I grew up in the late sixties and seventies in California under the guidance of my staunch card carrying democrat, carpenters union member father who was a very honorable, loyal, charitable and intelligent man. He taught me many things, including to help set up a foundation for my future political views. Although I now class myself a conservative/independent (NOT republican), my aforementioned roots still guide me today. One may ask, 'how could this be?' and my answer would be that the democratic party today resembles very little of the party and its platform that existed only a few decades ago. I attribute this to many things, not the least of which would include the envelopment of the party by the so called 'hippy' generation that is in control/power today. This once great party of patriotic, self-reliant, responsible and empathetic hard working class of Americans has been dissolved and transformed in great measure by opportunistic, excuse making, whimpering ideologues. This new 'where is mine, gimmee, gimmee, gimmee' generation would most definitely not be included in the ideals of the majority of the party he associated with. Not to put words in his mouth, however, those who knew him would positively agree that he was if favor of the following:
For example, some of the tenets he adhered to: Workfare, not welfare, including a legitimate safety net instead of a generational handout lifestyle; strong military; patriotism; traditional family ideals; individualism; true workers rights and representation, not the lining of politically motivated union leaders pockets; adoption instead of abortion, unless the life of the mother was in danger or rape, incest and the like occurred; victims rights, not criminals; balanced budgets, not ever increasing so called debt limits; right to bear arms; for the death penalty; hunting rights; American exceptionalism; strong but fair immigration policy and on and on and on.
Now, it must be said, I have many members of my family who are absolutely wonderful people and are adherents of the modern day democratic president and party but who, however, most probably agree with many of the tenets laid out above. This does not mean that I don't love 'em to bits, but it does mean that I hope they 'see the error of their ways' and come back home soon. :-)
These are many of the things I respect and hold dear. Whatever we call ourselves, I'm sure many of us can agree, the principles laid above, for the most part, are unifying for those of us who grew up in the 'good ole days'.
Again, 'Old School Democrats...Where did you go?' I'm not too sure, but they'd be welcome in my house anytime.
For example, some of the tenets he adhered to: Workfare, not welfare, including a legitimate safety net instead of a generational handout lifestyle; strong military; patriotism; traditional family ideals; individualism; true workers rights and representation, not the lining of politically motivated union leaders pockets; adoption instead of abortion, unless the life of the mother was in danger or rape, incest and the like occurred; victims rights, not criminals; balanced budgets, not ever increasing so called debt limits; right to bear arms; for the death penalty; hunting rights; American exceptionalism; strong but fair immigration policy and on and on and on.
Now, it must be said, I have many members of my family who are absolutely wonderful people and are adherents of the modern day democratic president and party but who, however, most probably agree with many of the tenets laid out above. This does not mean that I don't love 'em to bits, but it does mean that I hope they 'see the error of their ways' and come back home soon. :-)
These are many of the things I respect and hold dear. Whatever we call ourselves, I'm sure many of us can agree, the principles laid above, for the most part, are unifying for those of us who grew up in the 'good ole days'.
