My final break with conservative ties

As many of you know, I have written on here about why I became a Democrat a few months back. I made no apologies in previous posts that someday, maybe after the far-right fundamentalists and neo-conservative cabal had their iron grip broken, I would return to my former party and try to help bring it back to what it used to be.

The second to the last straw (if there is such a thing) was the denigration of John Kerry's war record. The hypocrisy on this issue is so rank that a blind man can see it, except for those on the right performing the character assassination. John Kerry served honorably and in combat, risking his life for our country, was decorated for it---and is being savaged for it by the "pro defense, pro military" party. The fact that he spoke up against what he saw, to me, is a testament of the men's integrity and honor--which is something that the chickenhawks (who so willingly let others fight their wars) know nothing about and will never be able to comprehend. Questioning Kerry's service was reprehensible, hypocritical, and unbelievable, but I chalked it up to the dirty business of politics. And Kerry, I thought, was doing a masterful job of defeating the Republicans criticisms, anyway.

After this latest prisoner scandal, no more. I wash my hands of the Republicans forever. It would seem that ANY American would look at those pictures, listen to the allegations, and be fully outraged. Republicans and Democrats alike. And I thought for a day or two it seemed like that might be the case. But I was tragically wrong. The fact that the right is trying to portray this as some kind of fraternity stunt, or guys just blowing off steam was comical at first. I actually laughed and thought that no one would take it seriously.

But it seemed to pick up steam, and gain creditability as the rights talking point of the day. Then as it was repeated more and more, and it became a credible argument (for them) on what the hell happened. And slowly, my incredulity gave way to anger, and finally, resignation that the neo-cons and the far right have a death grip on the Republican Party, and won't let go until they have choked the life out of it..

That is the final straw. No one can look at what happened and defend it, or be an apologist for it, as Limbaugh said he was today. What happened is not what the United States of America does, nor shields those responsible from punishment.

As an active duty guy, I am outraged. This is NOT my army, this is NOT what we do, but sadly, it seems we have, and it could be widespread. The fact that there is not an outcry from both left AND right for the court-martial and resignations up and down the chain of command of those responsible is sickening. And just for the record, almost all military members are just as outraged as I am over what happened.

To hell with the Republican party. Forever. I hope you guys like having me around, because I'm not going anywhere.

I hope that if a liberal administration shamed me, I wouldn't stand for it. But just remember, Limbaugh isn't the average American or the average Republican. He's just a sick, sick mind...

Where are you in FL?

That might have something to do with it.

you said you were a pilot, wounded, fly choppers, and stationed in the Panhandle of Florida. Personally me being ex-Navy aircrew, and have done much of my training in P'Cola, I can probably pin point the base you are at. Glad you are on board, I am a former Republican as well, hence my pseudonym.

I did. Hey, it's 500 posts later, lol. I can't remember everything.

:D And sometimes folks think I'm a Republican.

Blue for everything else :)

his/her brain. The lefties have their share of indoctrination as well, but I don't think it comes close to the levels of the RW populace.

:toast:

That nightmare of a tie Bush was wearing during his "press conference" looked like it might be liberal to me. Get FoxNews on the story...

:evilgrin:

Who ever heard of a liberal with a job? Don't all of us get welfare or something? :eyes: Teehee.

maybe it had a twinge of Libertarianism in it.

I know it was not on an impulse.

things, smaller government, personal freedoms and responsibility

this is NOT the GOP of my youth and altho I have been a Dem all my life, my (ex MP) hubby is right with you. He is disgusted and ashamed of what the neocons are doing to the party he grew up in.

Thanks for your honesty and integrity to call em like you see em.

We can only hope that more republicans recognize that the GOP has been hijacked and will never be the same.

where moderate Democrats and Republicans worked together. I think that we still have some moderate Democrats (Clinton?) but whatever happened to the moderate Republican that could at least work with Dems on social issues?

I heard a political science professor on WPR on Monday who said that the political spectrum used to look like a "bell-shaped curve". But there has been so much polarization now that it looks more lie a "two-humped camel".

I'm afraid she's right.......there isn't much room for moderation these days....who was it, Tom Delay?...who said that bipartisanship was like date rape?

Even if you lean only slightly to the left, you have no place left to go except far left...either that or accept the ultra-religous far right neoconservative cause........

I'm afraid of what the future will bring.

"Only slightly left", "far left".....?

I ask because there seems to be many different conceptions of this.

Kanary

i am the huggey kissey kinda gal. i have kids, doing it all the time

you gave me chills and tears in eyes to hear you. thank you for this gift..........so much, just for reason. it is a wonderful feeling and truly has brought me joy

i have invested a lot of time of late, and sometimes get down, but not often and not for long. i know all will be ok here. for me, i truly see it was the future of my kids i am creating for. we are a better people than this

for your post. You guys pick me up all the time when I'm feeling down.

Bill of Rights the Geneva Convention and the America I read about in history and served for seven years active duty. I don't really know where we are living now it seams to be a cross between never never land and 1937 Germany. Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Feeling betrayed sucks, whether by your party or your government. Personally, I hope that right-minded (as opposed to right-winged) Republicans of conscience, and there are many, will one day regain control of your party. I still believe that the one good thing which will come from this administration, is going to be a major recoiling within your party and our country from this kind of lunacy.

In the meantime, it's good to have you here. And if your party ever comes back to you, stick around anyway- it's always to the board's advantage to have as many rational, polite, thoughtful members as possible- regardless of label.

They are always smearing us with that ridiculous mantle...but really it is just them projecting.

They project all their worst impulses onto us. It makes it easier for them to avoid their own behavior and fool their sheep-like followers.

The repukes have become a sick, sick party. Sick at the very core.

We'll try not to drive you crazy, but I can't promise anything. We annoy ourselves a great deal.

But right now, we can't afford that. We have a constitution to restore, a government to retake, and a nation's honor to redeem.

Glad to have you. Hand to heart.

You belong with us. The Democratic Party is indeed the largest dysfunctional family around, and the most argumentative. But there are certain points upon which we all agree ... principles of basic human decency, for example.

And yer right ... this is NOT our Army. This is NOT what Americans do. All this is proving to be an abomination of Americanism. This evil empire must be opposed and America restored. Fortunately, the system is not completely overwhelmed ... we still have a way of opposing this empire non-violently, through political action.

You and I once took an oath which I see we both take seriously ... to uphold and defend the Constitution. Let us now do so with our words, our work, our money, and our votes.

Against ALL enemies, both foreign AND DOMESTIC.
John
My dad was a Republican (and would actually admit to having voted for Richard Nixon THREE TIMES). He was an alright sort, anyhow.

My point, exactly.

(Fixing typo ...)

Funny you should mention our oath. I just ran across mine earlier tonight while I was going through some stuff. It brought a tear to my eye, and it made me realize how far away from things we've gotten, ya know?

YES. Speaking for myself, I am DELIGHTED you are here. You bring a perspective that many of us rabid leftie partisans (speaking for myself again here) do not have.

You'd bring the voice of reason to your own former party, if they'd listen, but they won't. I agree with you, they appear to be beyond help, beyond redemption. Excuse me, but I did my share of hanging out on Fraternity Row. And lots more in a college that did not have fraternites and sororities (which means we improvised in our nonalignment). And NO hazing, NO "frat boy" crap was EVER like this. Nor did it go all the way to the big, empty, bogus denials from the highest levels.

I know there are lots of people on here who regard your posts and your insights as VERY valuable. I hope we're worthy of your sticking around. We need you. And we salute you for your service, also. A chickenhawk you'll NEVER be, even if you do return to the gop fold someday.

HUGS!

Thanks. You were one of the folks that kept lifting me up when I was questioning myself on if I had done the right thing. I just want to say thanks for helping to keep me on track.

:yourock:

Hugs to you and your wife. From me and everybody else here. YOU rock. We need you.

You really don't know what the GOP is really about. It's not about democracy even in it's more benign form it seems to be just a point of view. Right wing parties no matter which country they are in are really about privilege, control and a class society, not democracy.

:hi: :toast: :hi:

. . . and I like to believe that you can't be the only one who has come over from "the Dark Side" ;)

I left the right behind about 35 years ago when I returned from Vietnam and started figuring out what it was all about. Nevertheless, your words brought realizations that were new even to an old cynic like me. In particular, your comments made it clear to me just how far the neocons have managed to twist the American soul. As small outrages were followed by greater outrages, and those by unspeakable outrages, they slowly inured the collective consciousness to accept total abominations. Like the old "how to boil a frog" story--how to Nazify the conscience of a nation.

The g.o.pers I know (mostly in my family) choose to close their eyes to what is going on. I am glad to hear their are people like you who are willing to open their eyes to it.

Thanks, it gives me hope for my family members - especially my dad who after being a life long republican admitted a few weeks ago that he was beginning to have his doubts about the * administration.

I know that most Republicans are like you. But they are disconnected from what is really going on. If they knew what is really happening they would see the light as you have.

:pals:

It means you know who you are. I really enjoyed reading that. Thanks.

as my mother would say. There is a part of me that thinks the war mongers who criticized Kerry's war and anti-war record got what they deserved in this abuse story. Notice how the talk of how awful it was for Kerry to talk about abuses in Vietnam has stopped? I predict they dare not bring it up again. Not even Rush.

(P.S. x-g-o-per my Dad was x-GOP/military. What drove him from the GOP was Rumsfeld and his crowd saying the US could have a "limited nuclear war". He worked on the nuclear subs. He said that was insane to even think it, let alone talk about it. I always read your posts first. My guess is you're more my age than my Dad's, I always think of him when I see thinkers from the military.)

You are a true American.

in Humanity! :grouphug:
I used to only disagree with the right but lately they really, really scare me. I'm starting to look at my Republican neighbors and wonder if they think it would be ok to start torturing me if they found out I was against the war.
Thank You.

especially ex-military, go through a period of denial. And we have yet to see the worst of it (Sy Hersh talks of children being raped - he doesn't say by whom).

But there are heroes in all this. Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba in particular is one hell of a man.

we LOVE having you around

I've read several of your posts in the last few days. How do you do that moving pic thing? It's really cool.

that at one point in time the republican party actually stood for good things (i have no clue what) but has now descended into hypocrisy, smoke and mirrors, greed and ugliness

It used to stand for a lot of what was good in America--a limited, but caring government, a strong, but reasonably apportioned national defense budget, and was a champion of individual liberty and personal freedom.

Now they are the party of unending war, an enemy of free speech, and jingoistic, patriotic phrases horribly warped into a misguided love of country, where a dissenting view is traitorous to "the way, the truth, and the light."

It's really scary what's happening. And what's scarier is how many are blind to it.

I just found out my grandparents on my moms
side who are very religious said they are" finding
out that everything I believed in was a lie"

They have been republicans their whole lives , lived
a good life working very hard for every cent to
raise my mom and her 4 siblings on a meager privates
pay . They have never taken vacations other than
driving somewhere .

On my Dad's side my very Rich Grandparents had a
completely different life were never very religious
but were good conservatives and good people too,
always supported animal and environmental causes .

Both sets of Grandparents are appalled by the current
republican party .

I hurts me to see them worry about those of us
left with this mess bush is making .

Their Generation worked unbelievably hard to make a stable
world , to see it get undone so quickly what it took them
a lifetime to build is unbearable

There's a few of us here who voted Republican in the past and understand your feelings.

I said to a friend today that there are some Republicans who, if bush morphed into Hitler, would still vote for him.

Very fightening.

We do not hold our soldiers responsible for the stupidity of a few...my nephew is a Army guy and we love you all.

;-)

No, really. Seriously.


I'm not kidding...

:-)

Got any like-minded friends you can bring along with you? :)

My mother was a Republican, but she was one to distinguish herself from the one-party Democratic rule we used to have down here.

She was for integration long before that became generally acceptable to most Democrats, for instance.

If she didn't have Altzheimer's now, I know she'd never vote for the Repugnants now. She would be deeply apalled.

I'm almost glad she doesn't have her faculties so she can't see what's happening now.

And I'm sorry about your mom. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. I hope you're bearing up well with it. Well, as well as can be expected. My prayers are with you.

Together we will take back our country

This country does after all have a two party system....and they balance each other. The Republican party needs true Americans capable of independent thought. While I am proud to have you step to the left it is sad that one more Republican with a brain is lost.

At any rate a bitter sweet congratulations I offer. I respect your honesty and truly patriotic nature immensely.

RC

The democrats aren't always right or perfect, but, hopefully, we are more democratic -- which goes a long way.

I've been a Democrat all my life, but I was appalled by Clinton's lying about Monica. Both my husband and I thought he should have resigned. This didn't make us popular with a lot of our liberal friends, but so what? We stood up for what we believed.

My father usually voted Republican but he would be horrified by what BushCo has done. I'm almost glad he didn't live to see this.

As long as we can protect our voting rights and the freedom of our press, people like you will help keep this country on the right track.

BushCo is a disaster, but we can throw him out of office and start to rebuild.

Your posts are always excellent.

I hope that you are not alone. Moderate Republicans and "real" conservatives have nothing in common with the far right fundamentalists and the delusional neo-imperialists that control the GOP today.

Your post gave me goose-bumps and has me crying. Maybe when I'm done, I'll post something coherent.

That was very nice of you to say. Thank you...

There just isn't room for moderates in the GOP anymore.

Maybe they will stay, and help take back control when the ultra-right spell is broken. But I think it's a matter of time before the extreme right starts blasting away at McCain, based on the grilling he gave "Rummy" today.

I would really like to see what the reaction is if that happens. Heck, McCain got blasted for defending Kerry's war record. I can only imagine what they're thinking up for him.

you're a true patriot.

:toast:

Tom, I have spent a lot of time studying Germany in the early 1930's and comparing it to today. I see too many similarities that I consider to be more than coincidence.

1) Politically polarized population who are incredibly naive and disengaged

2) Laws surreptitiously enacted that give government more unchecked power than they lead people to believe--deliberate deception

3) Cooperative press

4) A national enemy

Just to name a few.....I would like your thoughts

Great news!

I hope you can convince fellow x-gop'ers as well. :toast:

You know how to think critically. That's what the Greedy Old Party is missing, currently. I was a nominal Republican until 2002. I switched and I knew at the time I was never going back. Shrub just made me sick. I started learning about what had actually been going on behind the scenes. I looked at the Republicans around me and just couldn't stomach the thought of being a Republican anymore. I no longer wanted to be associated with these people.

I apologize to everyone for voting for Reagan, Bush I and the Shrub. I was misled. I was wrong. I am finally learning just how wrong I was. :( I'm so very sorry.

xgoper, I'm glad you have the decency to call a spade a spade. Anyone who downplays these photos as "fraternity pranks" is a sicko.

As you might assume from my screen name, I think Reagan was wrong about 98 percent of all the decisions he ever made. But he was right when he told Gorbachev to "tear down this wall."
That's right where the bear shit in the buckwheat. We, as Americans (not as Democrats, not as Republicans) have to stand for free elections and letting the people decide their leaders.
Reagan won fair and square, twice. What happened in 2000 makes me wonder just how are we better off than those captives in East Berlin President Reagan talked about.
John
No, these aren't the Republicans I used to know. Where the hell is Barry Goldwater when you need him?

jump in with both feet.

:toast: :thumbsup: :party: :toast:

I travelled the same road you did about 7 years ago. Now, I won't say I was ever a Republican. I've always been a Democrat, but I was a Centrist Democrat who didn't shy away from voting Republican quite a lot if they matched my views better than the Dem candidate.

In 1988, I first heard of Rush Limbaugh. I paid little attention. By 1993, Rushism had spread (Goebbels v2.0).

"Mainstream Republicans aren't like that. This guy is crazy AND a liar. Gotta be an aberration." I continued to vote for the individual, as I had my entire life.

1994: Al Franken's Book "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot" comes out. I read it and foolishly think, "Finally, someone has come out and exposed th Lying Hypocrisy for what it was. Surely Goebbels v2.0 (I wasn't thinking of it that way then) will now die out.

Talk about your Misunderestimating!

1996: Last Republican Vote cast for State Attorney General.

1998: Impeachment gets rolling. I love history and I always loved reading about Roman History. My main thought which overarched all of it was "How this resembles an episode of "I, Claudius". First, go after the friends. Isolate and bully the rest into "walking away" from the Condemned. Once isolated, the Trials begin (at least it wasn't a Tiberian Treason Trial, but that would have been exposing too much of their Bushevik Totalitarianism too early). My brain is screaming "This is JUST LIKE IMPERIAL ROME." and yet my brain refused to take the next step.

"It is impossible that it could happen here," I still firmly believed.

The rest, as they say, is history. Stolen Elections, Freeped Polls, Orwellian Lies and Party-Loyal Sub-Media combined to jar me awake from my dozing (but restless) denial to FINALLY understand the scope and multifaceted nature of the Bushevik assault on America.

Though I have not had to turn my back on my Party, as you have, I think our jounreys to awareness and away from denial are similar.

Bottom line: You are not alone, x-g.o.p.er, our journey is now being started on by MILLIONS.

By the way, dude, :yourock:

It is a hard journey you have taken. It required more guts and conscience than a Mindless Bushevik Followers (not all Bushevik followers are mindless, of course...just the Freepers/Dittoheads/Brownshirts) could ever comprehend if they lived to 1,000.

Free America is glad to have you on our side, sir.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I see too many things happening that seem to be beyond the control of the normal American...and sadly, the normal American, IMHO, passes for the guy that cares more about the "American Idol" election being fixed than the presidential election (touch screen voting, etc.)

It's just quite depressing sometimes. I'm glad it's Friday. Methinks I shall imbibe...

It's good to have you join us. You'll find that THIS is where tolerance for differing viewpoints abounds, and all are welcome to add our 2 centavos worth to the discussion. We have a healthy respect for diversity (it is our lifeblood!), and have a common goal: keeping our country FREE. And, sir, thank you for your service to our country.
:yourock:

I love your posts!!

If one Republican can see the light and realize that what is happening now is not good for America then I'm sure more can also. Keep up with your critical thinking and we all benefit.

and congrats on the final decision. I know it was a painful one.

It made quite a splash, and I was glad to see it. You should get a blog if you have the time and energy.

Anyway, my dad has walked the same route as you. The first man he voted for was Eisenhower, although he said that during his childhood he admired Truman. When my mom first explained politics to me when I was about 5 and Clinton was running for Pres, she started by saying "I'm a Democrat and your dad is a Republican". I don't think my dad voted for Bush I the second time, and I know he hasn't voted Republican since. He even asked my mom if she thought they should get active with the county Democrats a couple months ago.

About that time I asked him why he no longer supported the Republicans. He said, "I used to think they wanted to help small businesses (he owns his own pharmacy), but now I know they don't. They're not the same anymore. They used to want smaller government too." He hasn't said this explicitly, but I don't think the influence of people like Robertson and Falwell jive with my family's Judaism. He seemed to have a tone of disappointment in his voice when he told me about his new stance. I don't blame him.

People like you and my dad really put a hole in the "growing older = more conservative" myth.

and I am very glad that you're here to stay!

Congratulations. :hug:

I remember your first posts. You are still just as eloquent. This old world is lucky to have a gutsy you around. Much thanks to you.

I am sorry you lost your party. I'm even sorrier that we lost our country. We can not get it back if we are at odds with one another.

I will confess up front, however, that I have become quite skeptical about the possibility of us ever getting it back through 'politics as usual.' What I see are criminals in high places, placing themselves and their agendas above the rule of law. If we do not have due process and a political system that works, we are left with few choices.

Republicans will see that this isn't business as usual and these aren't "true" Republicans (fiscal reponsibility, small gov.,etc.). The people running this country are criminals and that's all there is to it. :-(

more and more people will come around. It's an unending battle...one that everyone of us could come out on top in!

:hi:

You know things are fucked up when we're considered radical for defending the Bill of Rights.