The Respectfully Republican Conversation
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I am sure that there are many of you, who like me, would like to be able to have a political discussion without constantly being lambasted for our opinions by those who think differently. So this thread is for those of us who would like to discuss current events, learn from each other, and share insights without feeling that we have to justify our opinions. This thread is not an attempt to create controversy, debate Democratics or change the opinion of those whose beliefs are at the opposite end of the political spectrum. Some people may enjoy political sparring, but I would prefer a discussion from a conservative/independent point of view.Hopefully, our opinions will be respected and we will be allowed to express them without fear that our comments might offend others. I encourage fellow Republicans and Independents to bring up topics that are of personal interest to those of us who have never felt welcome on the other forums. The first topic I would like to submit is: "When did you decide to declare yourself a Republican and why?"
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Wow! Glad to see this here!
I was 18 and declared Republican. But that was the era of Ronald Reagan. My fam used to be Democrat and friends with RR when he was our Govenor and he was a dem.
For me, I am pretty much middle of the road, I think. But I believe in states' rights as opposed to a lot of federal control. I don't believe in tons of social programs or socialist type programs. I don't believe in a national healthcare program or flat taxes. And the Alternative Minimum Tax just tickes me off. They have not raised it since the 60's when it began (no adjustment for inflation is just wrong). This year, I couldn't even take all my deductions since my accountant hit that number.
Although I am Republican, I really liked Clinton and the way he ran things ... I liked NOT being in debt and I really liked having a surplus! I am Republican and I can say, I really don't like #43!! Don't see much good in McCain since he approves of the war and I can't stand it, I want our boys out and fast. Sadly, I just don't really think we can afford to be stepping in their business while we have not fixed our own.
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Yea Linda...Kudos to you! Thank you for starting this thread! OK, when did I declare myself a Republican? This is going to sound kinda' funny but here goes! When I was first married I leaned more towards liberal/Democrat (shudder) then the election came up. We were stationed in Germany and my husband was a Republican and when we went to register to vote we talked about the upcoming election, oddly before this we never much discussed politics. But, when I told him who I was leaning towards he nearly had a stroke! He said "you're in the Army now and the military gets more benefits and better colas when the Republicans are in office", well that was all it took for me! I was young! So, I became a "good little Republican" and have been since!
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I became (well not really) a Republican when my brother ran for the house in the Goldwater presidential campaign days when the republicans were drowned! Everyone was so afraid of Goldwater. I was sooooo young then. I was a senior in high school then (I think). I handed out stuff for my brother at the polls. Been a republican ever since.
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Hm, I became Republican when I could vote i.e. got my citizenship.
I liked Regan and his stand towrd evil empire my ex-country. I also liked how he made Americans feel good about themselves and America.
I remember the first time when Regan was elected. I was in this country for a few months and I did not know or care much about politics then. So I was shopping at the mall and I guess they were projecting Regan as a winner. So all of the sudden this rather huge black woman rushes toward me and starts crying. I thought something very horrible happened. She kept saying between sobs "Wht are we going to do? ". It took a few minutes to understand she talked about elections.
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Ok guys it was 1976 and I was 19 years old and voted for (I hate to print this) Jimmy Carter.......in 1979 bought my first house at 14.5 percent interest.........it was the only time I ever voted for a democrat........Shokk
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Shokk...Jimmy Carter? I am SHOCKED! lol!I remember the night Carter was elected and I was dumbfounded...I said "who is Jimmy Carter?" It seemed like he came out from nowhere!
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Glad to see you guys have joined me. I must admit that it took me quite a while to come around. I came from a family of die hard dems. We even had the voting in our garage because it was the only heated one in the neighborhood. I had bought all the stuff about the evil repubs, and believed everything I heard. We were union all the way. Then I decided to put myself through college to get away from a union job. I hated giving all those dues to the cashiers union, but then I kept getting my arm twisted to join the teachers union. I never did, and was constantly harassed for it. I voted for Carter anyway. Then got married and tried to buy a house, but with interest rates at 14% it was tough. During the depressing Carter years, I decided to pay attention more. Along comes Reagan with his positive attitude and I was a convert. So I am one of those Reagan democrats who has never looked back. I love the fact that McCain has not always toed the party line. I really think he will be able to bring both parties together and compromise, and least I hope so!
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That's what I think about McCain, Linda. Since the die-hard repubs are not happy with McCain because he crosses party lines, you'd think that he would be the UNITER. However, I have noticed that the dems are not quite as hard on McCain as they are on other repubs.
I don't like the war either. But we can't just leave. We have to stick it out or it's gonna be a real mess over there. The hard part about this war, there are no "rules." It's hard to fight the "enemy" when you don't know who the enemy is.
I have a cat in my lap that wants me to go to bed.
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Shirley...I am right there with you, I believe McCain can UNITE! My McCain yard signs come in this weekend! I am soooooooooooo excited! Through all the elections I either lived in government (military) quarters or condos and we couldn't put up signs...I have four coming in! YEA!
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I guess the republicans should thank Carter for so many of us converts! It is so infuriating when he goes to other countries and bad mouths our country. I believe that if he had been a little tougher in dealing with Iran, maybe the middle east would not have become such a mess.
Shirley, I have a kitty in my lap too! Time for bed for both of us. My DH went to bed at 8. Yes, I married my polar opposite! But at least he votes Republican, his only issue being, no new taxes!
Paulette, it was so great the way you and the people in Texas welcomed people displaced by Katrina. It really showed the heart of America.
Meow!! Yawn. Night Night!
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OK Repubs...food for thought, who do you think McCain's VP choice will be?
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I think McCain should choose Colin Powell as VP. Don't know if he's looking for the job, but he's someone the entire country trusts. If he ran for president, I'd be all over voting for him!
I grew up in a really liberal household and was a democrat until Clinton's 2nd term. I was so disgusted with the shame he brought to the title "President" (NOT that he was the first to do so!)I would classify myself as pretty middle of the road too. I lean left on social issues and right on economy/foreign policy. McCain wants to privatize Social Security and I'm not really on board with that, but over all, I too think he could be a uniter.
IMO that's what the US needs more than anything right now... someone who will remind us that we are ALL Americans and we are on the same team!Erica
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Well I have been a die hard democrat all of my life. It began in my hippie years and spent time marching at the Democratic convention in Chicago. Remember that? Oh yes, and the first person I voted for (I hate to admit it) was McGovern.
This year - I will either vote Republican or not at all.
Poppy - I sure did like thinking about Powell being vice president. That would be great in my books.
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I would like to see Condoleeza Rice as the VP running mate for McCain. I didn't care much for Colin Powell but Ms. Rice has my respect.
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I like Powell too, but wouldn't the dems be all over him for his speech to the U.N. over weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, otherwise known as grain silos?
It's really important for McCain to ask someone unsullied by Bush and the Iraqi war.
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I admit, I voted for McGovern too. The first time I was allowed to vote.
"Forgive them Lord, they know not what they do." LOL I guess I will have to forgive my son too, who insists he knows more than I do about the world and is in the Obama camp. Although he might change his mind if Obama keeps up with his Minister. I don't argue with him. He is so like me, I know he will come to senses some day.
Puppy, I have been praying for your health. I hope you are doing better and glad you have joined us. I just love the funny pictures you post!
As for VP, I like Powell too, but I think the dems would just be shouting BUSH 3, so it would not be wise. Condi is a class act and would be great, and would put her in line for '12. Wouln't that be interesting!! Republicans putting up a female, minority! Romney has the credentials, but maybe there is bad blood there.
Do you think he will put Juliani or Lieberman in the cabinet? He says his cabinet will be bipartisen. It would be great if he does.
Isn't if amazing that we are even talking about McCain!! He was such a goner a few months ago after his immigration fiasco. He truly is a survivor!
Welcome to the club Johnny boy!!
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Powell is also up there in age, not that it should matter but...I do like Condi Rice and I like Leiberman for the cabinet.
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I'm sitting here with my cup of coffee and no cat in my lap and sorta giggling why we have chosen the party we chose. I will have to admit that I will vote for a dem IF I HAVE TO!
We bought our first house in 1968. I believe Johnson announced he would not be running again. Don't ask me why, but I never liked Johnson. I think I didn't like his accent. LOL And I'm from Texas. Anyway, our interest rate was a little over 8%.
Just for fun here's the link to the McCain Girls video. You've probably seen it on television, but I like a good laugh in the morning.
It's too early for me to put on my thinking cap.
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My thought about Powell is that he kind of did separate himself from Bush at a "good time" so maybe dems would consider that. I like Condi Rice too.
I hate to say this out loud, but there are a lot of people in this country who will vote for "a woman" or "a black man," not for the person who will do the best thing for this country. I absolutely considered all 3 and was heading for Hillary at one point. There's just too much on the line with health care and giving away money going on with her that I can't ignore though. Otherwise, I think she'd be a good leader.
I would vote for anyone - just give me someone qualified who has the US's best interest in mind!
I was on the Giuliani bandwagon for a while. I don't know if he has the following to bring the votes, but I think he'd be alright.
Condi does seem like a great choice now that I'm thinking of it. She'd pretty much negate the Hillary/female and Obama/black issues. Ok so with those (pointless) issues out of the way, she's probably more conservative than McCain and that might help bring real righty's to the fold. She also has vast experience with foreign leaders and that is really appealing. Ok, I'm sold! lol
Erica
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Shirley I had not seen that video......that was just too cute.........must confess that I am not much of a McCain fan.........even though I do kinda of agree with him on immigration or should I say illegal immigration......Kelly (Roctobermom) is going to come over here to Texas and kick me in the shin and tell me to snap out of it.......
.....Erica you sound just like my 20 year old college student daughter......she loved Giuliani.......she is a fiscal conservative but is more of a social liberal.......pro choice and all that stuff.............keep her in ya'lls prayers .....when she was growing up every time I voted (her school was my voting place) I would drag her out of class and make her come with me.......when she finally went to middle school on voting day I asked what time she had lunch so she could go with me..........she wouldn't go anymore......ha........but the day she turned 18 she register to vote............anyway phone bbl..........Shokk -
I wish I knew the Republicans well enough to have a thought on this, I can only say McCain's choice will be huge. I know he's putting a lot of thought into this.
Did anyone listen to his speech yesterday? I was quite impressed. He really needs to explain his platform, and not just give asides to what should be done. Tell us his actual plans in getting it done.
Of course when the real campaign begins he will have his hands held to the fire, and he can't generalize then. I need to be hearing his actual plans of action.
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I heard McCain's speech yesterday and thought it was good.
As far as VP. Hmmmm..I like Condi Rice too, but I don't think she would accept the offer if it was made to her. My feeling about her is she's ready to do something else. Of course I could be wrong.
I like Colin Powell. But, again, I don't think he'd take the offer.
I know Mitt Romney would because he said so.
I missed American Idol last night because of the darned telephone. I thought I was taping it! Forgot to push "record." And I like the guy they voted off.
Sorry, got off track. Must be chemo brain or the AI. LOL
Shirley
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Shokk: Well, hopefully Mitt gets the VP nod and the stand on illegal immigration will toughen up. Both Romney and Huckabee think that illegals should be given just a few months before facing penalties and deportation.
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Lindamemm - Thank you so much for your crourage to start this thread!
I was brought up in very conservative family and have stayed with it! I just think government should be smaller and taxes too - but the power should be given to the people!
At my age (37) there are so few conservatives...especially in my area ( SE michigan) My hubby and I rarely have the opportunity to discuss politics with our friends either due to being out numbered or the conservatives are closeted....I try to start political conversations but most avoid it all together...I want to hear both sides! (Maturely and kindly of course.) maybe I should shout from the rooftops???
Hmmm...this election??? So fascinating! But I am afaid our party isn't gonna win it - I would LOVE to see Mitt as VP.
So glad to be here with you all...what a comfort. Another of so many I find here at BC.org!
Susie
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I heard on Fox that Romney and McCain were traveling together. Hmmm..wonder if that means anything.
I think McCain can put behind him he and Romney's "battles" during campaigning. Some say they don't like each other, but for the good of the party I do think they could and would do it.
It'll be interesting who he picks.
Shirley
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LindaMemm-What a nice thread you started here. Thank you.
The first time I voted I went with Clinton. Unfortunately up until that point in my life I had the "let someone else vote and screw things up" mentality. I prospered and life was really good during his entire time in office. During that time I became a Christian. Suddenly I found myself leaning toward the Republican view point. Now I just want peace on earth, lower health insurance and medical costs, interest rates that we can live with, immigrants that go through the usually channels to become citizens, affordable housing for anyone with a job, to be able to afford to send my 2 kids to college and a vaccine that prevents breast cancer.
I realize we can't ask everyone in the world to suddenly have peace in their countries but I can dream. Who though can give me the rest? I am leaning toward Clinton right now and I even cringe at the thought. I think McCain is pretty old for the job and I don't think he can do it on his own. I persoanlly think retirement would make for sense for him. As many here have said, his running mate will make or break him. I would be happy with Rice or Powell but I too don't think either of them would take the job. Rice would be the best bet to sway the dems to switch sides though.
I may not know who to vote for yet but I do know that I will have the utmost respect for whoever takes the job. I personally would never consider carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.
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Brenda-glad you joined in. I agree with all the issues you stated. I feel the same way. I was wondering though, why you might support Clinton. Is there an issue about McCain that you do not like?
Susie-I feel your pain. I am from Illinois and they don't even bother to consider us red anymore, although it was when I was voting dem. I guess I am always in the opposite camp! I do live in a repub county though and most of friends are more conservative, I just don't talk to my relatives! LOL
It is ironic that Hillary is actually from Illinois but pretends she is from NY and Obama is from Hawaii but pretends he is from Illinois. I guess it just follows a pattern. After all, we claim Lincoln as our own and he was from Kentucky!
I still don't think we can count out McCain winning in Nov. The dems seem hell bent on destroying themselves and all McCain will have to do is pick up the pieces. The polls were wrong in the last two elections after all.
So what does everyone think about countries boycotting the Olympics because of what is going on in Tibet?
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I hate, hate, hate what is going on in Tibet, though I don't know that boycotting the Olympics is going to help.
I didn't know McCain was traveling with Romney but haven't paid much attention to the news today. Not sure I like Romney as a running mate.
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Paulette it is a disgrace what is going on in Tibet, its a disgrace that China is funding the diamond trade in Chad, it is a disgrace that China is supplying us with tainted goods and toxic dog and cat food.........I don't trust China one bit ..........jeez I promise I am a Republican Conservative (this post makes me sound a bit liberal) but China is a Communist country pure and simple.........when I heard this week that we "accidental" supplied Taiwan with missile parts I thought its about freaking time.......Shokk
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