I went to a favorite watering hole yesterday evening and listened (eavesdropped? Not really, these 2 were loud.) as there was a conversation down the bar. The two men were Republicans, and they were discussing who they wanted to see win the nomination. These two seemed to automatically rule out Michele Bachmann, Jon Huntsman, and Herman Cain. (I'm guessing, as they did not mention these names during their conversation.) They were not enamored of Ron Paul or Rick Santorum, but they did include their names occasionally in the conversation. They both agreed that Mitt Romney might have more voter appeal after the primaries, but neither one of them really liked him. That left them with Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich. It was a friendly conversation between the two of them, in which they ultimately decided that Newt Gingrich would be the best candidate for Republicans. The gist of the conversation seemed to be centered around the candidates' personalities--not the issues.
All I wanted to do was yell down the bar--It doesn't matter! They're all a**holes!
Instead, I continued sipping on my gin and tonic. I knew these 2 were never going to listen to me. They believe President Obama wants to take their guns, money, and religion; and no amount of talking to me was going to change their minds.
All 7 candidates believe gay people should not marry. They support DADT. They want to repeal Obama's healthcare laws. They want school choice and to get rid of the Department of Education. Teachers should be tested, and classroom size is not important. They are anti-choice, anti-use of embryonic cells. Affirmative action is a bad thing. Lower taxes on big business.
All a**holes.
I am surrounded by people that seem to be true Republican believers. Back home, ironically in conservative York County PA, I can be myself. Mom and Dad are Liberal, as is my sister and her two sons. Here in Allegheny county PA--a place that votes for Democrats--I seem to have fallen into a black hole of Republican ideology.
Even people who claim to be Democrats refuse to vote for Obama. Teachers I work with voted for Tom Corbett and then were upset when they lost their jobs. Two friends' husbands died, because they did not have health insurance; but they still will not vote for Obama. Parents of a little one I work with who may lose Medical Assistance have said that Obama is a Socialist.
I don't get it. I don't understand how people can vote against their best interests.
So, I come here. To this community that does get it. Come join me over at the internet bar. What are you drinking tonight? Any ideas on how to convert the conservative masses?
This is an open thread. Feel free to share information about your day, or not. Share pictures of pooties and woozles. Share music. I'm happy to be able to be here!