What Does it Mean to be a Conservative Democrat?

[Drahthaardogs]

52. I grew up in coal country with conservative Democrats

I know these people well. Most in my family are/were conservative Democrats. In my experiences, most were blue collar types working in coal mines, foundaries, ship yards, etc. Rural people tend to be republicans.

Anyway, I would say (from my own town and neighboring towns)

1) Most were pro-labor and worker's rights

2) Most were not bonafide gun nuts, but generally did believe the 2nd Amendment is a personal right. Also, if you have ever been in a real blue union town, you realize that the "right to bear arms" sometimes meant arming yourself against the company. Modern Democrats might want to think about that one a little bit. I know growing up like I did certainly left me with a different perspective on guns than many here.

3) Most I know were Catholic or Lutheran. Some were pro-choice, some were pro-life. I don't think they really voted on THAT issue one way or another. They were more inclined to vote on social justice type issues.

4) I would not say they did not care about the environment, but many of these guys lived off of coal, steel, and asbestos coating ships. Environmental regulations hurt them right in the wallet. Still, I would never say they thought dumping waste in a river was a good idea.

5) Homophobic - I don't know. Just watch an old Eddie Murphy routine from the eighties. Most everyone was pretty homophobic back then. The ones I know now generally speaking do not give a damn for the most part, although I do suspect two men kissing publically would not viewed positively. On the other hand, being a bit prudish, a man and a woman making out in public is not viewed in a positive light either. Regardless, it is not a "voting" issue for this crowd.

6) More liberal = disparaging. Beh, I don't know about that. I am pretty pro-union. DU is NOT a bastion for labor. In fact, anti-labor comments are not uncommon here. Personally, I don't think you can be a Democrat and be anti-union. I guess what I am saying is that there is a real genre here about what a "real" Democrat is, and I am pretty sure I do not agree.

7) Pro-America = not criticizing Yeah, to some degree. To them, it is about respect. My grandfather ( a coal miner) HATED Reagan with a passion. However, he was mortified when he was shot. As he said "He is still MY president". There is something about that idea that I find comforting. Not that I liked Reagan, but that even though we can disagree, even vehemently, at the end of the day, we are AMERICANS. Pretty important concept for us 1st and 2nd generation citizens. My grandparents left their home countries as children to start a new life here.