The difference between Dems, GOP


Posted: February 09, 2008
4:17 am Eastern



By Larry Elder




"I'm writing to you on behalf of my son. In the simplest form, what are the main differences between today's Democrats and Republicans? I get too complicated with my explanations. I don't think these kids really know the difference and just vote for a candidate because he is young, or female, etc. Can you help?"

Sure.

What Republicans believe, what Democrats believe

Republicans believe hard work wins, and government should allow you, to the fullest extent possible, to keep what you earn. Democrats believe that success results from luck, chance and happenstance, and therefore a just government takes from those who have and gives to those who do not.

Republicans believe in a colorblind society determined by drive, work ethic and talent. Democrats want a color-coordinated society. This explains the support for race and gender-based preferences to "correct" past sins and to create "diversity."

Republicans believe discrimination to fix previous discrimination remains discrimination, and that all a government can be is just in its own time. Democrats wish to use government to "rectify" past wrongs, which they hold responsible for today's "inequities."

Republicans believe that government should empower the individual, that a government that taxes least taxes best. Democrats want individuals to empower government, and support policies that redistribute income from person A to "deserving" person B.

Republicans believe that the playing field, while unlevel, requires an individual to do the best he or she can with the cards dealt. Democrats consider life rigged, and that one's destiny rests on matters beyond the control of the individual.

Republicans believe that those who cannot help themselves can and will be helped out by other individuals, not government, as a result of basic human compassion. Democrats believe that because of one's misfortune, he or she is entitled to something, via government, from someone else.

Republicans believe in peace through strength and thus support strong national defense and, in this era of Islamo-fascism, a proactive foreign policy. Democrats believe in strength through peace and believe they can better influence the behavior of enemies by demonstrating our good intentions.

Republicans believe in the mutual benefits of free trade of goods and services. Democrats believe in "fair trade" and support barriers that shield domestic industries against competition, reducing the incentive to innovate and change to remain competitive.

Republicans consider the Constitution a contract, limiting the duties, powers and obligations of the federal government. Democrats consider the Constitution a "living, breathing document," to be interpreted flexibly. Republicans, for example, reject Roe v. Wade because the court based it on a right to privacy, not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. Democrats consider the right to privacy implied, despite the absence of any reference to it.

Republicans believe in the Second Amendment and that it confers an individual right to keep and bear arms. The Founding Fathers wanted this right to protect against tyranny by government. Democrats consider the Second Amendment an impediment to public safety.

Michigan, six years ago, became one of about 40 "shall issue" states that now allow citizens to apply for a permit to carry concealed weapons. At the time, law enforcement officials predicted an increase in violent crime. In fact, the opposite happened.

Woodhaven Police Chief Michael Martin said, "I think the general consensus out there from law enforcement is that things were not as bad as we expected. There are problems with gun violence, but I think we can breathe a sigh of relief that what we anticipated didn't happen."

So how did the president of the Michigan chapter of the anti-gun group Million Moms March respond? She called the statistics bogus and argued that even if true, society still possesses too many guns.

And this brings us to our final observation:

Republicans believe what they see, and Democrats see what they believe.

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Damned right I'm an equal opportunity offender, I'm a Conservative!

I must be a Republican...I have never really associated myself with a particular party, but my shotgun next to my bed makes me feel a whole lot safer at night. I would never use it against anybody unless I feared for my family's lives. I agree with the Dems liberal ideas when it comes to the legalization of marijuana, but I also agree with the conservative idea of less government in our personal lives, which in some strange way kinda comes to the same ideal. Just my 2 cents...

At this point in the GOP's history, it might be important to add one caveat. Conservative, as opposed to liberal.

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Palin/Lingle 2012! Palin/Lingle 2012!

Spot on! Sickening, isn't it? The Republicans are now the Democrats and the Democrats are now the Socialists.

This is why I believe there will be a major third party forming soon. It will be a party with conservative, libertarian principles, led by proven liberty devotees such as Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich.

Vi

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Damned right I'm an equal opportunity offender, I'm a Conservative!

I'm all for the rise of the libertarian principles! just not socialists...But Ron Pauls is the only one with his head screwed on straight.

I agree. I honestly think with Ron Paul running, millions of Americans have heard the words of liberty for the very first time. It WILL make a difference in the future of politics. That's why the media, both Left and Right, have given Ron Paul the ignore button.

Vi

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Damned right I'm an equal opportunity offender, I'm a Conservative!

the people have heard of freedom many times in the past, but they willingly trade it in for a bit of comfort and the illusion of security. when times are hard or luck doesn't smile on them they will gladly sacrifice a right here or there so long as their lot is made a little easier. we have fallen lazily into the habit of expecting something for nothing. we have deluded ourselves into believing that success should not just be a possibility but a right and that the american dream is something that must be doled out on demand.

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When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever.

Yes, and without a thought as to where government money comes from. Government only has three sources of funds; 1. Taxation. 2. Borrowing. 3. Printing press.

Number one is a disincentive to production and prosperity.

Number two is a tax on future generations.

Number three is a tax on savings through inflation.

Vi

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Damned right I'm an equal opportunity offender, I'm a Conservative!

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"I suppose I always knew America would eventually break the planet, like some ghastly, hyperactive toddler that gets hold of a mobile phone and then smashes it repeatedly against the edge of a table". Quote from british journalist.

Uhhh ... and no mention of our loss of economic liberty due to regulation and taxation championed by Democrats? Your hypocricy is showing again Med-'O-Mao.

Vi

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Damned right I'm an equal opportunity offender, I'm a Conservative!