No Party to Console me ...
In September 2009, I decided to step away from the political party, which I had been associated with for approximately 40 years. There were a couple reasons for that, which I will try to explain. In the particular party I was involved with, it appeared that if you were not 100 percent in favor of all they said, they assumed you were 100 percent against them. There seemed to be no leeway for differences. I did not announce that I was crossing over to the other party. I stated in an article on Oct. 1, 2009 in The Brazil Times that I would become independent. Not the Independent Party, but independent. I was going to be nonpartisan, on one's own, self-contained, self-sufficient.
As a member of the city council, I often wondered why some thought the council vote had to be 5-0. If I voted different from the others (4-1) wouldn't they still "win?" I was not elected to this office by my fellow council members, I was voted in by registered voters of Ward 3, Precincts' Four and Six. Ward 3 consists of a large area of Brazil; south of National Avenue and west of Forest Avenue to the city limits and in the area north of National and west of Sherman Street. I often asked constituents how they felt about certain things coming up to a council vote. I listened and voted accordingly. The smoking ordinance: Vote it down. The animal ordinance: Most didn't care one way or the other. That's not a voting option (or is it?). Selling beer at the golf course pro shop? Not feasible.
My point is that people need to vote and live according to their individual beliefs. After leaving my former political band wagon, my wife and I attended monthly meetings of the other party. We were indeed welcomed with handshakes and even hugs from those who knew us on a personal level. Never, at any time, did anyone approach us asking why we were there, what our motives were.
Clay County is a Democrat county; always has been. The Republican Party, in my opinion is more of a Christian party. Clay County is known throughout the area as the "meth capital." The Wabash Valley is now "Meth Valley." Drugs and crimes are rampant. Where am I going with this comparison? Liberals versus Conservatives; both judges in Clay County are Democrats, liberals if you will. A liberal, by definition is a bleeding heart, a sentimental fool, a softy and a sympathizer. Republicans are more conservative; once again by definition, alert, careful, controlled, guarded, precautious, safe, watchful, wise and seem more appealing to the Christian morals of society. The old adage of "live and let live" should be over. I believe fewer convicted people would be released if more Republicans were judges.
Let's look a minute at national leaders. Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter were all Christian presidents. All but Carter were Republican. Carter lasted one term. Was he too Christian for America? I think so. Where is America headed now; wars, abortions, welfare classes? The ACLU founding members were followers of Joseph Stalin (http://amerpundit.com/2011/01/05/aclu-founders-fans-stalin/). If the ACLU isn't bleeding hearts, I don't know who is. Our current president is Democrat, openly supporting abortion and opposing parental knowledge of allowing minors to get abortions in other states. Republicans and Democrats contrast a lot!
The Democrat party is stuck in the "good ol' boy" days. Almost every election year, someone decides to use the slogan "It's time for change." OK, what has changed in past years, in a positive aspect? Isn't that what they really mean "Vote for me and see if I can do any better?"
At the time I decided to leave the Democrat party, I was unaware of the discernment that was pulling me away. Now I know.
What this country needs isn't "a good five-cent cigar;" it's a solid ground coalition that supports each other, not just one group.
I know we've all heard the illustration that attending church makes no one more a Christian than standing in a garage makes one a car. Keeping your car properly garaged will ensure it will last longer, have less rust, won't ice up and will start in cold weather. Attending church, well ... figure you it out.
- -- Posted by karenmeister on Fri, Nov 18, 2011, at 10:24 AM
- -- Posted by Conservative Dad on Fri, Nov 18, 2011, at 2:31 PM
- -- Posted by steve47834 on Fri, Nov 18, 2011, at 4:53 PM
- -- Posted by open minded on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 4:42 PM
- -- Posted by steve47834 on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 6:43 PM
- -- Posted by Proud of My Country on Wed, Nov 23, 2011, at 11:35 AM
- -- Posted by steve47834 on Wed, Nov 23, 2011, at 1:50 PM
- -- Posted by open minded on Wed, Nov 23, 2011, at 7:57 PM
- -- Posted by Proud of My Country on Fri, Dec 2, 2011, at 11:16 AM
- -- Posted by Tracy Jones on Mon, Dec 12, 2011, at 10:54 PM
- -- Posted by captnwench on Mon, Dec 19, 2011, at 1:58 PM
- -- Posted by Combat VET on Tue, Mar 6, 2012, at 6:11 PM
- -- Posted by Combat VET on Thu, Jun 14, 2012, at 11:10 PM
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