I have mentioned my Republican friend numerous times on this blog; let me tell you a little more about her. She is 79 years old, has a BA in Nutrition and a JD in law. She went to law school when she was 50 years old in Georgia, driving 150 miles each way three days a week. She is licensed to practice law in Georgia and California. She worked in a factory during WWII while her husband fought in that war.
She and her husband were instrumental in bringing the Republican Party to the south. She has a great story about the local sheriff (Earl) hiring a black deputy. Earl said to her, "But who will ride with him," and her response was, "You will, Earl."
She remembers attending a Republican Convention when nominees were actually chosen. She remembers attending the inauguration.
Fast speed forward -- California, 2004. She is a dyed in the wool Republican. She voted for Bush because "a good Republican will always vote for a Republican." She has become somewhat disillusioned with Bush. She says that "if her party moves any more to the right," that she may be voting for a Democrat in 08 - if she is still alive. I'm hoping that she still will be alive. She has two sons. One who voted for Bush, and one who did not vote at all because he did some time in prison (drugs) and refuses to vote. She also has a grandson who is 22 years old and voted for the first time for Kerry.
She and I have political discussions almost daily. I have screamed at her and she has screamed at me - well, actually she is a little more polite than I am. Bottom line is that we basically agree on almost everything. She is pro-choice, anti-death penalty, doesn't give a fig about gay marriages. The only thing we don't agree on is the US's invasion of Iraq. She still believes that were WMD that Saddam sent to Iran.
Last week she called me a "bleeding heart liberal," and I called her a "bigot." Last night we talked about "welfare." This seems to be the big divide between the Republicans and the Democrats. The Republican's position is that people who are needy are choosing that for themselves. I agree with that to a degree. However, I draw the line that children are part of that choosing. Republicans are great with giving aide to other countries, but not so great with giving aide to our own citizens.
I was raised as a Republican. I do not agree with giving aid to women who chose to have children that they cannot support. However, I am somewhat stymied here because I do believe in giving support to the children that they have.
I have great hopes in converting my Republican friend around by 2008. The key to that is listening to them and responding in a nonpartisan manner. Just use logic... Just use basic values. Many of them will hear you.