Have I failed the Secret Liberal Test? Should I become a Republican now?

[IdaBriggs]

I have been receiving "the ultimate insult" several times this week for some of my more "controversial" views (at least according to some members of this forum). That insult can best be summed up as follows:

"YOU SOUND JUST LIKE A (gasp!) REPUBLICAN!"

Boil me in oil, folks, I'm not just a pretty face -- I have a brain in my head, and I use it. I don't agree with everything everybody else posts on this board, and I'm probably not going to start doing it soon. I'm a LIBERAL, and I still think some of the people on this board can best be described as WHACK JOB MORONS.

I am confident that a few of them feel comfortable describing me that way, too!

I'm Pro-Life AND Pro-Choice which I consider to be one and the same. I want abortion to be safe, legal, and RARE. I like the word RARE. I want birth control easily available for everyone who wants it, economic conditions for all people to be favorable to welcoming a child into the world, and medical treatment advanced enough that life threatening conditions for mother and child aren't something anyone has to deal with. In my perfect fantasy world all of those things would come together, but carrying or terminating a pregnancy would still be a PRIVATE decision that I don't need to be involved in. In the meantime (until my perfect fantasy world comes along), I'll settle for "safe" and "legal" with the implied "available" for good measure!

I'm Pro-Gay Marriage, not just because I believe in equal rights for everyone (which I consider to be common freaking sense), but also because I think it would be good for the economy. I'm very "pro-small business" and the wedding industry would *LOVE* the cash infusion that comes from 15% more people joining the rest of us in wedded bliss. Plus, if Gay Couples get divorced in the same percentages as Straight Couples, that is more money pumped into the economy via other small businesses (aka, the Divorce Attorney). No, its not romantic, but I think its honest.

I'm Pro-Education. I don't care what color your children are, what sex your children are, what religion your children belong to -- I want them to know how to THINK, and I want them to have not just the "basics," but also the "bells and whistles" that come with not just a GOOD education, but a GREAT one. I'll pay my taxes without a murmur and buy overpriced popcorn from my nieces and nephews when those magic words are used: "Its for the schools." But I'll also watch like a hawk to make sure the funds aren't going for three martini lunches for the school board, if you know what I mean.

I'm Pro-"Big Government". I like police officers, firemen, teachers, meat inspectors, postal delivery people, and the nice ladies down at the Secretary of State. They are public servants, and I think they deserve to be paid a good wage. I even like the nice men at the side of the road who labor to make sure my streets are in good repair, even when I gnash my teeth at the inevitable traffic delays caused by construction.

I'm Pro-Environment. I like clean air, clean water, and the idea of my family not getting cancer because of toxic dumping. I love our national park system, as well as the rangers who take care of it. I like wildlife, too, and believe in reasonable accommodations for people to coexist with it.

I'm Pro-Religious Privacy, Pro-Open Government, Pro-Soldier (Anti-War), Pro-Checks & Balances (Judicial, Legal and Corporate!), Pro-Election Transparency, and Pro-Charity. I won't claim to "bleed Blue" but my passionate hatred of the current administration and the lackeys who have let it DESTROY my country will probably make me refuse to vote for a Republican EVER AGAIN (unless the Democrats start behaving like them, in which case I'll kick them to the curb, too).

So what could make such a Staunch Liberal subject to the cruel taunts of "YOU REPUBLICAN, YOU?"

Well, I'm Pro-Death Penalty when the rape or murder of children is involved, and I would prefer the deaths be long and painful. (I'm not always a nice person -- microwave a baby, for example, and I'll hate you forever; rape a small girl, and I'll wish you dead.) There are probably circumstances where I'd go Pro-Death Penalty for just killing two or three people, too, but children DEFINITELY send me over the edge!

I'm also Pro-Gun Control. (Is that a liberal position this week? I swear I lose track!) I'm okay with folks having guns in their house as long as they behave responsibly, but frankly, I know a lot of idiots who don't have the common sense God gave a flea, and anybody who leaves a loaded weapon anywhere a child can get their hands on it pisses me off pretty quickly. I also have a ridiculous amount of faith in the "cleverness" of children, so I'm comfortable with the idea that if a kid can find where you hide the Christmas presents, they can probably find your loaded handgun. What part of "safety lock" is too hard for folks to understand?

I'm also Pro-Law Enforcement. I have a great deal of respect for people who put their lives on the line for me and mine, and while I know that not all of them are perfect, I believe the vast majority are Good People. Even when my household was being wiretapped (during the 2004 election fraud investigation), I still "had trust" that the folks doing it were doing their best to do their jobs. (I can't tell you how many times jokes were made: "Agent Mike, are you listening? Can you help us out here?")

I'm Anti-Welfare. I don't mind my money going to help out during a bad time, but I'm not interested in folks who want to make "welfare a way of life." (Yes, I've met those people, and have even been related to a few.) I'm in the "teach someone to fish" camp, and then think we should provide (gasp!) resources to help people not just get back on their feet, but STAY THERE. I'm not talking about those who CAN'T work; I'm talking about those who spend their lives learning new ways to take advantage of "the system." At the same time, I want a social safety net for when bad things happen to good people.

I understand why Small Business Owners don't want Smokers working for them, and believe it has more to do with "controlling health insurance costs" than it does with "controlling other people's lives." I'm a practical woman, and I think this is an inevitable result of the rising cost of health care. I don't like the "slippery slope" its leading down, but unless someone comes up with a better system, I believe the "reality" of life is going to trump the "it shouldn't happen" of fantasy. I've got some good ideas on how to fix this problem, but that and a quarter will buy me a gumball!

I'm not impressed with Israel and the way they have treated the Palestinian people. I am also not convinced that every woman in the Middle East is miserably unhappy and waiting for American Freedom to dress like Brittney Spears or Paris Hilton. I'm even Anti-Illegal Drugs (including marijuana) for Minors *and* Anti-Smoking in Public Places. I even like (gasp!) TO MAKE MONEY!!!

I'm an Independent. I think I belong with the Democrats, but you can place your votes -- am I just a wanna be? Am I really a Republican at heart, even if I don't know it?

You decide, DU. I await your verdict.

[depakid]

1. Sounds reasonable enough to me

although I differ with some of your opinions and would be happy to point out the error in your ways, if you would like. :evilgrin:

[sam sarrha]

2. if you fail you're a RepugNut, if you fail 'really' bad you are a Libertarian

[EST]

3. Ya got my vote.

Republicans have turned out to be child molestors and incorrigibly corrupt, astoundingly incompetent managers.
You sure don't sound or seem anything like that.

[On the Road]

4. You, Ida? I Thought You Had Impeccable Credentials

especially after your participation in the New Hampshire recounts.

It seems almost impossible to avoid being labelled a Republican at some point.

[iconoclastic cat]

5. Do you really want us telling you what to think?

That's as bad as asking DUers for medical advice.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. You say you're anti-marijuana smoking for minors.

How about adults?

[IdaBriggs]

10. I think its stupid, but really none of my business. Don't whine if you get

caught, if you think it should be legal then work for it, and if you are in the middle of a custody battle, for heaven's sake, DON'T DO IT!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

12. Dodged the question.

[DRoseDARs]

14. No, I think she's saying that if legalized, only adults since they can smoke and drink...

...she just doesn't think anyone should do drugs anyway even if they're legal.

[IdaBriggs]

18. No, I didn't. I think its stupid. I don't do it. But what other adults do in the

privacy of their own homes is NONE OF MY BUSINESS.

If you get caught, don't whine about it because you *KNOW* its illegal.

If you think it SHOULD BE LEGAL, then work for it.

If you are in the middle of a custody battle where using marijuana could cost you access to your your children, THEN DON'T DO IT BECAUSE YOUR CHILDREN ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD, and they are MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU GETTING RECREATIONALLY HIGH.

Oh, and if a medical professional says you need it, then its medicine, and no big deal, but be aware of the risks associated with using it (and I'm not going to argue them) just like you would with any other medication.

Oh, and DON'T DRIVE WHILE ALTERED. Period.

I also think getting drunk is stupid, if that's any help, and I don't do that, either.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

19. I'll ask again.

Do you think marijuana for adult consumption should be legal or illegal?

[IdaBriggs]

20. Ah -- misunderstood the question!

I'd have to go with legal, with caveats.

Private use only (so other people aren't adversely affected in public places like restaurants). Not to be used around Minors (even in the privacy of the home). Appropriate standards for packaging, marketing, etc. with the same "may cause cancer" warnings that cigarettes folks have to use. Plus a few more safeguards that common sense would require that I'm not thinking of off hand. (A percentage of manufacturer profits, for example, going to address "addiction issues" for that percentage of people who become dependent either physically or psychologically to it.)

But I'd still think people who did it were stupid, and wouldn't allow it in my home, nor would I want to be around it.

[hfojvt]

21. I'm pretty sure there are Democrats on both sides of that issue

if not necessarily progressives. I think she gave a reasonable answer, although I am more on the side of people who "whine" about being oppressed by unreasonable laws and/or societal attitudes.

[Leftisalwaysright]

7. Nope

You don't seem like a Republican to me, though you may be wrong on a couple of issues :)

[DRoseDARs]

8. I know just how you feel IdaBriggs.

Some of my more liberal AND more conservative friends elsewhere online have both laughed at some of the things posted at me here on DU for my views. It's entertaining either way. ;)

[Texasgal]

9. Gee, Ida....

me and you could be sisters!

I have almost the same ideology as you, just slightly different, but not much!

Can we be Freepers together? :P

[IdaBriggs]

22. Sounds great, but be warned that "Troublemaker" thinks I'm a

sociopath! Be afraid! Oooh! Be very afraid! :evilgrin:

[troublemaker]

24. You support torture for people you think deserve it. It speaks for itself.

[IdaBriggs]

26. Who is arguing? I'm okay with killing and torturing child rapists/killers.

Since I sincerely doubt you are qualified to make a judgment on whether or not I am *really* a sociopath, I'm just going to assume that you like to take your name a little too seriously.

But I am curious as to what moniker you think would be best used for those who do the deeds I speak of...? Are they "sociopaths" too?

Blah. It doesn't matter. My opinion isn't going to change, and neither is yours.

[Name removed]

27. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[everythingsxen]

11. That's ok..

I'm an Independent and have been accused of being a Republican more than once.

As an ironic twist, you and I share some views, but are complete opposites on others. I think a fair number of people on DU are reactionaries who will accuse you of being (insert hated item of the moment) for having a differing opinion. Such is life on the interweb.

[MrSlayer]

13. I'm with you on just about everything.

I disagree with the smoking and gun issues and I'm more heavily in favor of the death penalty. I'm also staunchly pro-union which you didn't mention one way or the other. Everything else I agree with.

[tsuki]

15. Why are you waiting for my verdict? I agree to agree or disagree with

you.

[troublemaker]

16. You may not be a republican but you seem to be a sociopath>>>

"Well, I'm Pro-Death Penalty when the rape or murder of children is involved, and I would prefer the deaths be long and painful."

If you think this statement is any cooler than espousing slavery or genocide you have a real problem.

[Dorian Gray]

29. Guess I'm a sociopath right along with you, Ida!!!

Though I don't intend to try to have a slow torturous death legislated for Child rapists and murderes, my desire is to see them suffer as much as their victims.

[IdaBriggs]

32. Thanks, Dorian Gray! I won't spend time getting it legislated, either,

but I certainly won't waste any tears on them -- and if the parents of any of their victims get a chance for some "quality alone time," well, I wouldn't have a problem with the justice system "looking the other way" for a bit.

:toast:

[karlrschneider]

17. A centrist Democrat with a strong authoritarian streak.

Is what I see.

[cali]

23. DUers have many different opinions

certainly what you espouse doesn't make you a republican, though I don't agree with you on all your issues, and I find your statement advocating slow and painful deaths on those you deem the most egregious offenders, a repulsive and frightening sentiment.

[hfojvt]

25. economics in one easy lesson

says you are wrong in your reasoning on gay marriage.

A story they tell has a group of the town's businessmen standing in front of a window that has been broken by a brick. As they are commiserating, one guy point out that now the owner has to spend $500 on a new window, and that will be income for the glassmaker who will then spend that money, perhaps on a new chair, which will be income for the furniture store owner, who will then spend that money and on and on. After thinking about that for a minute, they all go and pick up bricks and go around town smashing windows.

The point is that there is no wealth created this way. The $500 that the first person spends on the new window just means they will not have $500 to spend on a playstation 3 or a Thomas Kinkade painting or a GI Joe with the kung fu grip. Gay marriage is the same way. Money spent on that or on Gay divorce is just money that cannot be spent on other things. It does not create new money. It can, however, like on the Simpsons, transfer money to a town that legalizes Gay marriage.

Legalizing marijuana, otoh, does create social income. One, it would reduce criminal activity and the costs associated with that. Second, it would bring that income and revenue out of the underground economy to the legitimate economy where it would be taxed. It could also be grown locally, thus preventing the transfer of massive amounts of cash to foreign drug suppliers.

[Jack Rabbit]

28. You're definately no Republican

I never thought you were.

But then I'm not a purist, either.

[H2O Man]

30. I always enjoy

reading your contributions to DU.

[zreosumgame]

31. seriously, stop looking for validation from others

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

33. I'm going to lock this.

Do not start a new topic in order to continue a flame war from another discussion thread.

best,
wakemeupwhenitsover
DU Moderator