FAMILY FEUD

 Oh what a wonderful time of the year. The sweet smell of politics fills the air, as blossoms of the spring are wont to do. The quiet stillness that surrounds us is interrupted only by the rising voices arguing, also known as debating. The primary season has fallen upon us with all its rites and rituals. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your personal leanings, we have a two party political system in this country. We have the Republican Party, represented by an elephant, and then we have the Democratic Party, affectionately and appropriately represented by a donkey or jackass.

The Democrat party is hard to explain. The speeches they give cover everything from one end of the spectrum to the other. Most of the proposals coming from the democrat candidates appeal to the younger demographic. Wealth distribution, free college, higher minimum wage and generally bigger government are the hotspots being broadcast. While on my computer I went to Google. While at Google I typed in “definition of a democrat.” There were many responses but I found two that pretty well sum it up in my opinion. One definition from TheFreeDictionary.com states “One who believes in social equality or discounts distinctions in rank.” This definition is quite different from the one found at urbandictionary.com, which states “There beliefs are that everyone should live on welfare, and no one should be too rich.”

I’m sorry. No political party should ever have the power to distribute wealth earned by hard working citizens to those less energetic. There is no separation of class in this country. Everyone is given the same opportunity to exceed and live the American Dream, some just don’t choose to do so. It is not my fault that certain individuals don’t try and yet sit around and complain about those that do.

The Republican Party gets a much different definition when one goes to Google on them. Again, I have two examples. First I found on yourdictionary.com the following statement. “Republican is defined as a person who identifies with a system of government where citizens have the ability to choose those who represent them.” That sounds more to my liking. Next I went to the tried and true Merriam-webster.com with the same question. The definition came back as “relating to a major political party in the United States that is associated with business interests and favors a limited government role in economic matters.” There is a vast difference in the perception of both parties.

My point is, there are distinct differences in the basic philosophy of both parties. Not only at this time of primaries and future presidential selections does this happen, but it has happened for years. Most Republicans will stop at no limit to ruin or destroy a fellow Republican. Why? Democrats have mastered the art of winning any debate or vote. No matter what the issue might be, truth is insignificant. Facts can be twisted and distorted at will. Rather than confront a Democratic candidate on these untruths Republicans will fold like wet paper and start blaming fellow Republicans.

Democrats know how to win, and do. Republicans are afraid the uneducated populace will blame them for everything that goes bad, and they let them. Republicans need to get in the ditches with the Democrats if they ever want to win. Do the right thing, educate your constituents with the facts and you might be surprised how many converts you might win. Quit killing each other and go after your foe. This is not a friendly game of “Family Feud.”

Other forms of government have been tried around the world. There has never been a country as successful as ours all through this great experiment of liberty and freedom. There is only one way to maintain our way of life. Every individual in this country must become educated and partake in the rite of voting. Ours is a government of the people.  We the people and our voting is the only way to protect our homeland, country, freedom and our way of life.

I look forward to the day I can attend a gathering and listen to other people’s thoughts. Their thoughts matter to me. I get new ideas and different views on current events. This is education.. Do me one huge favor. Express your feelings freely. Complain about what is going on that you don’t like. But let me add: Vote. If you didn’t participate and vote, please don’t tell me how bad it is. Try listening to those that did vote and maybe you can become more informed.

 The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley. We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all else please vote.