Talkingpointsmemo.com displayed an article today that quoted Pat Toomey (Arlen Specter’s would-be primary challenger). Toomey says the following about Specter and freedom:
That's the reason Mr. Specter fit so uncomfortably in the Republican tent. But for all of those out there who share the desire for more personal freedom and a less intrusive and growing government in Washington, the Republican Party's tent has the welcome mat out for you.Here are the key areas of freedom that democrats believe in that Republicans deny.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/...
This boggles my mind, though. I am a Democrat because I believe strongly in person liberties. Sure, Democrats put reasonable restrictions on Wall Street, and demand that companies treat workers well and follow environment regulations to stop air pollution and to keep our water drinkable. But are these really personal freedoms? Here are several areas where I hope more Republicans will change their minds, and stand with Democrats in order to achieve a greater sense of freedom in this country.
- Freedom of sexuality. Republicans have fought against every single advancement made in the fight to for gay rights. They have passed laws outlawing what people can do in their bedrooms. They have removed books from classrooms that portray positive gay relationships. Today they resist both civil unions and gay marriage. Does this sound like freedom?
- Freedom of Choice. We would all agree that we give up some freedoms for security. A woman having an abortion, though, does not threaten the security of anyone else. Opposing legal abortions is giving death sentences to the thousands of women who would engage in unsafe illegal abortions.
- Freedom of expression. Adults (and children!) occasionally say a bad word when they are very happy or upset. How is it promoting freedom when your policy is to fine t.v. stations for spontaneous cussing at a live t.v. event? I suppose that I agree with some limited rules on broadcast stations, but republicans have wanted to censor every form of media for as long as the party has existed—from literature to poetry to music. Any time any controversial piece of art is any media is introduced, Republicans throw a hissy fit.
- Freedom to die with dignity. Not every Democrat believes in euthanasia, but I believe that most do. When a patient has a terminal illness, and that patient decides that he or she has had enough suffering, the government shouldn’t get a vote.
- Terri Schiavo. In one of the worst intrusions of the government on family decisions, Republicans decided that it is not up to a husband to decide when to pull the plug on a dying wife.
- Marijuana. This is probably the most controversial freedom listed, but many of us feel very strongly that marijuana should be legalized. The government is exercising the most power when it sends people to jail—I, and many other liberals, believe that the government should have no right to restrict this freedom by throwing citizens in jail. I do not believe that you can reconcile believing strongly in personal freedoms without also believing that marijuana should be legalized.
- Freedom from excessive security. Many Republicans seem to not care at all (or even encourage) unwarranted wire taps and well as unreasonable searches and seizures. Democrats do not wish to live in a police state. This, more than any other issue, is what separates Republicans from liberals and libertarians. Liberals will not sacrifice their freedoms for a little more security.
Hopefully Republicans will see in the coming years that they are not actually "the party of freedom." Imagine, though, if we all believed in personal freedom, and only argued over economic issues. Let me know if I missed any other person freedoms that Republicans do not believe in!