and before you all disperse for lack of things to jab at, I would like to ask your thoughts about the "core ideology" of both the democratic and republican party's. As a youth back in the 80's I found myself to be more aligned with the republicans on issues pertaining to money and success. I also liked the things that Reagan did with the defense spending and his "STARWARS" proposal(still like the idea in principal) but quickly began to disagree with "Reaganomics" and "trickle down", as an efficient means to economic prosperity, the older I got. I didn't really look any deeper into the republican agenda while supporting them. I generally thought the environment was overplayed and civil rights were something each individual should have to earn and not be given away by government. But I began to look a little deeper as I acquired a family and began to understand how modern business works...truely works. I began to see favorite vacation spots in Colorado (as a youth) get gobbled up by rich investors from out of state who erected gambling casinos in their place. I began to see the pollution emitted from power plants and vehicles(other than cars) not be addressed due to the supposed expense that would be incurred by those companies. I began to see laws that require helmets on motorcycle riders and seat belts required on passengers in cars but no seatbelts for school bus' due to expense incurred by the companies. It seemed that republicans weren't so concerned about the increased money that I would have to buy a new car or the serenity of a good get away or the air that I breathe...just the money that the corperations would have to spend on a level playing field. They weren't concerned with bigger government when it came to me personally... just when it came to their companies.

Sure I was a little naive in believing that everyone was no better than anyone else and that the only difference between dems and the gop was whether you succeeded by the government giving it to you or you working for it.

SO...I have listened to most of you for some time now(and you all thought I left in a fit of rage ) and how you express yourselves as you do politically, but I would like you to put your discriptions in a short list of perceived/stated goals pertaining to your party. For instance...

1) Since Dems tend to cater to the urban working population, women and minorities with promises of making their lives better/more prosperous through government involvement, that Dems are more about making/treating people more equal through government involvement since we can't do it on our own.(if we could, there would be no need for that platform in that aspect)

2) Dems tend to side with environmentalist and naturalists on preserving the natural resources ie. creation of parks and wildlife preservation.

3) Dems tend to side with consumer advocates on personal safety through legislation on companies that force safety standards on products and services. It should also be noted that personal safety includes work safety standards and holding companies responsible for violations or neglegance(sp?).

4) Dems tend to spend only what they take in. They tend to believe that the addage "take from the rich and give to the poor". They tend to believe that everyone deserves to "make it" and the only way to make that happen is through government intervention. They tend to tax more in an effort to pay for the programs that will do so.

5) Dems tend to believe that "people" need less legislation "directly" and more indirectly in the form of laws on companies providing products and services and the formation of government programs for the needy and under priveledged.



And now for the GOP...

1) Reps tend to cater to rural farmers, ranchers, and businessmen with the promise of "keeping" their lives as prosperous as they already are. They also cater to those of religion that believe everyone should live by the rule of God reguardless of their faith by promising to vote on legislation according to their beliefs. They cater to the upscale, white, males by voting against civil rights issues that would erode their status of being "the majority" or somehow superior.

2) Reps tend to side with energy, mining, logging, and real estate companies that want to develope the wilderness for financial gain.

3) Reps tend to side with companies to limit through legislation the amount and types of penalties that said companies can be exposed to for injury and damages from products or services.(TORT reform, toxic waste disposal, ect)

4) Reps (as of late) tend to spend more than they take in. The trend started with Nixon and has been increasing with every republican since. They tend to give tax revenue back to everyone which inherently becomes a large portion for the rich and companies(since they pay more in both percentage and raw dollars). Because of the tax reform, they end up borrowing to pay for their programs. They tend to believe you are on your own in this country and IF you make it, you deserve a break. If you don't make it, it's probably your own fault and you deserve nothing from the government.

5) Reps tend to believe people need more legislation "directly" to be equal in the eye's of God and less legislation on companies that ultimitely support the people.



This is just an example of my "perception" in small part as I see it from 30yrs or so of observation. While they may not be factual in detail, the end result "seems" to be so. I would be extremely interested in a topic conversation on the subject. I will not have a great deal of facts to support my statement, but would provide a view positive or negative none the less. If anyone can give me a guide to "the goals and principles of the republican/democratic party" please do so. Ultimitely, this is what I seek... in short form of course. Something straight forward and no spin. If a republican is going to be in office for awhile(more than 4yrs I suspect) I would like some insite as to what they really want my life to be.