Republicans and Democrats..two parties or one?

[hari66]

I live in india and have never been to the us. all the news i get about the us is thru the media( mainstream and otherwise). Often, when i listen to american politicians from both parties speak, its difficult to really make out if there is a significant difference the policies and directions of these parties.
the democrats, being in the opposition,are not seen to object strongly against any of the wrong policies of the current administration.if at all any voices are heard, they are subdued as if guilty of being accused of political opportunism or speaking against the " american way of life" if there is sucha way.
Here in India there is a rash of political parties....too many ,in fact, but at least each has its own agenda and constituency, and as coalition politics rules, most of the different sections of the society have their voices heard.

any thoughts?

 

[Yuri]

Yeah, America is a two-party system, which is really only a bit of a step up from a one-party system

What kind of wrong policies are you talking about? Republicans and Democrats are usually the same except for when you call them out on it, heh.

 

[15357]

America sucks in politics. There should be one party that has 70+% of all votes and 10 minor partys that have the rest.

 

[Ikerous]

They're actually both very middle of the road parties, with one just left of center and one just right of center. So they really are quite similar.

If you prefer the extremes you've got libertarians and greens. Then theres the single interest parties for whatever pisses you off.
So all the views are actually represented, its just that not even one minor party can manage to grab 5% of the votes :/

 

[gick]

They're actually both very middle of the road parties, with one just left of center and one just right of center. So they really are quite similar.

In terms of American politics that would be true, but I think in terms of world politics they are both centre-right, with the Republicans slightly more so.

But yeah, IMO American politics is very very unhealthy at the moment - both parties are essentially the same, its impossible for any minor parties to make it into government and worst of all the country seems to be polarised between people labelled as 'Liberals' and 'Conservatives'.

 

[ríomhaire]

America sucks in politics. There should be one party that has 70+% of all votes and 10 minor partys that have the rest.

Christ shut up with your bullshit for 5 minutes. WAS HITLER A NICE PERSON? IS SADDAM HUISSAIN A NICE PERSON? NO AND THEY WEREN'T ****ING COMMUNISTS EITHER!

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

The Democrats are socialists and the Republicans are capitalists (I realize I'm simplifying it hugely but this is so it's easier for them to understand the basic difference.) Foreign policy, somewhat similar. I mean over general recent history too, not just "OMG IRAQ WAR." The Democrats oppose the Iraq War moreso.

The bigger differences are on domestic issues, this is probably why things don't look that different to you, but they are if you live here.

 

[Ikerous]

The Democrats are socialists and the Republicans are capitalists (I realize I'm simplifying it hugely but this is so it's easier for them to understand the basic difference.) Foreign policy, somewhat similar. I mean over general recent history too, not just "OMG IRAQ WAR." The Democrats oppose the Iraq War moreso.

The bigger differences are on domestic issues, this is probably why things don't look that different to you, but they are if you live here.

Good post

 

[hari66]

The bigger differences are on domestic issues, this is probably why things don't look that different to you, but they are if you live here.

ok

 

[Kangy]

America sucks in politics. There should be one party that has 70+% of all votes and 10 minor partys that have the rest.

Are you some kind of moron? How is that democracy?

 

[The Monkey]

The Democrats are socialists and the Republicans are capitalists (I realize I'm simplifying it hugely but this is so it's easier for them to understand the basic difference.) Foreign policy, somewhat similar. I mean over general recent history too, not just "OMG IRAQ WAR." The Democrats oppose the Iraq War moreso.

The bigger differences are on domestic issues, this is probably why things don't look that different to you, but they are if you live here.

As far as I know, but parties are capitalist.

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

Are you some kind of moron? How is that democracy?

Um if it worked out that way it'd still be democracy. Unless it was FORCED that way. Just because a supermajority votes for something doesn't mean it's undemocratic. It's undemocratic when that's the only choice you're allowed to have (EG: Elections in Iraq during Saddam's era when you could only vote for him on penalty of torture/death.. no point in even HAVING elections)

As far as I know, but parties are capitalist.

Democrats propose/support socialist programs, Republicans oppose them and support free market (in general)

 

[pomegranate]

Christ shut up with your bullshit for 5 minutes.

Well said.

 

[gick]

Democrats propose/support socialist programs, Republicans oppose them and support free market (in general)

Just because they have a number of so called 'socialist' policies does not make them socialist. AFAIK, the Republicans support some form of government spending - does that make them Socialists?

Back in the 70s the Labour party allowed businesses to operate. Did that make them capitalists? No it didnt.

In China, you can vote for local councillors. Does that make China a democracy? No, it doesnt. Utilizing an aspect of a particular political ideology does not mean that you are of that ideology.

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

Just because they have a number of so called 'socialist' policies does not make them socialist. AFAIK, the Republicans support some form of government spending - does that make them Socialists?

Back in the 70s the Labour party allowed businesses to operate. Did that make them capitalists? No it didnt.

In China, you can vote for local councillors. Does that make China a democracy? No, it doesnt. Utilizing an aspect of a particular political ideology does not mean that you are of that ideology.

Except their support for 'a number of' (which is actually a LOT of) socialist policies is a giant part of their platform on domestic issues for election.

 

[CptStern]

(EG: Elections in Iraq during Saddam's era when you could only vote for him on penalty of torture/death.. no point in even HAVING elections)

not true ..he was the only one running he didnt need to torture anyone into voting for him ..because there was no one else to vote on

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

not true ..he was the only one running he didnt need to torture anyone into voting for him ..because there was no one else to vote on

Okay let me rephrase. You had to vote for Hussein because attempting to run against him held the penalty of torture/execution.

 

[CptStern]

that's better

 

[Ome_Vince]

Werent "certain republicans" spreading pamflets with texts like "true christians vote for bush" or something?
I remember it being a big deal in the news.

Personally i'm not such a big "fan" of the republicans, but ah well,
I think it would be healthy if the states got more "big parties".

 

[gick]

Except their support for 'a number of' (which is actually a LOT of) socialist policies is a giant part of their platform on domestic issues for election.

I can think of 2 - social security and healthcare (and not all democrats agree with that one). Have they suggested the government take control of industry? Do they want to nationalize Ford, Haliburton, Coke, McDonalds etc?

Many democrats certainly have social leanings, and I agree that the party does as a whole. But they are nowhere near being a Socialist party. Compared to even mainstream Socialist parties in the rest of the world, they are at least centre-right.

 

[Sainku]

Werent "certain republicans" spreading pamflets with texts like "true christians vote for bush" or something?
I remember it being a big deal in the news.

Wouldn't suprise me, members in both parties like to do stupid crap like that around election time. It probably wasn't as big of a deal as the news made it though.

 

[Yuri]

Christ shut up with your bullshit for 5 minutes.

Ugh, yeah.

Numbers, the act is not funny any more. Just shut the hell up...

 

[DeusExMachina]

I've had an idea of making a third party to compete with the Republicans and Democrats. It'd follow everything our founding fathers set forth and suggested the way the country should've been run.

I wanna call it the Patriots party but I fear some right-wing reactionary group might've taken it already.

 

[JNightshade]

Originally Posted by DeusExMachina
I wanna call it the Patriots party but I fear some right-wing reactionary group might've taken it already.

It's called "Metal Gear Solid"

Anyway, I dislike American politics. All the parties that are willing to do anything remotely different are marginalized a thousandfold.

But Rakurai, making enormous generalizations won't clarify anything. In fact, sweeping statements like that merely leave people in the dark.

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

It's called "Metal Gear Solid"

Anyway, I dislike American politics. All the parties that are willing to do anything remotely different are marginalized a thousandfold.

But Rakurai, making enormous generalizations won't clarify anything. In fact, sweeping statements like that merely leave people in the dark.

Not really, it's not completely accurate like I said, but it's true enough that if I met a new immigrant who claimed to be a socialist, I'd recommend the Democratic party, and if I met a new immigrant who was a Capitalist, I'd recommend the Republicans.

Now, like I said, it's not 100% accurate, so if I got to know them better and found out more, I might end up sending the first guy to the Green party and the second guy to the Libertarians.

It's just so I don't have to write a 20 page post when I want t answer his question in base form quickly.

 

[gick]

I've had an idea of making a third party to compete with the Republicans and Democrats. It'd follow everything our founding fathers set forth and suggested the way the country should've been run.

I wanna call it the Patriots party but I fear some right-wing reactionary group might've taken it already.

Isnt that what the Libertarian party is supposed to be all about?

 

[JNightshade]

That's true. But still...

Basically, the Democratic Party is (as Rakurai said) much more in support of government spending, particularly on social programs (aid for the poor, schools, hospitals, as well as lots of more asinine things :/).

The Republican Party, on the other hand, is much more fiscally-minded. Traditionally, they have focused on small government, specifically lower taxes and less government intrusion into the daily lives of citizens (things like gun control, etc). Lately, however, it has begun to focus more on "moral" aspects of America (gay marriage is a perfect example). Also, the "small government" mantra seems to be a thing of the past, with increased spending on many things (such as the Military) a large part of their standing.

That's obviously incomplete, but it's as unbiased as I can do, and at least more specific...

 

[satch919]

Personally, I have great dissatifaction with both parties currently running the show. I believe America is in need of a new direction or political party. Republicans and Democrats have held power over our nation for too long. Change is needed. I think such a change is critical to the development of our nation and something that will bring us into a better age. Hopefully my generation can bring about change. However, I'm not going to hold my breath.

Good to hear that your interested in world politics. In this age, you can't help but be interested in U.S. policies as it is affecting the entire world. The sun never sets on the U.S. empire.

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

Personally, I have great dissatifaction with both parties currently running the show. I believe America is in need of a new direction or political party. Republicans and Democrats have held power over our nation for too long. Change is needed. I think such a change is critical to the development of our nation and something that will bring us into a better age. Hopefully my generation can bring about change. However, I'm not going to hold my breath.

Good to hear that your interested in world politics. In this age, you can't help but be interested in U.S. policies as it is affecting the entire world. The sun never sets on the U.S. empire.

Libertarians!

 

[DeusExMachina]

Isnt that what the Libertarian party is supposed to be all about?

Sort of. It'd be less right-wing though, more centered.

 

[theotherguy]

Here's a basic rundown of republicans vs. democrats:

Republican Democrat
Buisness oriented worker oriented
Faith-based programs secular programs
Less government more government
Tax cuts Taxes remain the same/higher taxes for the rich
Reduced welfare Expanded welfare
Agressive foreign policy Passive foreign policy
No social healthcare More social healthcare
Private school vouchers Increased public school funding
No gay marraige Either gay marraige or "civil unions"
Elephant Donkey
Tax cuts for buisness Loans for buisness
no videogame violence no videogame violence
Death penalty No/less death penalty
No gun control Some or full gun control

 

[hari66]

Less government more government

so which do you think is better? Dont you feel that the governemnt( of any country) should be deeply involved in health care, education and allied services?

Agressive foreign policy Passive foreign policy

Honestly, i dont think the democrat foreign policy is going to be any different from that of the republicans.

No gun control Some or full gun control

This baffles me no end.How can a political party openly support something which even a child would realise is detrimental to maintaining law and order?

 

[Raeven0]

so which do you think is better? Dont you feel that the governemnt( of any country) should be deeply involved in health care, education and allied services?

Involved, yes, but too much involvement is bad.

Honestly, i dont think the democrat foreign policy is going to be any different from that of the republicans.

Democrats will probably not be going on any holy wars, and I would love to see them say as a single unit that Israel is just unnecessary baggage. Perhaps they already have.

This baffles me no end.How can a political party openly support something which even a child would realise is detrimental to maintaining law and order?

There are strong arguments for both sides. As such, I openly support limited gun control.

 

[theotherguy]

I wasn't taking sides man, I was just listing the basic party line.

 

[Beerdude26]

This baffles me no end.How can a political party openly support something which even a child would realise is detrimental to maintaining law and order?

You can sometimes buy weapons and the required ammunition in warehouses and nightstores. Although that may have changed.

Here in Belgium, some crazy racist bastard bought a gun and ammo, shot three people (one of them being 2-year old black child, another one was the aupair and the first one he shot was a Turkish woman) and killed two of them (the aupair and the child).

Gun legislation changed within two weeks, you now have to have a valid gun pass before you are allowed a gun. \0/

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

so which do you think is better? Dont you feel that the governemnt( of any country) should be deeply involved in health care, education and allied services?

The more privatized these can be the better. Complete socialized healthcare can never take hold here. What is allied service?

Honestly, i dont think the democrat foreign policy is going to be any different from that of the republicans.

They have their differences, yes.

This baffles me no end.How can a political party openly support something which even a child would realise is detrimental to maintaining law and order?

I don't know man. Why anyone would want to disarm law abiding civillians is beyond me. Taking away a person's means of self defense = not logical.

 

[DeusExMachina]

Because obviously anyone who owns a gun just wants to kill kill kill /sarcasm

 

[theotherguy]

Education and healthcare must not be run by private firms. Everyone should have a right to education and healthcare, and the rich should not be provided better education and healthcare just because they are rich. Yes they are entitled to better goods, but basic education and emergency healthcare are rights entitled to our citizens, not privelages to be enjoyed only by the wealthy.

Let the rich pay for expensive experimental medical treatments and wealthy private schools, but in my opinion every citizen deserves equal treatment in the fundamental rights of education and healthcare, regardless of thier social status or personal wealth. This can only be achieved through full socialization of healthcare and much more federal and state funds for public schools.

 

[gick]

Education and healthcare must not be run by private firms. Everyone should have a right to education and healthcare, and the rich should not be provided better education and healthcare just because they are rich. Yes they are entitled to better goods, but basic education and emergency healthcare are rights entitled to our citizens, not privelages to be enjoyed only by the wealthy.

Let the rich pay for expensive experimental medical treatments and wealthy private schools, but in my opinion every citizen deserves equal treatment in the fundamental rights of education and healthcare, regardless of thier social status or personal wealth. This can only be achieved through full socialization of healthcare and much more federal and state funds for public schools.

Agreed 100%

Personally, I wouldnt want to live in a society without socialized healthcare.

"What's that? You cant afford to pay the thousands of dollars for cancer treatment out of your minimum wage job? Well this is the free market, get a better job! You cant get a better job because the school you went to wasnt able to give you a good education, and you dont have time for job training because every waking moment is spent earning money to feed your kids? WELL TOO BAD BITCH! YOU'RE GONNA DIE!"

 

[hari66]

Why anyone would want to disarm law abiding civillians is beyond me. Taking away a person's means of self defense = not logical.

Agreed--- but when a gun is sold, how does the seller really know if the customer is law abiding?
Moreover, several countries have very tight gun laws ...that doesnt mean their crime rate is high... quite the reverse.