No Longer a Republican

Both my parents are Democrats and have been all their lives.  Growing up in Detroit with many family members employed by Ford Motor Company, or other union-affiliated companies (Pipefitters, Steel, Truckers, etc…) makes me very aware of how important unions are.  If companies gain too much power, the workers get shafted… big time.

(Look below the fold for the rest)
I remember a ceramic bust of John F. Kennedy in our living room throughout most of my childhood.  A nearly revered figure, even after learning about the scandals in his administration, I still admire him as a President for not only many of his policies, but the hope and pride he instilled in our country.  I still get a chuckle when I hear his old speeches about how cutting taxes would stimulate the economy.  I remember when being a Liberal meant being open to new ideas, helping others as fellow human beings and not based on their race, and wanting the best for America.  Being Liberal was synonymous with being Good.  That’s how I was raised.

Later, I joined the military as an enlisted.  I still wasn’t very political and most of the world was at peace with the United States.  The Army was a pretty good place to be.  Most of the draftees from the Vietnam Era were gone, drug testing was just coming in (and was sorely needed), physical fitness standards were made much more difficult (another thing that was sorely needed), and professional military education (PLDC, BNCOC, etc…) were becoming mandatory for promotion.  As the services became more professional, I began to notice politics.  Much of our increased readiness and pride could be directly traced to the Reagan administration and I liked what I saw.  I decided to become a Republican because their platforms emphasized pride in America and self-reliance.  Much of what the Republican Party stood for resonated with me precisely because it echoed John F. Kennedy’s, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”

Now, I was never afflicted with CDS (Clinton Derangement Syndrome) and honestly believe that he did the best job he could in accord with his beliefs.  Yes, he gutted the military to pay for his social agenda and it hurt, a lot!  His personal behavior was weak and lying about it under oath inexcusable.  However, I never said anything about him because he was the Commander in Chief.  I followed his orders, and the orders of those he appointed over me (to paraphrase our Oath), and that was that.  It’s easy to look back now and play the “Woulda-Shoulda-Coulda” game, but at the time he did what he thought was right.  I believe President Bush is the same in that way.  I don’t agree with all his policies (immigration amnesty for example) but I believe he acts from his convictions.  I like how he doesn’t back down and respect the man immensely.  To me, BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome) is even dumber than CDS.

I told you all that so I could tell you this:  I am no longer a Republican.  I am a Conservative Independent.  By going back to “Old Boy Politics” and supporting a candidate like John McCain, the Republican Party no longer represents my values.  What you’re seeing now is party politics at the lowest common denominator and I will pass, thank you very much.  I say to the GOP leadership, it’s not “his turn”, it’s still America’s turn and you should have remembered that.  Whether you win or lose in November, you’ve lost, mostly because you have abandoned the principles that were worthy of respect.  I may not have a candidate that represents my values in November, but you have one that represents your liberal opponents.  Good luck with that, I wish you well.  I’ll be fine.

Posted by: Stashiu3 at 02:32:00 | No Comments | Add Comment
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