tylercoates:

I’ve always considered myself a Democrat, even in the last few years when I’ve had a “no arguing about politics, especially on the Internet” philosophy. I spent a lot of time in high school arguing politics and religion with people, and by the time I got to college and made friends with people who weren’t Southern Baptists, I realized that you can’t argue those things effectively, because, generally, no one is going to change their minds, especially about gun control, abortion, or evolution.

I grew up in Virginia, a so-called Red State. Of course, that’s a ridiculous classification, because while we did go for Bush in the past two elections, we also elected two Democratic governors and one Democratic senator. This Red State / Blue State nonsense is pretty fucking condescending, because it’s propagating stereotypes that middle-Americans are uneducated, poor white trash.

It’s certainly disheartening that the Republican party has figured out how to win over the hearts and minds of the people who benefit the least from its agenda. How have they done that? By telling people that the Democrats are going to take away their guns, kill babies, and destroy the fundamentals of marriage by letting gay guys get hitched. Of course, the Democrats run campaigns based on the idea that the Republicans are going to reverse Roe v. Wade and hand out guns at the polls, both of which are ridiculous ideas.

What frustrates me about the party with which I align myself is how it bases its platform on compassion and dignity, an idea that everyone should respect other people, despite their different beliefs. Well, frankly, we don’t do that. Most Democrats would watch Jesus Camp, for example, and think it’s a “terrifying” film. I didn’t. You know what I think is scarier? Fundamentalists with bombs. I mean, Southern Baptists can be crazy sometimes, but they don’t blow up people. (Granted, not in the last few decades.)

Most of the big-city liberals I’ve met are so unaware of their own racism and class-ism. There are so many double-standards in both parties. For every ignorant Republican who uses “ghetto” in an offensive manner, there’s a Democrat using “white trash” and “redneck”. It may not have the same racial punch, but there’s a class issue that goes unaddressed. It doesn’t mean it’s not still derogatory.

I agree!! There are significant problems on both sides. I’ve been pissed lately by the media and some fringe dems’ (on the web and tumblr too) sexism toward Sarah Palin. Attack her all you want for legitimate issues or her record. But not on how attractive she is, her mothering skills, or whether a mother of 5 (including a disabled infant) should be running for VP. Likewise, criticism of Obama’s candidacy should have nothing to do with race. I am pleased to see that Obama and his campaign are not following suite on attacking Gov. Palin with regard to her gender or her family. I respect him very much for that. I wish that others would follow his example.