Radiation therapy for a "trans-party" Democrat: Surgery in the AM

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

Well, I guess I should first "thank" my junior Senator from Pennsylvania for showing me today that I can no longer remain a member of the Republican party. As I watched him today on the floor of the Senate paint the minority party in "Hitleresque" terms while asserting that the Republican majority has a right to iron fist rule, I realize that I want nothing more to do with what has become of the Republican party.

As far as I'm concerned, the Republican party no longer wants moderation, which ultimately means, they don't want moderate Republicans.

I have been keenly aware of the religious right's takeover of the party but now realize that, after the intrusion into the Shiavo case and the plan to use the nuclear option over a handful of judges, there is no hope of compromise. No compromise between the current Republicans with the Democrats. No compromise within the Republican party between the far-right and moderates.

The arrogance shown on both the foreign policy and domestic fronts by this breed of Republican is no longer tolerable to me. Today's Republican party will slash and burn for short term political gain: Demonizing groups of citizens in order to motivate "their base", use religion as a wedge to divide creating wounds difficult to heal, bully and deride former allies while implementing unilateral aggression on false pretenses, spending and spending with reckless abandon...no, this is not my Republican party.

I may have differences with the Democratic party but overall it more closely represents what I value and believe. I am calling my County voter registration office in the morning and switching to the Democratic party. This is a big step for me and, forgive me for feeling just a bit sad. But, unlike Christy Todd Whitman and the "my party too" Republicans, I feel I have too little in common with the theocratic neocons, and even less respect for them.

P.S. This should be my 1000th post too!!!!

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. I offer you my hand in appreciation and respect.

I know this cannot be an easy decision. All I would suggest is that you not shrink from speaking out to your Republican Friends, as to why you have made this decision.

Welcome, friend. We fight the good fight and it will be transformative.

[graywarrior]

2. I feel for you. Welcome aboard.

[lyonn]

22. good picture of democrat

graywarrior! I know the feeling, trapped.

[whistle]

3. Welcome into the Light ModRepubinPa, and congratulations

...on making that decision on your 1000th post!

[aquart]

4. It's right to feel sad.

There have been many honorable, honest, excellent Republicans. It is important that any party have strong, courageous opposition. This nation was conceived in the spirit of compromise. We were designed to work, to function, ONLY when compromise was achieved.

But there is no compromise with tyranny. No possible compromise with totalitarianism.

This is not the first time America has faced an enemy within.

I hope you will, within your lifetime, be able to rejoin the Republicans again. With pride in having taken it back from the brink of hell.

[LittleClarkie]

5. Do you feel like changing your login name as well?

I wonder if Skinner would make an exception if you did.

A retired social worker at one of Hillary's Social Security meeting that was shown on CSpan said it felt good to be in a room full of "the good guys." I kind of feel that way too, and I hope you do as well.

Anyway, though I know you're sad, welcome.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

13. Hmm, a name change is probably in order.

Has DU let people change names before?

[LittleClarkie]

18. The last time I saw a name change amnesty

it was right after the last election. Otherwise I guess you just start over with a new name. But I would pm Skinner and see what he says. Can't hurt, might help.

[alcuno]

6. I'm sorry, but that Party has gone off the deep end.

They look unrecognizable from the Party of the late 80's. I'm a registered independent, but I may as well make the switch too.

[snowbear]

7. Wow! :O)

And I was even kidding with you on another section of the forum about your nickname the other day (I'm sure you remember :7 ) ... You were sweet in your explanation...

But still.. I'm so happy you'll soon be a Democrat!!! ~~ :hug:

:toast: ~~~~~~ YAYYYYYYYYY!! ~~~~~~ :toast:

p.s... Happy 1000th post! :grouphug: :headbang:

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

8. Thank you all for your kind words.

Makes this jagged little pill much easier to swallow. A sincere THANK YOU!

:loveya:

[kaygore]

9. No two people agree 100% of the time

but, you are right, it is very hard to be a "true" Republican today.

I had the honor of living in Arizona during the last years of Goldwater's life. I had the opportunity to hear him speak on several occasions and was able to keep current on his thoughts and actions as they were frequently reported in the papers and media there. Now, there was a statesman!

Barry Goldwater would be appalled at what has become of the Republican Party. I suspect that even Nixon would. And Regan. This is not the Republican Party that I grew up with just as the Baptists are not the religious groups that I grew up with.

These institutions with which I might not always agree but which I certainly respected have become twisted as though impregnated by some evil, some terrible evil.

I listened to the Republican rhetoric of hate today on CSPAN and I was very saddened. There can be no compromise with these people. They stood there and before the whole world they lied and their very lies will mean the end of a country that was once the beacon of freedom to the world.

My heart goes out to you and to every person who has had his or her political party and/or religion high jacked by these people. I only wish that more people would wake up to what this means before it is too late.

In the history of this country, there has never been a more corrupt administration or political party. For this, not only do all of us suffer but so does the fate of the world.

This is a very dark time made darker by those of both parties who have sold their souls.

[lyonn]

24. The day I changed from Repub to Dem

about 4 yrs. ago, was a really great day for me, I chose my b'day. I had voted Dem. since the first Bush just never changed my registration. It took me far too long to realise where they were coming from with their rhetoric but Reagan was the last straw. The BS got deep during his reign, and I voted twice for him. Shame.

[Stinky The Clown]

10. I've walked in your shoes

I know how you feel. I've been there.

Welcome to Dem side!

And remember, the word 'right' also means 'correct. You're now, truly, on the 'right' side.

[cyberpj]

11. You know what? I bet we all have "differences with the Democratic party"

And always have.

Is there ANY party you'd want to walk with lock-stepped?

Tonight I'm too busy being grateful for your awakening to worry about what are, right now, unimportant differences.

We should all, always, remain open to change.

Welcome to the fight!

[Lugnut]

12. Congrats on your posting milestone

I'm sorry that you've been pushed to this point but welcome to the other side. :grouphug:

[many a good man]

14. Today's democrats are Eisenhower Republicans

at their best with a dash of libertarianism (e.g., choice, gay marriage) thrown in!

[izzybeans]

15. You transpolitite don't you know that once born in a party you

must stay in the party? ;) I hope your going through identity counseling and hormone therapy.

Welcome.:hi:

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

16. LOL. Had to "vote as" a Democrat before getting surgery.

;-)

[Maat]

17. Welcome to the Light!

[cyr330]

19. Welcome

While I am ultra-liberal, there's plenty of room for everybody in the Democratic Party and most certainly in this forum. Welcome. Your post was very, very refreshing to read, and I thank you.

[Ramsey]

20. I had a similar revelation

Back during the days of the Moral Majority.

Welcome to the right side.

[AuntiBush]

21. Join the club. You are not alone.

Admire your stand. Welcome to the party faced to deal with the true realities.

:hi:

[spooky3]

23. If their tent is getting too small, come on into ours.

It's big. Not always peaceful and quiet. But big enough for all.

I'm sorry they have put you in that position, but glad you feel welcome enough to come to DU.

[stevedeshazer]

25. I regret that it has come to this

For we need a centrist party. Even though I'm very far to te left, I have voted for many moderate Republicans over the years. This current gang is neither moderate nor Republican; they are Federalists.

Here's to the day when this madness is over, friend. :toast:

[lyonn]

26. Dear "Transplant"

Welcome. While rereading your excellent post a wonderful thought occured to me, a Frist/Santorum ticket for Pres. in 08. Course first we must conquer 06, pant, pant!

Must tell you that when I changed my registration here in Oklahoma they were Not friendly, it was fun.

[cry baby]

27. A warm welcome...

a loss for the repubs, but a gain for us. Hope you aren't the only one!:hi:

[faithnotgreed]

28. right on!

[lostnfound]

29. Welcome! If some of us may seem a bit radical to you..

it's partly a reaction to the extremes we've seen all around us.

Enjoy your stay, but I fervently hope your 'own party' will rejoin YOU someday, so we can have a middle ground at the 50 yard line..instead of the 5 yard line! ;-)

[zann725]

30. Welcome. You're in good company.

Already your 1000th post? Wow...

[Eloriel]

31. I think you're the type of Republican I value --

and I wish there were more of you and that you had more power. HOWEVER, I don't mind you being a Democrat, either.

And if you stick around here long enough, who knows, you might even become a liberal. :eviilgrin:

In the meantime, welcome home.

[wildeyed]

32. My husband left, too.

He was registered unaffiliated for ages, but recently switched to dem. He considers himself a true conservative and despises the radical religious right, possibly more than I do, if that is possible.

Welcome to the dems and congrats on 1000 :hi:

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

33. UPDATE: Post op recovery. No longer registered Republican...

Well, it is done now. It's actually a pretty informal process here in Pennsylvania...just send a letter with signature. It won't feel official to me until I receive my new voter registration card indicating 'Democrat', but I've done my part.

A sincere thanks to those on DU who responded with kind words.

A sarcastic "thanks" to the Rapturist Rightwing zealots who now can have the Republican party all to themselves.:grr:

[Maat]

34. Yahoo! It is done!

The Religious Reich can now share it with the extremist NeoCons.

My husband is actually very moderate; he is a Dean Democrat (fiscal responsibility, very socially liberal, rational defense setup). He switched about 10 years ago - couldn't stand Weyrich and Gingrich and the lot.

Again, welcome!

Perhaps you can help us put together some very cogent arguments on issues.

[tulsakatz]

36. welcome!

I'm a new user to this board but a long time Democrat from Oklahoma.

To ModRepubinPa, you wrote a powerful message! I'm sure you are not the only Republican who feels that way.

One thing I wonder about these people in the govt who do these things........I wonder how they stay married for so long? I mean being married involves compromise. If they're so unwilling to compromise with others, I wonder how they get their wives to hang around.

Anyway, welcome ModRepubinPa! We're happy to have you join us!

[PittLib]

39. Welcome to you, too tulsakatz!

:hi:

[tulsakatz]

40. thank you!

thanks!! It's great to be here! I've been to this page a few times but I just never posted anything before now.

[PittLib]

35. This actually makes me sad for you ...

I have a socially liberal friend who wants to defect as well, but he won't be a Democrat and I'm trying to convince him that "independent" is ultimately pointless, particularly in PA. He's better off having a greater voice within the Republican party. I'm glad that you, on the other hand, could make the switch. I've enjoyed your posts regardless ... but welcome anyway. Let me know if you change your name, as I'd like to get you a star for this occasion.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

37. Wow, thanks for that offer.

I thought for a loooonnnnngggg time that we moderate/liberal Republicans could change the party from within but, I no longer want to try. It has been a steady slide to the extreme rightwing and I am totally fed up with the theocratic neocon mentality.

Thanks for the 'star' offer. That is really nice. Won't be changing my name until I can ask Skinner about the procedure, so I will remain 'modrepubinpa' for a while.

Going away for an R&R trip this weekend. Hope you enjoy yours too.

[PittLib]

38. I think if you have more in common with the other ...

it is in your best interest to switch. I just have very strong feelings about "independent" voters. It seems much more symbolic than effective, as you end up losing power. No one forces you to toe the party line, and primaries can be incredibly important. You did the right thing, though it is unfortunate that it has come to this. :hug: Have a wonderful weekend.

[geniph]

41. "A laurel, and a hearty handshake

to our new Sheriff"...oops, I mean convert.

Welcome to the big tent, ModRepub. Don't let the squabbling over dogma turn you off; at least we're not run by corporotheocraticfascists.

"Come into the light...step into the light...all are welcome...all are welcome..."

[Fovea]

42. Welcome!

I may be a *very* progressive Green/Dem, but I understand how you feel.

You are welcome in this tent. I trust you will work as hard to keep the Dems honest and pragmatic.

Now let the healing begin.

[Toots]

43. Been here long enough for a thousand posts but just now decided to change

Parties. It was because your Senator used the term Hitler in his description of what the Democrats were doing. Sorry if I have to scratch my head over this one. Hope you stay literate and up on current events. If you do that I don't see how you could ever support that party again.

[roguevalley]

44. sweetie, welcome. Hugs and kisses to you and don't feel sad.

some day they will be themselves but who can wait until 2410?