Most of us “inherit” our political affiliation just like we “inherit” our religion. As children growing up in our families we are consciously or unconsciously “indoctrinated” in our family’s belief systems. There are some who move beyond or past their childhood learning. I was raised in a Republican household and registered with the Republicans when I first voted. Through the years my political thinking has moved to the left as the Republican Party has moved radically to the right. Many the Republicans whom I voted for many years ago wouldn’t have a chance in today’s Republican Party. It would be unimaginable that Pennsylvania Republicans would nominate Richard Schweiker or John Heinz for U.S. Senate today.
Those who have been long time members of the Republican Party should understand that the party they were “born into” is not the same one that exists today. Before voting for the Marino or the Corbett crowd traditional Republican voters should consider what they are voting for:
- Opposition to equal pay for equal work for women.
- The support for corporate profits over public health. Protecting the environment is about public health. Pollution makes us sick and send our kids to the hospital.
- Consistent support for the rights of corporations over the rights of citizens.
- The continued flow of the wealth of our country from the poor, working, and middle classes to the wealthy.
- More interest in political theater than solving the problems of our country. The House has voted 54 times to repeal Obamacare. This wastes time and money. How many times is it necessary to make the same political statement Maybe these politicians have nothing constructive to say.
- That money is speech and that wealthy individuals and corporations should control the political process in this country. Fascism as defined by Mussolini is the corporate control of the state.
- The denial of a living wage for workers. No increases in the minimum wage to match the real dollar value of many years ago.
Now I know for whom I won’t vote. My problem is that I am tired of voting for the “lesser of two evils.” The problem is that the Democratic Party has moved to the right along with the Republicans when it comes to putting out their hands for corporate dollars. Too many Democrats talk a much better game than they vote when it comes to traditional views of the party. While I am not registered with either major party, I more often than not vote for the Democrat because they are better on most issues that concern me: a healthy environment, social justice, economic fairness, and good government.
Talk is cheap and action is the only true indicator of what our political leaders really believe. Too many Democrats like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama talk a good liberal game while they too often have not “practiced what they preached.” The Republican leaders talk a lot about helping the average citizen while they serve the interests the big corporations and wealthy as they “stick it to” the average American.