Republicans and Democrats: Dividing Out the Truth

After watching both McCain and Obama speeches in their respected conventions it occurred to me that there are many people who are very undecided and really unclear of what each man really stands for and what it could mean to them. They, like I, are in a rat race to figure it all out before election day in order to make a informed decision. While there are many articles, blogs and boards concerning the candidates both positive and negative feedback, there is few articles, blogs, or boards that have presented the parties, not the candidates, in layman terms to help the desperate, confused soul make a wise decision based truly on merits and not skin color, age or the church they belong to.

Despite which church one belongs to or what their skin color may be, how they were raised, who their father was, or how many years they spent as a POW; one fact remains steady. Each candidate is representing their party and are committing to stick with their parties principles and values. Thus we will explore in layman terms what these values are and what they mean. This is not an argument for either candidate nor is it meant to change anyone's mind. It is intended to enlighten and inform the basic principles of each party in a language that can be quickly grasped and understood.

The Republican Party is considered Conservative. Meaning they believe in old, tried traditional values and morals. If is is not broken why fix it and for them the old ways worked just fine. They believe in things your great-great grandparents believed and even further back than that. The Democratic Party basically believes in a more liberal view. They consider the old ways as broken and need fixing. They are more radical.

Lets begin with some basics. Republicans believe in traditional marriage, one man, one woman, a justice of the peace or priest equals a marriage. They may dance around the issue or blatantly out and out say it: They do not agree with gay marriage. Democrats too are not all embracing of the idea but being the liberals that they are, they are willing to say to each its own and we support your rights to acknowledge each other in a civil ceremony and allow partner benefits. Speaking of supporting the family, Democrats are in favor of universal health care for everyone regardless of income or ability to pay. Republicans are die hard on individuals being allowed to choose their own providers and services based on what they can afford.

Republicans believe in the right of each person to gain wealth and do with it as they please. Some call this as Capitalism but what it basically mean is letting "natural wealth" take its course without interference from the government. Democrats believe in a redistribution of wealth. That basically means that the government should demand a minimal wage, and taxes that will help those less fortunate. Some may argue this point and it actually demands some scrutinizing because Republicans have implemented some social programs or at least given it their stamp of approval. At the same time Democrats can argue about where the money comes from and point out the choke hold placed on these programs and compare it to wasteful spending notorious of the republicans.

If you are a parent you no doubt are concerned with education which happens to be another divide. Republicans believe in parents right to choose where their child goes to school and parents right to decide what is taught in those schools. Democrats on the other hand would like to regulate schools in what they teach in an effort to make schools equalizing in its quality and opportunity. Colleges are not exempt in this fight. Both parties agree that higher education is important but they differ on how individuals are to attain it. There is a well known government grant known as the Pell Grant for students who need assistance with tuition and for the most part Republicans believe that is an area that does not need fixing. Democrats don't believe it is so much broken, but it needs help. Affordable education is a major concern and rightly so.

Also on the minds of many is the military. We have so many young men and women in Iraq and we want them home. So how do each party measure up on this hot button issue. Again in simple terms, Democrats say bring them home, and end this war. Republicans say not so fast. Republicans are by far more inclined to strengthen the military and go to war. They are less likely to negociate with the "enemy". Democrats tend to negotiate and offer peace. Of course it is a much deeper topic than outlined here but I am trying to keep it simple. Both parties are concerned with Homeland Security and security of this nation. Neither is taking war lightly or without thought. Yet in laymen terms one is more "shoot now and ask questions later" and the other is more inclined to "talking it out."

Lastly, and the inspiration behind this article, is race. According to blogs, boards and even articles this is a election of race. In keeping with the theme of this article, lets address it right out. There are countless mixed races in both parties, meaning Republicans are not all white and Democrats are not all black, despite this long held opinion. Certainly each party targets groups of people and try to reach across party lines. The reason is simple, well not so simple, but lets make it so. It is known in sociology that "normally" republicans can be the most generous people on the earth. They don't mind giving to the poor and helping out in a crisis. But they like doing so on their own terms. They do not like having regulations to do so. Many republicans will not cross party lines because redistribution of wealth. They don't want their wealth redistributed. Democrats would be more agreeable to traditional ways except traditionally things have been unequal and disproportion.

I submit this is not so much racial as it is determining for one self what is morally right for them, their families and their community. Some are Independents wherein they do not agree with either party on all their "issues." It would be wonderful if it were that simple for most of America. However both political powerhouses truly believe deeply in their views not just for themselves but for everyone. I also submit that each party have had triumph moments of victories that truly changed and shaped America and made her what she is today.

This election should be based on facts, our moral consciousness and the future of our children. It should not be based on race or hate or any factors other than the merits of the parties. In the final analysis each candidate is representing the party he is pledged to.