Asherman wrote:Teenyb,
Of course, it is absurd to expect that anyone knows everything about everyone within a general class. When I say that not every Republican or conservative fits the stereotype endlessly peddled by the Left, here and elsewhere, I don't need to know and cite everything about every Republican, or conservative. My case is proven if even one republican and/or conservative doesn't fit the image drawn by the Left.
I know personally many Republicans who aren't wealthy by any standard. There is no "wealth" prerequisite for being a Republican, or supporting the GOP. Eisenhower wasn't wealth, he was in regular attendance at a mainstream church, but wasn't particularly religious. I'm both conservative and Republican, and I'm a devout Buddhist. To abhor radical change based upon its appeal to the emotions, doesn't make one a monster. The Federalism of the Founders was and remains the soundest foundations for individual liberty, and support for the government designed by the Constitution and those first Presidents, is the touchstone for the GOP and conservatives in general. This nation was founded on the rock of individual freedom, and that entails risk of failure that government tinkers with at our peril.
Who supports the GOP and gives it the strength that the Left finds so disturbing? Republican strength lies not in the extreme wealth of a few, but in its political philosophy that appeals to middle-America. Americans believe in fair play, in equal justice, in the freedom of religion, and in a government that secures the individual without stangeling him in regulations and taxes from Washington. American's prize individual initiative, and admire the rugged individualist strong enough to stand in the tempest's blast. Americans love their country, and are unwilling to be cowed or dictated to by others. Americans when roused from their preference for peace, will fight endlessly until the threat has been defeated. Those who support the GOP's political philosophy are mechanics and farmers, small business owners and entrepreneurs, they are members of charismatic Christian churches and atheists. Republicans belong to the local Chambers of Commerce, they are your barber and your kid's soccer coach. They live in Kansas and Oklahoma, Texans and Hawaiians are Republicans. Some Republicans own stocks and bonds, and others struggle along on a meager Social Security check earned from a long life of labor. Not all of those who live in New York, or Los Angeles are from the radical wing of the Democratic Party. Not all university professors prefer Marxism to Capitalism. Many of our sons and daughters in the military fighting against tyranny and the supporters of terrorism are Republicans.
Can I give you each of their names? Do we have access to their IRS records? Can we look into the hearts of each religious person and read there a person's "dark secrets"? No, to all of those silly questions.
You seem to believe that I object to Obama, presumably because of his race. Again, you are stereotyping. Hey, nominate Collin Powell and I'll vote for him in a heartbeat. Whoops, Powell is a Republican isn't he? My wife and I were early supporters of Civil Rights, long before Mr. Obama was even born. We've supported and voted for Blacks and other minorities often over the past 40 years, or so. Our family is "inter-racial" from many ethnic backgrounds. So far as I know, no one in our family has ever attended any organization that preached hatred and racial prejudice... not even once, much less for twenty years.
Me, I'm a 67 year old civil service retiree, a Buddhist who served in the U.S. military back during the Eisenhower administration. I voted a straight Democratic ticket until that meant supporting LBJ's Vietnam War. I was one of those idealists who for a time believed that only Love and pacifism could transform the world into a better place. Like many young people, I was mistaken and it took quite some time to see the foolishness and dangers of working to build Utopia. Only after the political disaster of the Carter administration, did I change my registration to the GOP to the consternation of several family members. I have more than my share of university degrees and education. I worked for many years within a large municipal police department and thereafter in local California politics. I've never run for public office and have never been tempted to do so.
I'm about as far from the KKK as can be imagined. Your own racial prejudice, however, is showing when you so quickly assert that the only reason anyone would question a candidate's patriotism, religion, or associations must be prompted by racial prejudice. I suppose if we questioned Hillary Clinton's suitability for the Presidency, that would be a sign of gender chauvinism, right? So is Obama anti-feminist? How is it acceptable for the Left to question John McCain's patriotism, age, and religious endorsements, but not the other way around? If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen, a Democratic machine politician said that, and Truman may well have been the best President the nation has had in the past 50 years.
I asked you a series of questions and not one, have you answered. I never mentioned his race, you did. 67?, I'm right on your heels anytime I have a Viet-Nam Vet for a husband. See, I'm Roman Catholic, by birth, female, but I'm Black, too! You've thrown everything but the kitchen sink, just like Hillary, so one more time:
You said:
Not all Republicans are right-wing religious fanatics, or wealthy "neo-con", who are wealthy oil plutocrats.
Is that a "personal" opinion? Can you verify that they are not and NAME your source? Do you know where they worship or if they worship, at all?
Do you see their 1040's every year and where they obtain thier wealth?
How many of them have served in the armed forces and if not, why not?
Who contributes to their campaigns? Are they "grass roots" donations or from the powerful lobbyists? Why are televangelists supporting Republicans and not Democrats? What's your party affiliation? Are you registered to vote? Do you work for a living or own your own business? Are you oil connected? Are you a "redneck" or a corporate person?
Are you homeowner or a slumlord? Do you practice what you preach?
Do you think Blacks have had enough civil rights? Do you consider them Americans?
All of the above is addressed JUST to you, since you question the patriotism, religion, associations, of the first serious Black Candidate, for the office of the United States President.
Better still, since you hate the very thought of Mr. Obama, running for the office, tell me what's so GOOD about McCain! My husband has served this country longer than Mc Cain, 4 years, US Navy, 1 tour of Viet-Nam and 22 in the Army National Guard. We have both voted for whites in every election since 1964 and have the opportunity, we hope, to vote for someone who looks like us, for a change, is qualified, a husband, father, son and brother to his sister, who isn't black! Different fathers! So just what do you want? You've already "crucified him"!
Better still, are you a member of the KKK? You can dish it, but you sure can't take it but brand a Black man whatever suits YOU! Get over yourself!
