Rare Democrat here

Careful . . . it's independent tendencies like that which end up convincing a person that the answer resides inside the GOP.

You know what moved me to the political dark side? I was a pro-Hillary Clinton voter back in 2008 and then BECAUSE I wanted HER rather than a first term U.S. senator with ZERO meaningful national level experience and no management or leadership history I was called a racist by my fellow Dem Party members who -- ironically -- openly worshipped Barack Obama BECAUSE of his skin tone.

Thinking for oneself inside the Dem Party . . . is a slippery slope.

Wow. That's my story exactly. I thought I was the only one.

Nope. I think it was an epiphany moment for countless PUMA (Political Unity My Ass) life-long Dem Party voters when they saw exactly how pervasive Politically Correct thinking had become inside the Party. This was before either WOKE or SJW were terminology . . . but that WAS what it was all about . . . the sheeple style herd mentality compulsion to all think alike and OBEY their leadership . . . period. Anyway being called racist because I was able to think for myself . . . was the final straw.

I remember this exact situation... I wasn't behind Clinton because of the individual research I did into the waves of Suicides that followed people who disagreed with them, going back to when he was Governor.

I was ready to vote independent or even for the GOP. Then, miraculously - a black dude from Chicago with hardly any political career to speak of... Suddenly surged passed Hilary for the nod - despite Clinton being incredulously ahead in the polls.

That was when I realized the Democrat Party was a party of whatever it takes to win for us - and not whatever it takes to win for them.

I generally agree with you and enjoyed your personnel account of moving to the "political dark side". I would argue, however, that the darkest of political sides is center. We argue against both based on core believes/values and are completely accepted by neither. If we had a robust middle ground, those at the fringes of the Right and the Left would be grossly outnumbered... all it takes is a vote for Independent!

Well... all it really takes is an Independent candidate that doesn't put their foot in their mouth during the run up for an election... but my point still stands.

Upvote for you, by the way.

Thanks. The centrists have essentially been removed from effective power on both the Left and the Right. This is not healthy for any nation. There are sound reasons for this having happened. I don't think things can be made better at this point.

This is where you find the party you agree most with and try to start a movement to improve it/move it toward the middle from the fringes

Already on it! Hahaha.

Alright lol

So, my question is, why do you still identify as a democrat? What belief of theirs is more important than the current issues they have? Honest question, not trying to pressure you to fully switch.

I think gay marriage rights should be a thing, I think welfare should be a thing - but needs reformed. I'm for legalization of smoking stuff. I believe in a separation of church and state and keep my religious beliefs out of my political choices. I'm for healthcare for those who can't afford it - but not by mandates. I am for public education and funding it - but I also think the various changes to curriculum are ridiculous.

But when it comes to matter of financial issues and economic decisions - I'd rather have Republicans running items like that.

Like - in a perfect government situation, democrats would handle the social issues because they tend to pretend to care more about them - but Republicans would handle how that gets paid for.

Interesting. At this point, it seems the republican party as a whole has moved toward legalization of gay marriage but draw the line at the government and schools pushing transgenderism. Do you support that or also draw the line there?

I think those topics aren't fake topics - but don't belong in public K-12 schooling. It's against basic biology and represents such a minimal amount of global population.

Okay. What type of reformations do you think the welfare system needs?

EmporerCzar_Elect_JR0 ups, <1h
I think when you sign up for welfare - an inventory of life situations with kids should come into play. From there - you get one more kids worth of benefit. Further kids will not award additional money like it does now - because the welfare system is literally a job for people abusing the system. Next I would change items to where welfare comes with required online education that moves the person to get a degree to make themselves more hirable - while on welfare. Then when a degree is obtained - assistance with job finding and such.

With exceptions of course for the disabled mentally or physically that cannot work. This would transform the welfare system into a self improvement system - also make a temporary measure instead of a lifestyle.

Interesting concept

Thanks

Good question !