I like moderate politicians. I think they are trying to represent *ALL*

[IdaBriggs]

of their constituents, instead of just the "liberal base" or the "conservative base" and I think its a difficult thing to do.

I'm a total progressive on social issues, a big believer in big government, a hater of corporate corruption, and a fiscal conservative (specifically, I don't mind paying firemen, but buy your own damn lunch).

There are some issues I'm willing to "compromise" on, and some I'm not. I "get" that our politicians negotiate with each other for support on personal issues, and that they "go along to get along" sometimes. I don't always like it, but I understand it.

I will *NOT* accept anyone who doesn't believe in abortion rights. Period. While I can be dragged kicking and screaming under the big tent on some issues, that one is a deal breaker for me.

What are yours? If you had to pick JUST ONE HILL to make your stand on, what would it be?

[CTLawGuy]

1. but they end up representing no one

because representing everyone is impossible.

You cannot act to avoid pissing off anyone, you will end up standing for nothing, because taking any kind of position will alienate at least someone.

[IdaBriggs]

2. So, answer the question -- what is YOUR HILL? nt

[CTLawGuy]

7. I want someone who values

what I value, universal health care, equal rights for all, a sane foreign policy.

I also want someone who takes moral stands: who takes their positions because they believe those positions are right, not because they think they'll be more electable or because the polls say they should take that position.

[IdaBriggs]

11. So at some level you like the idea that Bush (CLAIMS!) to take

"moral" stands? "Doesn't watch the polls?" Etc.? Or does that not count because he's obviously lying through his teeth?

Your first sentence also obviously does not reflect any Republican value, so please don't think I'm baiting you; I really am asking you what your ONE TOP ISSUE is -- the rest just sounds like common sense, which is probably why you hang out at Democratic Underground! :)

[mdmc]

14. w. is sure strong in that kind of way.

really. he is..

[Cobalt Violet]

3. What do you mean by "but buy your own damn lunch" ?

:shrug:

[IdaBriggs]

6. I, as a taxpayer, should not be subsidizing the lunching habits

of politicians or other government employees, nor should they be getting "free" lunches from corporate lobbyists.

On Edit: Or their vacations. Or their expensive cars. Or their golfing. Etc.

[Cobalt Violet]

9. Gottcha.

I don't really have one issue to pin point. I prefer politicians who stand up for working people; and I don't just mean talk like they do.

[blm]

4. I hear you. I'm pretty much a socialist - a pragmatic socialist who

wants to achieve what CAN be achieved knowing that much of the country is well to my right.

Isn't that what COMMUNITY is really all about?

BUT - Firemen get stuck where they are with no chance of taking an hour lunch at a cafe. Whatever we can do to ease what they do, we should accept gladly.

[ThoughtCriminal]

5. Moderates don't build Death Camps

The problem is that sometimes they will tolerate people who do.

What I like? Somebody who does not think that a particualar ideology is the solution to any problem.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

8. I will not accept anti-medicine/anti-science candidates for key offices...

First, anti-medicine/anti-science includes anyone opposed to abortion rights, stem cell research and right-to-die measures.

Key offices include President, Governor and US Senate.

That's my "hill".

[dolstein]

10. So you're saying no Democrat can represent Idaho? Utah? Mississippi?

<<I will *NOT* accept anyone who doesn't believe in abortion rights. Period.>>

Well, that's great. But many Democrats don't have the luxury of representing voters who are strongly pro-choice. Indeed, the electorate by and large doesn't reflect the views of partisans on the right and the left. The public, by and large, doesn't what abortion completely outlawed, but they do support many restrictions. And voters in certain states are overwhemlingly hostile to abortion rights. Are you saying the Democrats should just give up on those states?

[IdaBriggs]

12. Nope. I'm saying that in Michigan, *I* will *NOT* vote for an anti-choice

candidate. I don't care what other good things you bring to the office, if you want to take away a woman's right to choose, you are not getting my vote. Period.

And yes, that even means for local elections, because local elections are a stepping stone to higher office. :)

[noonwitch]

21. There are not too many prochoice repubs left in Michigan

Joe Schwartz is one of the few I can think of. Milliken is retired, but I always liked him as an environmentally-friendly, pro-choice and pro-labor.

[mdmc]

13. when corporations win, we all win

How can one be big govt and fiscally conservative? I've always thought of these as polar opposites. As for my issues, I guess they are all on the table.
If the dems run some pro life, pro death penalty, pro drug war, pro iraq war candidate, I will probably vote for them. They will most certainly be better then the GOP alternative.

Very sad.

[IdaBriggs]

15. Its easy to be "big government" *and* "fiscally conservative" --

For example, I have no problems with the government employing people to be: teachers, law enforcement, meat inspectors, court workers, etc. I *love* the idea of people who have the job of holding corporations accountable for COMMON SENSE worker protections like health and safety issues, and construction quality (like building inspectors who make sure houses have electrical service that is "up to code" -- yes, I know its inconvenient, but its a lot cheaper than dealing with burning buildings and dead people).

My take is that enforcing the consumer protection laws -- including, for example, the endangered species act -- is good for the country as a whole, and helps the economy. Fuel efficient cars help not just the environment, but employ researchers and suppliers.

In the social services department (which is where I become fiscally conservative), I want there to be an adequate number of social workers to staff a community and provide help to those who need it, BUT (and here is where I am an absolute CONSERVATIVE), I want programs to focus on "TEACHING PEOPLE TO FISH" as opposed to JUST FEEDING THEM. I get the importance of feeding the needy, but I want programs that aren't just "charity" because they remind the recipient that this is a TEMPORARY situation, and we're all going to get through this, and get them back on their feet.

I do NOT want multiple generations of families doing the "government handout" thing; I don't want to deprive those in emergency situations of help, but after a year or two of getting help, I believe HEALTHY ADULTS (please note the word HEALTHY) need to be giving back to the community in some fashion. Its a matter of pride for them, and a "don't take advantage" thing for me.

:)

[mdmc]

20. that is not at all conservative

All those services that you mention could be outsourced or done away with entirely, if you have a conservative mindset. The fact that you understand the needs of people, that people that need help should be able to receive help, is anti-conservative.

Conservatives agree with the concept of social darwinism - survival of the fittest. The idea that the weak should perish as opposed to being helped by their community (which would "weaken" the community :eyes:) does not fit with what you have written.

In short, you are not a conservative, you are a moderate. Peace and low stress....

[IdaBriggs]

22. Seriously? I thought I qualified as a "conservative" because

of not wanting people to stay on assistance forever. You have TOTALLY made my day! :loveya:

I am a MODERATE RAVING LIBERAL. I can live with that. :)

On Edit: Also, I think child molesters should be executed. Isn't that kind of conservative?

[Minnesota Libra]

16. The only thing I disagree on is the Fireman's lunch, they are our first...

....responders and I don't mind in the least paying for their food because during some meal they might just end up rescuing my butt.:grouphug:

Now, as for what my main issue/s are, I have two.

The first is Universal Health Care, for every American, just like Congress enjoys.

The second is a central government that looks out for and maintains social "safety net" issues such as social security, welfare, etc.

I have other "pet issues" of course but these are the basics.

BTW, thank you for giving voice to the fact that just because not everyone is at the furthest left on the political scale doesn't mean we are any less liberal in many of our views.:pals:

[DrGonzoLives]

17. Worker rights

No comprises whatsoever there. Period.

[killerbush]

18. I consider myself a moderate independent

The right attacks the far left, while the left attacks the far right, and people like me in the middle, are turned off by all of it. Dialog people, not incessant attacks.

[sendero]

19. What I believe...

.. is that the actual law and policy should be developed by a mix of ideas. If you have far-right Republicans mixing with moderate Democrats, the resulting solution will be middle right.

I'd prefer having farther left Dems so we can pull it towards the true center.