Ken, I saw on a thread that you said you are a registered Democrat. I am very interested by the amount of Democrats (especially in southern rural areas like this one) who are registered that way, but hardly ever vote for national Democrats (in fact, I wrote a paper on the subject when I took an independent study course at school). I interviewed some Democrats such as yourself, and I would like to ask you the same questions that I asked them.

1)How long have you been a Democrat?
2)Why did you register as a Democrat?
3)Do you consider yourself conservative, moderate, or liberal?
4)Did you once consider yourself another ideology from the one you consider yourself now?
5)When did you start to vote against national Democrats?
6)Why do you vote against national Democrats?

I would like to see what you have to say and see how it compares with the other 8 gentlemen I interviewed for my paper.

Originally posted by rraley
1)How long have you been a Democrat?
2)Why did you register as a Democrat?
3)Do you consider yourself conservative, moderate, or liberal?
4)Did you once consider yourself another ideology from the one you consider yourself now?
5)When did you start to vote against national Democrats?
6)Why do you vote against national Democrats?

I would like to see what you have to say and see how it compares with the other 8 gentlemen I interviewed for my paper.
I've been a Democrat for 18 years now. Was initially an Independent while in the military and not in the state, switched to partake in primaries. I'm about as middle of the road as you can get and have always been that way. To date I have never voted for a Democratic Presidential candidate, for Congressional candidates, to my recollection, have always been Democrats.

My philosophy might be skewed to some peoples thinking but I want a President that looks out for the interest of the nation and other representatives to look out for the people's interest. I don't want my President to be worrying about how other nation's think or feel about us when contemplating our needs and protection.

Originally posted by Ken King
I've been a Democrat for 18 years now. Was initially an Independent while in the military and not in the state, switched to partake in primaries. I'm about as middle of the road as you can get and have always been that way.

Where are you from, Ken, if you mind me asking? The primary answer though is quite normal. Of the eight that I spoke with earlier, they stated that they were Democrats for the same reason because long time ago when everyone here was a Democrat, the winner of that primary was the person who usually got the office.

Now I think that you are very thoughtful and have very intelligent standpoints on the issues, but could you explain to me how you are middle of the road (while you don't have harsh, conservative rhetoric and you don't take extremist views on issues, I just haven't seen you take too many liberal stands)?

As for your reason for voting against Democratic presidential candidates, I've never heard that one before. When I spoke with the other gentlemen, they mostly cited abortion (the biggest reason) with taxes a close second. -

Originally posted by rraley
Where are you from, Ken, if you mind me asking? The primary answer though is quite normal. Of the eight that I spoke with earlier, they stated that they were Democrats for the same reason because long time ago when everyone here was a Democrat, the winner of that primary was the person who usually got the office.

Now I think that you are very thoughtful and have very intelligent standpoints on the issues, but could you explain to me how you are middle of the road (while you don't have harsh, conservative rhetoric and you don't take extremist views on issues, I just haven't seen you take too many liberal stands)?

As for your reason for voting against Democratic presidential candidates, I've never heard that one before. When I spoke with the other gentlemen, they mostly cited abortion (the biggest reason) with taxes a close second. -
Well I’m from my Mom and Dad, of course. I was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital, spent most of my youth in St. Mary’s County, Maryland (less then 4 years out of state due to dad’s assignments in the Navy). I did a little over 12 years active duty Air Force and then returned to Maryland where I have been since returning in 1986.

I am pro-choice, think that there is a need for certain social programs when a need exists, and have been a loyal union member for 14 years including being on the Executive Board of AFGE Local 1603 for a period of about 5 years. If you haven’t noticed I support same-sex marriages and all forms of equality for our citizens. I am also pro-defense, I think the government at times is too intrusive, and that many people using our social systems are abusing them and could support themselves if they got off their butts. These are only a few I know but I don’t set my standing on any specific issue because of a party doctrine, I decide for myself.

Originally posted by Ken King
I am pro-choice, think that there is a need for certain social programs when a need exists, and have been a loyal union member for 14 years including being on the Executive Board of AFGE Local 1603 for a period of about 5 years. If you haven’t noticed I support same-sex marriages and all forms of equality for our citizens. I am also pro-defense, I think the government at times is too intrusive, and that many people using our social systems are abusing them and could support themselves if they got off their butts. These are only a few I know but I don’t set my standing on any specific issue because of a party doctrine, I decide for myself.

That is definitely the profile of a middle of the roader. I forgot about the gay marriage stance of yours (which is more liberal than mine). Thanks for answering my questions.

Originally posted by rraley
That is definitely the profile of a middle of the roader. I forgot about the gay marriage stance of yours (which is more liberal than mine). Thanks for answering my questions. Believe it or not I believe the same things.

Originally posted by rraley
That is definitely the profile of a middle of the roader. I forgot about the gay marriage stance of yours (which is more liberal than mine). Thanks for answering my questions.
Okay, how about you? What is your story?

I tend to think of myself as conservative, but more liberal on civil rights and environmental issues. That being said... I'm against gay marriage but all for legal domestic partnerships. :wink:

I guess you could say I'm middle of the road or perhaps just barely right of center.

Originally posted by sleuth
That being said... I'm against gay marriage but all for legal domestic partnerships. :wink:
What is the difference, other then what it would be called?

Very good thread... :)

Originally posted by Ken King
What is the difference, other then what it would be called?



Marriage is a Sacrement.
Civil Unions are secular partnerships.


:shrug:

Originally posted by Ken King
What is the difference, other then what it would be called?

I view marriage as a religious institution to be performed by the church, not a legal one.

I also think the government should get out of the business of marriage licenses and only issue domestic partnership licenses for taxes, benefits, etc. Then, if the church wants to recognize a domestic partnership as a marriage, it's up to them.

To me, that would uphold the sanctity of "marriage", from my religious (Christian) viewpoint.

That said, I recognize that churches would spring up overnight to perform marriage ceremonies between gays and lesbians. That's fine with me, because my church doesn't have to recognize it. :ohwell:

Well, I am only 17 years old, but I have loved politics ever since I was as young as five (of course at that time I just repeated whatever mom and dad said). After years of history and politics reading (I read all my sisters' AP government books from high school when I was in the 5th grade), I have come to my own opinions that are between my parents (dad's a conservative, yellow dog Democrat while mom is more liberal, even though she voted for Reagan in 84 and Bush in 88). My political philosophy is based on listening to the other side,compromising when needed, and the belief that the average family like mine deserves help from the government when needed.

As for my political philosophy, you can be the judge. I support environmental policies that protect our natural resources and ensure that the next generation gets to see them. I support a Health Care policy that makes it easier for middle class families to afford insurance (I oppose tort reform because I do not believe that it works and because I believe that it infringes upon the people's right to take out lawsuits). I support more federal funding for education so that we can have updated schools, higher teacher salaries, more textbooks, more upper-level courses, and more after-school programs to keep at-risk children off the streets and in the classroom (I oppose vouchers). I support Affirmative Action programs in college admissions because I value diversity in race, experience, and geographical location. I support welfare reform that offers a safety net, not a lifestyle and one that is fair to people that honestly need help.

I oppose gay marriage, but support civil unions. I oppose most gun control regulations (believe that the waiting period for a gun should be cut down and that the assualt weapon ban should be reworked so that hunters' rights are not infringed upon). I support a Balanced Budget Amendment and believe that BOTH tax cuts and spending increases should be balanced out. I support the death penalty for the worst criminals and mandatory minimums for drug prossession while also beliving that drug policy should focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. I support interventionist multilateralism.

That's my stand on most of the issues...tell me what you think I am. I think it's pretty down the middle.

Originally posted by sleuth
I view marriage as a religious institution to be performed by the church, not a legal one.

I also think the government should get out of the business of marriage licenses and only issue domestic partnership licenses for taxes, benefits, etc. Then, if the church wants to recognize a domestic partnership as a marriage, it's up to them.

To me, that would uphold the sanctity of "marriage", from my religious (Christian) viewpoint.

That said, I recognize that churches would spring up overnight to perform marriage ceremonies between gays and lesbians. :ohwell: :yeahthat: :yeahthat: :yeahthat:

Originally posted by rraley
(dad's a conservative, yellow dog Democrat while mom is more liberal, even though she voted for Reagan in 84 and Bush in 88) What means this?

Originally posted by rraley
Well, I am only 17 years old, but I have loved politics ever since I was as young as five (of course at that time I just repeated whatever mom and dad said). After years of history and politics reading (I read all my sisters' AP government books from high school when I was in the 5th grade), I have come to my own opinions that are between my parents (dad's a conservative, yellow dog Democrat while mom is more liberal, even though she voted for Reagan in 84 and Bush in 88). My political philosophy is based on listening to the other side,compromising when needed, and the belief that the average family like mine deserves help from the government when needed.

As for my political philosophy, you can be the judge. I support environmental policies that protect our natural resources and ensure that the next generation gets to see them. I support a Health Care policy that makes it easier for middle class families to afford insurance (I oppose tort reform because I do not believe that it works and because I believe that it infringes upon the people's right to take out lawsuits). I support more federal funding for education so that we can have updated schools, higher teacher salaries, more textbooks, more upper-level courses, and more after-school programs to keep at-risk children off the streets and in the classroom (I oppose vouchers). I support Affirmative Action programs in college admissions because I value diversity in race, experience, and geographical location. I support welfare reform that offers a safety net, not a lifestyle and one that is fair to people that honestly need help.

I oppose gay marriage, but support civil unions. I oppose most gun control regulations (believe that the waiting period for a gun should be cut down and that the assualt weapon ban should be reworked so that hunters' rights are not infringed upon). I support a Balanced Budget Amendment and believe that BOTH tax cuts and spending increases should be balanced out. I support the death penalty for the worst criminals and mandatory minimums for drug prossession while also beliving that drug policy should focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. I support interventionist multilateralism.

That's my stand on most of the issues...tell me what you think I am. I think it's pretty down the middle.
I would say that you are just a little left of center but by no means out on the fringe. Thanks for the input.

Originally posted by Ken King
I would say that you are just a little left of center but by no means out on the fringe. Thanks for the input.

Of course, I am a Democrat after all :wink:

Originally posted by sleuth
I view marriage as a religious institution to be performed by the church, not a legal one.

I also think the government should get out of the business of marriage licenses and only issue domestic partnership licenses for taxes, benefits, etc. Then, if the church wants to recognize a domestic partnership as a marriage, it's up to them.

To me, that would uphold the sanctity of "marriage", from my religious (Christian) viewpoint.

That said, I recognize that churches would spring up overnight to perform marriage ceremonies between gays and lesbians. That's fine with me, because my church doesn't have to recognize it. :ohwell:
Okay, I can understand and accept that. I guess that my view is that since the states have been in the business of issuing the licenses (whether endorsed by a religious figure or a magistrate) that the term has lost any true religious meaning for me. Probably also has to do with my disillusionment with the churches as a whole. The vows that my wife and I exchanged before God, as we know him, were administered by a non-denominational minister upon Catholic Church property in front of 500+ heathens during a philanthropic fundraising event for the benefit of local charities.

You seem to be someone that has his head screwed on right. , I may not believe in all the things that you go for, but I applaud your intrest in the political process. I wish there were more like you on both sides of the aisle, it would make a better nation.

Well this thread was dedicated to Ken but I will chime in also.

I was a registered democrat in WV and when I moved to Maryland I declined to affiliate with a political party. My dad was a democrat his whole life and I agreeded with his views. In WV the democratic party atleast makes the guise of being for the working man instead of 1000's of special interest groups. My dad is also very pro union (worked for Sweeny of the AFLCIO at one point) and I am also pro union, except when they get involved in politics.

In my first election I voted for Bill Clinton. NAFTA came along and I decided that Bill Clinton wasn't who I was going to vote for in the next election. My first year of college was also 1992 and that is where I saw the true definition of "Liberal" and decided those nut jobs were not for me. I saw the religious nutjobs in the republican party and decided that its not for me either.

Too bad that there is no "central" party that uses common sense instead of trying to cater to a group of people.

Well,
Looking at environment...That is the only place I lean to the middle.

All the rest is over on the fringe right.
*I hate the Bureaucracy that has erupted on the Federal level since Lincoln (AP question 2003)
*I want to slam our borders shut , fine all illegal aliens for every dollar they've made and boot them out.
*I want to slash AIDs research down to $3.00/year.
*I want hospitals, Doctors, and insurance companies to take a big step back off the pursuit of $$$ and start treating people decently.
*Gays ought to be exported to the Dry Tortugas Islands and they can have as many unions, marriages, partnerships they want before they die of disease or thirst.
*Public schools are an enormous waste of $$ with only a mediocre, tepid outcome. Homeschooling and private schools are the way to go.
*We seem to have forgotten laws on decency, immorality, pornography, speeding, etc.
*Our Federal circuit courts have drifted into insanity: Totally devoid of morality, logic, and a sense of history. The whole thing needs a shake-up.
*We should return to public executions and stop these appeals that last into a decade or more.
*Anyone who passes a security test, and a handgun course ought to be able to carry heat.
*Welfare is to be replaced with public works projects.
*Abortion outlawed except for the threat to the mother's health.
NO SELECTIVE REDUCTION!
*Anyone who can't pass a ninth grade citizenship test can't vote.
*Flat Tax at 12% for the whole nation...no more income tax.
*10 Commandments in every court room.
*There is no such thing as Kwaanza.
*Cap on all lawsuits.
*Internet remains free & untaxed forever.
*Those who believe in Allah and the eventual collapse of America to the rule of Allah: immediate exportation. (praise be to the most merciful).
*Work camps for those who drop out of High School.
*All Civil War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and F&I war sites preserved from development....the work-camp kids will maintain them.
*Quota of luxury/speed/Jet ski sales established...or flat tax of 20% applied.
*Slash imports from China,...encourage trade of same items with free countries closer to us.
*Nuke North Korea on any whim whatsoever.
*30 days notice to Iran to surrender all its nuclear toys or we play target practice at NORAD.
*Mine Coal, Drill ANWAR. Build NUKE plants.
*Affirmative action is pure discrimination...immediate end to it.

and that wraps it up for now...I will think of more position papers I want implemented soon.

Originally posted by grandpa
You seem to be someone that has his head screwed on right. , I may not believe in all the things that you go for, but I applaud your intrest in the political process. I wish there were more like you on both sides of the aisle, it would make a better nation.

Thank you very much sir; comments like that are always appreciated.

Originally posted by Hessian
Well,
Looking at environment...That is the only place I lean to the middle.

All the rest is over on the fringe right.
*I hate the Bureaucracy that has erupted on the Federal level since Lincoln (AP question 2003)
*I want to slam our borders shut , fine all illegal aliens for every dollar they've made and boot them out.
*I want to slash AIDs research down to $3.00/year.
*I want hospitals, Doctors, and insurance companies to take a big step back off the pursuit of $$$ and start treating people decently.
*Gays ought to be exported to the Dry Tortugas Islands and they can have as many unions, marriages, partnerships they want before they die of disease or thirst.
*Public schools are an enormous waste of $$ with only a mediocre, tepid outcome. Homeschooling and private schools are the way to go.
*We seem to have forgotten laws on decency, immorality, pornography, speeding, etc.
*Our Federal circuit courts have drifted into insanity: Totally devoid of morality, logic, and a sense of history. The whole thing needs a shake-up.
*We should return to public executions and stop these appeals that last into a decade or more.
*Anyone who passes a security test, and a handgun course ought to be able to carry heat.
*Welfare is to be replaced with public works projects.
*Abortion outlawed except for the threat to the mother's health.
NO SELECTIVE REDUCTION!
*Anyone who can't pass a ninth grade citizenship test can't vote.
*Flat Tax at 12% for the whole nation...no more income tax.
*10 Commandments in every court room.
*There is no such thing as Kwaanza.
*Cap on all lawsuits.
*Internet remains free & untaxed forever.
*Those who believe in Allah and the eventual collapse of America to the rule of Allah: immediate exportation. (praise be to the most merciful).
*Work camps for those who drop out of High School.
*All Civil War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and F&I war sites preserved from development....the work-camp kids will maintain them.
*Quota of luxury/speed/Jet ski sales established...or flat tax of 20% applied.
*Slash imports from China,...encourage trade of same items with free countries closer to us.
*Nuke North Korea on any whim whatsoever.
*30 days notice to Iran to surrender all its nuclear toys or we play target practice at NORAD.
*Mine Coal, Drill ANWAR. Build NUKE plants.
*Affirmative action is pure discrimination...immediate end to it.

and that wraps it up for now...I will think of more position papers I want implemented soon.

:yeahthat: ...and a few more I believe in...

*no reparations payed out to blacks because of slavery that happened 150 years ago. You weren't a slave, you get no money.

*revoke all restrictive gun laws that prevent law-abiding citizens from owning any type a gun.

*All citizens should have the right to shoot-to-kill anyone who invades their home committing an illegal act. No more lawsuits "protecting the rights" of criminals. They're criminals - they have no rights.

*only people who actually were born in Africa should get to be called "African-Americans" - the rest of us are just plain white/black/hispanic/oriental/etc...

*federal judges should be removed from the bench & disbarred when they legislate from the bench.

Voter 2002...are you sure you line up with those posted positions? I find that I am so far off the "Norm" I might as well be with the Weavers up in Idaho!

Hessian, I agree with ~30% of that as-is, ~60% of it toned down a bit, and disagree with a few of those points.

Yeah, I lean right, but I wouldn't consider myself to be fringe. I'm pretty close to the middle or even the left on a few things.