The Great Moderate Thread!

[BDawg]

Inspired by some of the conversation from Tripleshot's thread, I decided to start a moderate thread where we can discuss how moderates are either even handed, or lack no core beliefs.

I am a registered Republican, but I consider myself moderate. I do, in fact, have "core beliefs."

I believe in a smaller, less invasive government.
I believe that freedom extends until it encroaches on another's freedom.
I believe that welfare should be a helping hand, and not a way of life.
I believe that the decision to have an abortion is a personal decision and should be none of the government's decision.
I am a Christain, but I believe in the complete seperation of church and state.
I believe that our country would be a better place without guns. Since that isn't feasable, I think there should be strict limits on assault rifles.
I believe my tax dollars would be better spent for the treatment of drug offenders and not jailing.
I belive that George W. Bush is a moron led by the religious right, and that Al Gore is a pompous egotist led by the labor unions.
I have voted against Jesse Helms every chance I've gotten.

So, where do I belong with a set of beliefs like this? I constantly feel out of place with the Republican party. It's becoming more and more the party of the ultra right wing, christian conservatives, people I detest.

At the same time, I'm not a big government Democrat either.

 

[BoberFett]

I'm a moderate. Sort of.

 

[Helpless]

You are right about where Senators Jeffords and Chafee are on the political spectrum.



I believe that the decision to have an abortion is a personal decision and should be none of the government's decision.

For this one, I would argue that they had the right to choose...and they choose unprotected sex and choose to forgo responsibility.



I believe that our country would be a better place without guns

I would argue that our country would be better off without the idiots who use guns for crimes....don't blame guns; we don't blame cars.


I have voted against Jesse Helms every chance I've gotten

...wasted vote

 

[GL]

Where do you belong? In Canada Home of the moderates...or at least the country where 97% of the population are not party members.

 

[BDawg]

Canada? I don't want socialized health care!!!



<< For this one, I would argue that they had the right to choose...and they choose unprotected sex and choose to forgo responsibility >>



Maybe they didn't choose unprotected sex. Someone's religion says that life begins at the moment of conception. I don't believe that. Their religion should not be forced on to me.



<< I would argue that our country would be better off without the idiots who use guns for crimes....don't blame guns; we don't blame cars. >>



Exactly. I think the background checks should be *very* strict! At least with a car, you have to take classes for driver's Ed and the pass 2 tests to get the license! It's far easier to get a gun.

 

[Zach]

<<
I believe that the decision to have an abortion is a personal decision and should be none of the government's decision.

For this one, I would argue that they had the right to choose...and they choose unprotected sex and choose to forgo responsibility.
>>


What about the .01% of condom usages that result in pregnancy? Actually, I think it's higher than that, but my point is the same. Just because someone got pregnent doesn't mean that they didn't have protected sex. And then there's the misguided that thought they were..

But, anyway, I'm a Democrat. I guess. I don't know now, I agree with all of BDawg's points. I just feel thatt Democrats are the lesser of two evils, I hold smaller governments to be of lesser importance than gun control and abortion rights.

We need a F'ing third party!!!

 

[Zach]

Actually, now that I think about it, I should have voted Nader. It would at least have said something... about the need for more people running for pres (that aren't so weird).

 

[BDawg]

Being from a state where Bush was sure to win (NC), I should have voted Nader too...or written in McCain.

 

[Helpless]

Yea, Bush sucks...guy has been in office just about 6 months and the world still isn't perfect...damn that Bush. Where's our first self-proclaimed black president when we need him...oh, yea, Harlem.

 

[Zach]

<< Yea, Bush sucks...guy has been in office just about 6 months and the world still isn't perfect...damn that Bush. Where's our first self-proclaimed black president when we need him...oh, yea, Harlem. >>



Either Bush or Gore would probably have been hated, just because of how the election went. Almost looks like a case for a revote. Aside from that, I just don't like Bush. I'd like a president that can speak properly, we do have to have that guy talk to foriegn governments(&quot;dignitaries&quot;? &quot;Polititians&quot;? you know).

My main issue is the parties though.. but I still don't like Bush.

 

[BDawg]

<< Yea, Bush sucks...guy has been in office just about 6 months and the world still isn't perfect...damn that Bush. Where's our first self-proclaimed black president when we need him...oh, yea, Harlem. >>



So where did anyone say that if Gore were president, we'd be living in a gingerbread house on gumdrop lane???

 

[Helpless]

So where did anyone say that if Gore were president, we'd be living in a gingerbread house on gumdrop lane???


...it's writing on the pages of the L.A. Times, N.Y. Times, and Washington Post on a daily basis

 

[crzyc]

<< I would argue that our country would be better off without the idiots who use guns for crimes....don't blame guns; we don't blame cars. >>



cars are vechicles that can be used as weapons. guns are weapons.

 

[RossGr]

I am a conservative in military matters and a religious liberal, figure that one out.

I dislike all polticians and would like to see a presidencial lottery, the selection pool being all registered voters.

 

[Helpless]

Logic can be a weapon, too, so what's your point?

 

[Helpless]

I dislike all polticians and would like to see a presidencial lottery, the selection pool being all registered voters.



Martha Bixby, COME ON DOWN; you are the next president of the United States...might as well quit the day job at the mall, pack up the trailer, as you are heading to Washington to lead the most powerful nation on Earth Ugh, yea, okay.

 

[RossGr]

Look at what we are getting now, there has to be a better way to choose. The lottery could work, I would choose a large pool say draw 1000 names, these people then go to legislation/government school for a few months, From that point it is an ability based selection.

Do you really believe that Bush, Gore or Clinton are the best this country can do?

 

[Helpless]

...these people then go to legislation/government school for a few months


I've been studying gov/econ/public policy for over 7 years now, yet I am not fully qualified to be president...yet

I guess you could call me 'old fashion' since I like to vote for my president, not draw him from a hat Ben &amp; Jerry's did something like that before...had an essay contest to see who would be the new CEO...after losing huge marketshare/money, the brought in a big dog who knew what he was doing...but your lottery idea is funny

 

[Wolfie]

I just thought I would throw my 2 cents in. Why not. Heh?




<< << I would argue that our country would be better off without the idiots who use guns for crimes....don't blame guns; we don't blame cars. >>


I agree with this statement. Why? Because whenever we get behind the wheel we are driving a 2000lbs chunk of steel. And yes it's just as dangerous as a 8oz bullet. It all depends on who is driving that car. Likewise who is pulling the trigger. If anything make ppl take classes to own a weapon. Don't take away our right... A pencil could be used as a weapon too. And we put those into the hands of 4-year-old kids.




<< Do you really believe that Bush, Gore or Clinton are the best this country can do? >>


Of course not. The problem is getting the people that could do a better job into office. Good thing it's not just Bush that does the thinking. We would really be into a lot of trouble.

Wolfie

 

[BDawg]

Speaking of parties, the other thing that ticks me off is the ability to vote a straight ticket. This ability has to be one of the most moronic thing to do. Since when are we electing the party and not the individual?

My ultra conservative, religious right-wing in-laws were furious when Jim Jeffers &quot;defected.&quot; My comment was it didn't matter which party he belongs to as long as he keeps the views and opinions he's always had. If you voted for him because of his party, you're wrong.