perscription filled and they said, that will be 150.00$$$. I was shocked. I really felt ashamed. Ashamed because I had no clue, of what a large amount of American’s have to deal with. This is soooooo wrong. That in the great U.S.A—-people are dieing of health issues simply because of lack of $$$$!
Welfare: I don’t even want to go there.My blood will boil!
So I think I sound as fickle as you…so what do you do… who’s right and who is wrong… which way do you go??????? Maybe, Pray. By the way one of my favorite saying is….Kill em all and let god sort them out.
Fickle? That’s an interesting word. Not agreeing with each other on political views does not make one fickle. It makes us Americans who live in a free country and have rights to things like freedom of speech and voting for whomever we choose.
On being a grown up and having a real job: I was a bartender. I am not sure if you are aware of how you claim your earnings as a bartender. You pretty much don’t. I could pull in $300 in a night and declare that I only made $100. That’s pretty much the way the industry works. So yes, I grew up and got a real job. A real job where I actually let Uncle Sam know exactly what I earn. And I think it’s fair to say that when your earnings change, so do some of your views about life.
Of course we NEED welfare. But I don’t NEED to support a family that simply doesn’t want to work. Being on unemployment or collecting welfare or food stamps is something that we all may need from time to time. But just flat out living off of my tax dollars because you can? SO WRONG! So that needs fixed.
The cost of health care is too damn high. That’s a fact. But that does not change the fact that I believe you should pay for what you take. If I am healthy, why should I pay for those that are not and live unhealthy lifestyles? I am huge supporter of HSA accounts. For more information on these health plans, go here: http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/faq_basics.shtml
See? The cost of premiums is typically low, and you pay for the services as you need them. You even have the option to save for a rainy day. Tax free. Should the governement offer something to the uninsured? Yes. But what they are doing is not going to fix it. Mark my words, it will be bad for businesses.
And the last time I checked, you get what you pay for with pot. If you want a dime sack for $10 you get more for the lesser quality. Or you will get very little of the better quality. And I would want the good stuff, which I am pretty sure only the wealthy can afford at the current time anyway. Check out what California is thinking about this issue. You can do that here: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62O08U20100325
Your point on unions only solidifies what I said above. You get a raise for being there. WTF? You could totally suck at your job and your poor boss can’t do a thing about it without approval and arguments from your Union Steward. Unions were initially set up when we had things like people not being paid a minimum wage and child labor and people get arms whacked off in machines and being forced to return to work the next day. Unions are completely outdated. If you ever have a company that is your baby, and your idea, and you support your workers and their families with income… and then one day a union rep swoops in and promises your employees more money and more vacation time and better benefits… we can talk. Because as far as I’m concerned, it’s the CEO’s baby to do with the company as he pleases. Why the hell should he be governed by a union who just gets fatter off of the dues of HIS employees? Look at the car industry and tell me that unions are not outdated. The union almost crushed the industry in 2008. Both my husband and I work non-union and we get frequent raises. For working hard.
So even though we COMPLETELY disagree. I would never call you (or anyone else with political opinions) fickle. Because having these differences in opinion makes this a great place to live.
Just sayin’.
I meant “fickle” as in—-Your heading—-I’m standing on the left and right. I think, maybe. and your ending—-what am I? Not on our differences ( which I did’nt think was so different at all) or your views but on your confusion….same here.
as for the union I think they are now big business and are only out for the$$$$ not the people. As for the kind of employee I am… ask my employer, ask the residents…. with or without the union, Im not worried about keeping my job.
I am sure you do a fine job at work. And I’m glad you didn’t mean what I thought by the word fickle.
Vickie –
Legalizing marijuana would not, as you say, cause “GREED—-the American way—would take over and only the rich could afford it anyway…” Legalizing marijuana (and by the way, it’s the #1 cash crop in America) would be just like the liquor & cigarette industry – which the everyday common folk can still afford – and the government would tax the hell out of it.
And revisiting another part of your “GREED” comment, it’s super easy to say that and have misguided masses agree with you. Politicians love to sling that garbage to create class envy and secure their political seats for life. If it weren’t for the American way, we wouldn’t be living the lifestyle we’re accustomed to now . . . living in decent homes, owning ample amounts of everything, carrying around mini-computers in our pockets, driving nice cars, etc.
America is about being born equal but not being guaranteed equality for the rest of your life. It DOES guarantee OPPORTUNITY to be better if you desire. Captalism is so wonderful in fact that this country is a little 230 years old and has lapped in prosperity countries that have been around for thousands.
In a perfect world, everyone would be equal, living a cushy life, licking lollipops and petting unicorns . . . but in reality, governments that try to force equality do nothing but bring everyone down to a poverty state – a.k.a. communism. The so called “rich” would no longer build businesses, create jobs and take massive risks if they can’t build a better life for their family. And WHY is it so terrible to work hard, make good decisions, spend wisely and come out on top??? It’s bullshit the way our generation and our politicians try to demonize success.
I am not rich; I do not come from money and in fact, my family was on the brink of poverty growing up but I don’t sit around hating the “rich” – I strive to be successful and to be “rich” myself one day so I can make the best life for my brand-new baby girl. She’s adorable by the way.
You are pretty much a libertarian – which is what Brandon and I have become over the past few years! We welcome you with open arms. And just a few years ago, I remember you and I having a spat over these very issues
Brooke, I’m in agreement with just about everything you wrote. But, I’m not gonna get into all that. I just want to clear up….I do not hate the rich. As far as greed, I think America as a whole is full of greed. The rich the poor and the in-between. I’m not judging anyone personally, if you are not like that then don’t take what I say personally. I don’t think Im greedy. Nor alot of people I know. I think it was Jimmy Carter who said….and this will not be exact, I can never get things exact. But he said we have become a nation who no longer judges a man for who he is or what he has done, but judge him for what he has. or something to that affect. And I agree.
I got it….Jimmy Carter said —-To many of us now tend to worship self indulgence and consumption. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns. Alot of people were angry after this speech. I wonder why? hmmmm
I’m pretty much like you. I have went back and forth on parties for years.. I grew up in a solidly democractic household but I waiver back and forth now.
I’m 100% Pro- Gay Marriage.. Why not? As you said, us straights screw it up plenty. Let the gays have their own chance. No harm/no foul.
Definitely for legalizing marijuana- mainly because no one takes it seriously as a “drug” anymore. I know many a CPS that just says ohh they were “only” smoking marijuana. Fine, make it legal and tax it baby! Get our country out of debt on pot. lol.
Pro-Life here.. but I do other than the actual abortions, I agree with you on 100% choice for birth control & sex education.
Absolutely Anti-War ~ get out and get out now. I’m very tired of how we always seem to get dragged (drug?) into wars that don’t distinctively involve us.
Anti-Welfare Abuse ~ for sure!! It’s a great thing to have for those that truly need a helping hand. Welfare was never designed for those too lazy or strung out to just simply make it a way of life. It needs a major overhaul.
Healthcare reform- While I don’t like what we currently have, I am definitely not a fan of the new healthcare reform in progress now.. The only thing I can say positive about it is that the Adoption Tax Credit was added into it and that is awesome..
You crack me up. Also? I guess I’m a libertarian too. Who knew?
i knew i wanted to grab a drink with you some time… but now that’s all like amplified and shit.
You and I are the same damn person! I am now convinced. Your post came out of my head as well as your comments!
To anyone reading this – I’m ranting for a second.
I work in HC in a niche sector. HDHPs (High Deductible Health Plans) and HSA’s are sweeping the nation. You get your routine/preventive services for “Free” and then the other things are pay as you go (at the contracted rate if you stay In Network.) People are seeing how much health care does cost.
And, no… doctor’s don’t get too much – they go to school for what seems like for-ev-er (which they SHOULD!) and then have staggering school loans and malpractice insurance that sometimes prevents good doctors from practicing because they can’t afford it, cuts down what they actually make, tremendously. Tack on salary of their office staff, the bumped up costs for the uninsured (yeah your taxes don’t cover everything) and the cost of the regulations for records storing and electronic stuff…
So what I’m trying to say on HC is that it ain’t cheap and people are starting to realize the real costs because of high deductible plans and are being more conscious of the services they seek.
I realize the downside is that people can’t afford it, even pretax with the HSA account and they do need help, but I DO NOT need to be paying for some ass that WON’T try to get a job. My hubs was unemployed for a time and was considering working at McDonalds (and there is nothing wrong with that) because he couldn’t find a job doing engineering, which he was trained in.
Ok, I’m rambling now.
And I wholeheartedly agree… and back to Ms. Crazy Joke you better go to BlogHer this year because I will be so sad. I will have no one to share the fun of stuffing as many things in a bra as can be stuffed!
loved this post (hi, new to your site by the way and glad i stumbled upon it). I think you probably share a lot of the views that most of us do…a sort of common sense approach, why can’t that work?
Oh my so many opinions and beliefs I don’t know where to start. So… I think I will just take it all in and ponder it for a while then get back to you guys because I think it is so awesome that so many WOMEN using their voices here and I want to be a part of it!
Meredith-
I just found your blog, and I am really enjoying it. Especially the frank political post. You appear to have common sense to spare. Also, you’re hilarious!
Sylvia
As someone who went the opposite way you did (the whole tax bracket thing…my dad makes six figures. Now my husband and I rely on government assistance just to get by), I get the view on national healthcare.
But I think EVERYONE EVERYONE EVERYONE EVERYONE needs healthcare now that I’ve gone the other way. Think about it. The way the system is, the poor STAY poor if they don’t have insurance. You can’t afford insurance? I’ve got a great idea…LET’S CHARGE YOU MORE SINCE YOU CAN’T AFFORD A PREMIUM. It makes me so angry, I literally shake, thinking about it.
The poor live in worse conditions. They get sick more often (trust me, I work in a community hospital, and this is most definitely TRUE). So what do we do to them? We charge them OUT THE ASS for healthcare they would literally DIE without.
Back-asswards, isn’t it?
And I don’t know your stance on government aid (EBT, LEAP, Medicaid, etc), but I can PROMISE you that not everyone on those programs is a user!!! I’m working my ass off at the only CNA job I could get in Denver (I’ve applied to ONE HUNDRED OF THEM, and I appreciate the hell out of the ONE interview I got. I ended up with a PRN, or “per requested need” position, and because of that title, no matter how much I work, they will not offer me insurance), my husband is a server at a local restaurant, AND he’s a full-time student. WE ARE NOT USING THE SYSTEM and we are a part of two out of the three previously mentioned aid programs!!!
Our son was in the hospital for six days and five nights this time last year (at 9 months old). He required a surgery that literally saved his life to drain a staph-infected lymph node. My husband and I would have had to declare bankruptcy over the bills, had we not been covered by Medicaid.
In May of this year, I lost a pregnancy at ten weeks. The bottom line is that I had to be rushed to the hospital, from work, by ambulance. I then needed a short stay in the ER, complete with morphine and dilaudid (because morphine does nothing to me) for contractions, a D&C (requiring general anesthesia), two hours in an ICU recovery bed, and additional pain medications. We got the bills before Medicaid went through. It was close to $20,000.
Letting people go uninsured is literally lunacy to me. It’s a rip-off. It’s unfair. It’s oppressive. It’s deadly (I can’t tell you how many people have left our hospital against medical advice because THEY CAN’T AFFORD TO BE THERE…so they go home and die of something we could have cured/fixed).
I understand that TONS of people abuse the hell out of the system. I think that is shameful and wrong. At the same time, though, I want people to know that there ARE people out there who have Medicaid just for a “season” in their lives when they simply can’t afford anything else, and DEFINITELY can’t afford to be uninsured. What we NEED, I think, is more accountability for the people on these programs. Drug tests, income checks, things like that. Because so many people out there believe that everyone on government assistance is a lazy, drug-addicted system manipulator and a drain on society, I honestly barely dare to ever utter the word “Medicaid” and I can’t even force myself to admit, out loud, to food assistance. But please, PLEASE, believe me…we’re not using the system, and there are plenty of people out there just like us.
Sorry, I’m literally on the verge of tears as I write all of this…we NEED healthcare for everyone.
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