Looking for Joe Average

What's it like to be Republican

Published on July 1, 2004 By Timmoth In Democrat

Conservatives and Republicans are part of my everyday life. So I've decided to try and get in their shoes and walk a mile (as the saying goes). So let's put aside Democratic principles for a moment, and try to become a Conservative/Republican.

The first thing that comes to mind is to put on suit, but that would be wrong. Sure, some Republicans have jobs that require them to put on a suit, but your run-of-the-mill Republican is really much different. From what I've seen, he or she is more like your average joe. Hard working, God loving, smart, patriotic and family-oriented.

I think a major difference between the left and the right is that the right tends to take things at face value. They know what's right and what's wrong because they sense it. They feel it in their bones. They value things that are somewhat primal. They fight for what they believe and more importantly, what they want.

I think this is a major point. Especially when you have a family, your focus turns to what the kids want and what do you want for your kids. Primarily security: freedom from crime (hence tough on crime needs). Opportunity: The chance to get a good job (hence regulation fears). Tax relief (who wants to give away money?) and general patriotism (This country has been great for 200+ years, no need to change now).

I'm I close? As I read this I wonder why I'm a Democrat. But then I remember. All these things are great. It's just that they'd be great for everyone. Not just MY family but everyone's family. And I know the Republican response here about Democratic idealism and the need for self-reliance. And I actually understand the thinking of "Hey this is my life, I'm going to make the most of it" or "They are not my responsibility. They need to help themselves." They're right, yes they do. Infact ,there is a certain dignity to helping one's self. I can't argue with that.

But for some reason I can't walk that path completely. I want more security, opportunity, money and a better country, for us ALL.

Comments

Nice Post

on Jul 01, 2004

Elegantly put.

You write the way I do. Actually, of all of the people that I've read here, you and I have the same style.

If I might critique for a second, watch your conjunctions (Ie: their vs. they're vs. there - a spell check won't pick these up).

Secondly, try to elimintate the items between ( ). I'm notorious for that, but I write the way I would speak to someone. The ( ) is a "wink-wink, nudge-nudge" to the reader - like on film if some one were to turn to the camera and speak to the viewing audience. I'm constantly struggling with this, but everytime I feel a need to put in a "wink-wink, nudge-nudge" I try to think of another way to say it with out the ( ). People who are reading this are READING this, not listening to you as though you were talking to them. The composition flows better if you can eliminate ( ). Leave it open in it's own sentence, or state it first and then justify it. For me, sometimes it's unavoidable.

Writer I am not, but I'm trying to pick up on all of these tricks. In the 9 to 5 world, I am a Draftsman. I tend to look at things analytically. In the 9 to 5 world, I consistently try to take someone from Point "A" to Point "B", both in the written world and verbally. I am finding that the written and verbal worlds are radically different mediums.

As for the juicy nuggets of your post, I agree with it.

Keep up the outstanding work!

LLS
lenbert.joeuser.com

Timmoth

on Jul 06, 2004

Dear Anonymous,
Thanks for the kind words as well the constructive criticism.

Tim

stevendedalus

on Jul 16, 2004

I don't believe anonymous, nor should you. I feel it is tongue-in-cheek and doesn't give a damn about your thoughts--he's a self-styled wordsmith.

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