When are we all .....

[jefflrrp]

going to start working together to kick corporate ass(es)? I apologize if you all think Im rambling, but I wanted to gauge peoples' responses to this.

Allow me to explain. I am a political moderate. I am economically conservative, but generally Im socially liberal. I am for relatively limited government (to the extent that our modern world allows). I am very much against any politician who supports the Patriot Act. I can't stand the war in Iraq. I believe the only gun control anybody needs is a steady trigger finger. I am pro gay marriage. I am for real healthcare reform (not the crappy pro-corporate shill of a bill being passed). I am all for ridding the military of DADT. And Im wavering on the death penalty (I used to be pro, but now Im not sure).

I frequently visit another internet forum that for all intents and purposes, many of you would label a "teabagger," "libertarian" or "nutjob" website. I agree with some of the ideas and beliefs posted on that website, just as I believe in some of the ideas and beliefs people on this website propagate as well.

Now I come to my main point. Many, if not all of the people on the other forum I frequent (ie the teabagger forum) also can't stand the Patriot Act, George W. Bush, the war in Iraq, they believe gays should be allowed to serve openly in the military, so on and so forth. So many of their beliefs and positions correspond with people on Democratic Underground, its scary. I think the biggest difference the "nutjobs" on the other forum have are that they see this HCR bill as more (unneccessary) intrusion of the government into our daily lives, just like the Patriot Act is. Many would be open to tighter regulation of the Health insurance industry and reforms of things like denial for prexisting conditions. Why, if so many on "the other side" agree with the beliefs we share here, do we fight each other so much? Yes, many in the "Tea Party" are hateful, spiteful people. But many more aren't. They are just as worried about their job, the economy, their country and their neighbors as people on this forum are. They see the ideals that founded this nation in a state of constant erosion due to political infighting, power grabbing, giveaways to corporations and selfish tendencies.

When I see people on this forum discount, dismiss or make disparaging comments about conservatives/Republicans or people who oppose the current Democratic agenda, I value their opinion about as much as I do those on the other forum that label Obama a socialist or communist. That is to say, I ignore them.

Yes, some issues people feel very strongly about, some are liberal, some are conservative. But when are we all on both sides of the political spectrum going to work together to eliminate the corporate stranglehold on our economy, our political process, and our nation? Both sides can generally see eye to eye. Both see that years of political ineptitude, fear-mongering and pro-corporate giveaways has shredded our Constitution and national ideals.

All Im asking for is that the line be crossed, on both sides. Things are seldom black and white. Most are a varying shade of gray. If everybody attempted to learn the other side's position, understand and respect it, than our nation would be a better place.

Does anybody understand what Im trying to say??

[leftstreet]

1. K&R

They are just as worried about their job, the economy, their country and their neighbors as people on this forum are. They see the ideals that founded this nation in a state of constant erosion due to political infighting, power grabbing, giveaways to corporations and selfish tendencies.

:applause:


Welcome to DU!

[gateley]

2. Yes, and we do agree on some issues, but we part ways when they start with

the racist and homophobic filth. We don't need to see a birth certificate, we trust our President.

[kenny blankenship]

3. when will we kick corporate ass? A fair question...

Let me run that by the bank lobby, most of which works in the Treasury now, the insurance lobby, the oil + gas lobby, the coal lobby, the pharmaceutical lobby, the hospital lobby, the retailer association lobby, the defense contractor lobby, and I'll get right back to you.

[Dappleganger]

4. I'm married to a conservative who's asking a lot of questions

keeping the conversation going is important but if won't work if one party decides to stop listening. So read through as many threads as you can and ask questions. I'm a registered independent because my views tend to be all over the place, but for the most part I'm more comfortable (and challenged) in this tent than the republican side. What killed it for me on their side was the constant hypocrisy, not solving real problems for hurting American families, persistent and unnecessary wars and capitalism run amok.

Welcome to DU. :)