I've said it before: Republicans think only of themselves

[eyesroll]

(this is inspired by dolo amber's previous thread here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=2333866&mesg_id=2333866).

Now, I don't know for a fact that the executives who make pricing decisions at utility companies are Republicans, but I can guess.

Regardless, this is something that's bugged me for a long time. It's one of the things I see as a big difference between Republicans and Democrats (and like-minded independents, etc.)

I know I'm making generalities here, but it's something I've noticed quite often.

Why are Republicans so quick to favor restrictions on things? Restrictions on abortion and contraception; restrictions on what people can see, download and buy; restrictions on who can get credit and who can file for bankruptcy. They're also quicker to go to war, cut combat pay, cut veterans' benefits, etc.

Why?

Because it will never affect them personally.
Think about it -- if you have money and connections, does it really matter if abortion is illegal, or if there's a draft, or if the power company will shut off your housekeeper's heat in the winter? Of course not. You'll be warm and well-fed; your daughter can take a "weekend trip" to somewhere where abortion is safe and legal; your son can somehow end up 4F, or at a nice desk job in a recruitment office, even though he's in perfect health.

Now, to be fair -- most Democrats making the laws won't be affected by them either, because even the brokest of the lawmakers still are pulling in six figures a year. But they're not quite as quick to vote for these things that only restrict the rights of poor- and middle-class people.

Is it because Democrats actually think about others, and realize that but for a health crisis, a job loss, a car accident, they could be just as affected? Many democrats who overcame poverty, abuse or neglect to become powerful remember their roots and won't abandon their families and friends; others who've always lived a privileged existance still think about those who haven't before they vote. (Of course, there are exceptions in both parties, but I think the general trends hold true.)

That, frankly, is what makes me proud to be a Democrat.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. You're absolutely right, but I might add...

to this line: "your daughter can take a "weekend trip" to somewhere where abortion is safe and legal;"

I would add: or can actually afford to raise the baby

[eyesroll]

2. Quite true...

But, in general -- if a woman of means wants or needs an abortion, unless they become illegal globally (and even then she might find a sympathetic doctor who will "perform a D&C to cure unexplained bleeding"), she will be able to have one easily.

One thing I have noticed, though, is that Democratic Presidents haven't exactly been spectacular in this department (see: Welfare reform), but Democratic legislators on the whole have been much better than their Republican counterparts.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

4. You're definitely right

But I know personally women that absolutely WANTED to have children, but there was no way in hell they could afford to. And it's not a case of "personal responsibility", because mistakes and accidents do happen. That's a cop-out in my book.

[Corgigal]

3. this is how they want to think

That they can protect themselves from anything mankind throws at them. They don't have to worry about paying for heating oil or making that next mortgage payment.

It's this type of thinking that will kill us off one day. More and more plagues are starting to use humans as their host. Plagues can get through gated communities. We have no socialized medicine at all and because of the thinking of the "screw em, I got mine" people when we finally figure out it's here and what it is then it will be too late. Poor people or people without medical coverage don't go to the doctor because of a cold or a flu. I'm not saying that socialized or affordable medicine for all will stop all plagues but it might kill a lot fewer of us when it hits. History teaches us that this happens from time to time and I think we are overdue.

Republicans will be shocked when it's one of their children dying in the hospital because of a plague. Or worst yet, a bio-weapon. More people will die then ever needed to. Of course the screw em' I got mine crowd would have to pay more to live in America and they won't do that. They can't see that all human life is interconnected.

[kysrsoze]

5. As soon as something bad happens to them, they become Dems

Whether it's pregnancy or financial problems, that is the turning point for those selfish people.