I have always been a registered Democrat, until just recently when I went to register again for the county where I live now. It feels funny not being a Democrat after so long a time, but I am now formally a Green Party person. I don't really know for sure what we call ourselves; Greens, I suppose.
It could be argued that it was a stupid thing to do, because now my vote will count for even less shit (or will count for even more shit... I'm not exactly sure how that phrase works) than before, as a Democrat. And I did waffle on it a bit for that very reason, but at the end of the day I went with my gut and convictions and switched over.
Both parties' platforms in some ways square up, but there are particular planks that I care about, that the Green's ones seem stronger than the Democrat's. On those certain issues, the Democratic stance seems either really ambiguous, or sometimes flat out contrary to my views. The bottom line is that, if for no other reason, going Green gives me less reason to feel compromised.
I lean decidedly Green on particulars such as health care (single-payer, duh), same-sex marriage (civil unions ain't gonna cut it), drugs (puff on, magic dragon), energy (drilling: been there, done that), the death penalty (kill it), foreign policy (Israel is basically an asshole), war in general (neither effective nor justifiable), faith-based initiatives (philanthropy good, proselytism not so much), and lastly but absolutely not least, environmental concerns (even for a planet, sustainability has its limits).
These and others are issues on which I would really like for my vote to count towards my ideology, and I know that won't happen so long as I vote partisan, now that I've turned Green. But still, the switch is worth it to me, to affiliate myself with a party that's not quite so wishy-washy (not quite so democratic, one might say) but rather is more hardcore aligned with my own philosophy of things.
Of course, as a partythey we really haven't caught a break to get corrupted by politics as yet, and maybe that's what I find most appealing. Copping out to appease is just not fitting with my way of thinking, and unfortunately that seems to have become the matter of course for the Democrats. What I can't figure out, then, is exactly why it feels so awkward for me identifying as a Green, even though it does suit me better. Kermit had a point, it's not easy.
It could be argued that it was a stupid thing to do, because now my vote will count for even less shit (or will count for even more shit... I'm not exactly sure how that phrase works) than before, as a Democrat. And I did waffle on it a bit for that very reason, but at the end of the day I went with my gut and convictions and switched over.
Both parties' platforms in some ways square up, but there are particular planks that I care about, that the Green's ones seem stronger than the Democrat's. On those certain issues, the Democratic stance seems either really ambiguous, or sometimes flat out contrary to my views. The bottom line is that, if for no other reason, going Green gives me less reason to feel compromised.
I lean decidedly Green on particulars such as health care (single-payer, duh), same-sex marriage (civil unions ain't gonna cut it), drugs (puff on, magic dragon), energy (drilling: been there, done that), the death penalty (kill it), foreign policy (Israel is basically an asshole), war in general (neither effective nor justifiable), faith-based initiatives (philanthropy good, proselytism not so much), and lastly but absolutely not least, environmental concerns (even for a planet, sustainability has its limits).
These and others are issues on which I would really like for my vote to count towards my ideology, and I know that won't happen so long as I vote partisan, now that I've turned Green. But still, the switch is worth it to me, to affiliate myself with a party that's not quite so wishy-washy (not quite so democratic, one might say) but rather is more hardcore aligned with my own philosophy of things.
Of course, as a party
The Greens suit me better too, except for the strict part, although I know what I want, know what I believe, I am not cool with shutting out other's opinions. I want compromise to rule. If it doesn't, we just flip flop to 4yrs of gay marriage, 4yrs of none and so on---in business world(ick) they call it buying in and I know it takes longer and sucks out the life of our Republic, but we can't just toss aside people who believe the Bible or the Koran or Dolly Lama is the real truth---I would rather build a community. That is why it doesn't feel right to me. I love Ralph, but he will never be president. AND I think much can be done OUTSIDE the political circus in D.C.--- perhaps more. Wars have beeen stopped, lies revealed, health care and attitudes changed just with us little guys joining together. I am rainbow. I am Parton.
ReplyDeleteI think you should declare a party that you feel most comfortable with. If it's Green, more power to you.
ReplyDeleteI think it's just important to be involved. I know of a few people that have no clue what is going on politically and that is worrisome. Many issues directly affect their lives yet they don't know or don't even care.
Good points, and I agree 100%. Probably why I still feel kind of weird about it, but when it comes down to it, it is the party I most am aligned with and am so frustrated with business as usual it sort of makes me an outsider to the "political circus". Still weird tho.
ReplyDeleteWorrisome indeed!! Unfortunately I think it is more than a few people with no clue, I do not understand that. I think it's inexcusable people not paying attention to shit that matters.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite green too. But I'm beginning to more and more question whether political parties matter at all in our plutocracy.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Independent Liberal. The Democrats have disappointed me too many times. I don't see myself switching parties any time soon. I just can't understand why they aren't stronger. Republicans are so corrupt IMO, but at least they're fighters. Democrats on the other hand... If Jesse Ventura ran I'd vote for him in a heartbeat. I'm tired of electing moderate Democrats, I want a real liberal in the white house.
ReplyDeleteEasy enough to wonder that, for sure. Still you gotta have faith, no? Don't answer that. :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy listening to Ventura, would I vote him in? No. But at least it can't be argued he isn't a wuss and sure as hell stands strong for his convictions, which I do admire.
ReplyDeleteYour best bet is to find where your vote will count.
ReplyDeleteTrue I want my vote to count, I also want to vote my convictions and that seems iffy anymore voting a two-party line. It wasn't easy switching off.
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