Changing Politics

Perhaps it is because of the people I work with and live with and play with, or perhaps it is because of where I now live, or perhaps it's a combination of these and other reasons. As I continue to read about the political situations in this state and in this country at large, and the take over of the Republican party by the Tea Party, I find myself leaning slowly but undeniably toward the left of the political spectrum.

I am not the only one who has seen the Republican party leave behind its roots and become the party of conservative fundamentalist Christians. Roger Ebert has noticed as well, and Newsweek has noticed as well.

I recall remarking a few years ago that I was surprised that the Republicans would choose to nominate someone so far to the right of the political spectrum instead of someone nearer the middle that might be more electable by moderate voters. The reply to that from one of Maryanne's coworkers was that she thought each party should nominate someone who best represents the platform of the party. In retrospect this somewhat makes sense -- hold the hard-line extreme position and any resulting negotiations with opposing views might be nearer your own, or at least in the middle. However, despite the Republicans' staunch support of small government and Second Amendment rights, I find this takeover of the party by willful and seemingly ignorant people to be very disheartening.

The only time I've ever voted a straight ticket in any election is during a primary when there is no alternative. I hope I can continue to vote for my ideals, but the changing politics of the Republican party is certainly making me take a closer look at the Democrats.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: Dave Edmunds: "Information"