So Democrats are no different

[angrychair]

Than fascist white nationalist?

That wanting universal healthcare is no different than wanting to repeal the ACA and Medicare and Medicaid and turn it into a for-profit model that will leave millions without healthcare?

That wanting social security is the same as wanting to repeal it and turn it into a "401k"-like investment plan that will make Wall St billions and billions of dollars and leave many, that will need it most, pennyless in their retirement?

That wanting a good college education that does not come with a lifetime of debt is the same as for-profit colleges and high interest rates and a lifetime of student loan debt with no way to minimize it?

That wanting sound science, research, consensus and most importantly, action, to combat climate change is the same as those that want to repeal regulations regarding greenhouse gases and scar our land and pollute our air and poison our water and continue the lies of fracking and "clean" coal?


I could go on and on but let there be no mistaking that despite whatever shortcomings or misgivings you or others may have about individuals, both in policy and ideals, Democrats are in no way the similar, alike or akin to Republicans.

Democrats look out for the least of us and work for a future that is built on understanding, peace and prosperity for everyone, not just a chosen few.

[HassleCat]

1. Glad to know we all want universal health care.

Some of the "Democrats" who insisted on watering down the ACA made me wonder.

[mercuryblues]

2. my addition

Wanting to increase the minimum wage, although conflicting amounts were suggested is not the same as having a party leader who thinks Americans earn to much and is open to abolishing the minimum wage. Whose education czar thinks the worst thing that happened to 10/12 year old kids was to legislate their right to work away. Trump is also considering Puzder, who thinks higher wages hurts workers, machines should replace workers, and opposes overtime pay.

[ismnotwasm]

3. Well said.

[TwilightZone]

4. "Both sides are bad" and "there's no difference" were always bullshit.

One of my best friends bought into it - he refused to discuss anything other than corporate money in politics. To him, it was the only issue. I'd bring up social issues and he'd just fall back on that it's all related to Wall Street and they're all the same.

Bullshit.

But then, he's a self-professed "progressive" who had no idea that the Congressional Progressive Caucus existed until I explained it to him.

[angrychair]

5. To me these things are not social issues

Education, climate change and other environmental issues, social justice, women's healthcare, human rights and a living wage are economic and security issues. The mistake is ever framing certain issues as secondary or lesser or even worse, calling it a "wedge" issue.

These issues are intrinsically tied to the inalienable rights enshrined in our Declaration of Independence:
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness".
It is our mandate to act in the common good without regard to race, religion, creed, sexual orientation or country of origin. Securing these type of things makes us stronger. Doing so makes people feel more confident and financially secure.
These are never "social" or "wedge" issues. Resolving education, environmental, economic racism and women's access to healthcare and right to choose will not only make our country a better place to live but make us more economically secure.

[TwilightZone]

6. Oh, I agree entirely.

By "social", I meant as opposed to the money-in-politics side of the equation he was fixated on. Issues that directly affect people's lives, their rights, their well-being. They are in no way secondary.

[angrychair]

7. I didn't think you felt that way

I just hate hearing about people that view it that way. Its a very short-sighted and ignorant perspective.

[TwilightZone]

8. Agreed.

It surprised the hell out of me, frankly. He's one of the most intelligent people I know and very liberal, yet he didn't want to acknowledge that dealing with Wall Street wouldn't miraculously fix all of society's ills. I...don't get it.

But then, another good friend - also a liberal - supported Ron Paul in 2008 and nearly gave me a coronary.

Nice friends I have. lol