http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/11/us/politics/social-issues-splitting-young-republicans-from-their-elders.html?_r=0
The article above talks about how the republican party is being split by social issues when it comes to "young" and "old" republicans. What is so interesting about this topic is the fact that the republican party over the years has had a difficult time giving the party something to get excited about and that is because the republican party is still stuck in their old ways. I feel that todays world is very similar to to the 1960's when the civil rights act was put into place. In today's world issues like gay rights, abortion, legal use of marijuana, and much more are major social issues. I believe when the Republican party decides to rearrange their ideologies we will see more of a libertarian party then a republican party. The said thing is in my eyes today's social issues are not the most pressing priorities in our country. I believe that foreign affairs, immigration, health care, and the economy are the problems worth focusing on. I am a registered republican and may consider my self to be a libertarian but I am a republican and it frustrates me when people make a decision on who they will vote for based on issues that arent important right now. I believe there are more pressing needs that the United States needs to take care of. With that being said I do think social problems are important but not to the point where I dont vote for someone based on their beliefs on the death penalty when immigration is a bigger problem.
So my questions are. Why do people base their vote on social issues over issues that show real importance right now?
My next question is do you agree that like the 60's times are changing and the republican party is heading towards libertarian ideologies or the republican party will find a way to show importance in todays society?
2 comments:
I can see what you mean that we are in an era much like that of the 60's, however, the change that occurred in that era happened because of important social issues. If people would have said, and many did, that those social issues were not pressing issues, we would have a very different country today. Inter-racial marriage would still be illegal, African Americans, Mexicans and non-whites would still be second class citizens. While I understand that the economy is a pressing matter, the social issues that face us today are no less pressing.
Some of those issues still linger today like abortion which was legalized in 1973. It is very silly that we are still debating something that has been legal and law of the land for over 40 years. That being said many of these social issues are not simply social issues, but also are economic issues. For instance immigration, now this is an issue that is not only social, but it is an economic issue as well.
I would also like to point out that while some may think that some of these social issues are not of pressing matter now, they are to many. If you are worried that your wife or husband cannot even see you in the hospital when you are in an accident, or gravely sick, because the state doesn't recognize your marriage, then I would say that is a pressing matter. Also, on that same note, this would also have to do with health care and economics, because if you cannot be on your spouses' health care because your marriage again is not recognized by the state then some of those people who would like to quit their jobs in order to start their own business may not have the opportunity. In turn there is one less entrepreneur in the United States.
This is my opinion solely, but I feel it is much easier to say that these social issues are not pressing when one is a white, middle class, straight, male. No one is taking any one's guns away (which, while you did not say it, many republican's believe this), however many people are having their rights taken away everyday and are being treated as second class citizens. So if we continue to say that these issues are not as important as economic or foreign affairs, then we will never become the best and most equal country that we claim to be.
Andy,
As a registered Republican and someone who is very active within conservative politics, I see this as an issue within the party. I see the problem of having many different factions of the party. We have social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, moderates, Rino's, Libertarians and any combination of them. Republicans disagree with each other, we always have infighting over policy. Myself personally have my own ideas and thoughts on every issue but thats just me. This division within the party is something that needs to be addressed. What's important is that we focus on issues important to the country and the well being. Being a social moderate I do believe that some issues should be put to rest (Gay Marriage) I support the marriages between whomever. It's a non-issue to me. Thats the libertarian influence within my political make up. Another social issue is abortion. Morally I am pro-life. I believe that everyone should have the right to life and the opportunity that I have had in life to live. With that said I am outwards pro-choice. I don't believe it is my authority to tell people what to do nor do I have the right to tell women what to do with their body. I think you can disagree with something without being restrictive. We now live in a society that it is discouraged to disagree with people. We can disagree on issues and have lasting, meaningful and productive relationships with one another despite our political beliefs. I want to see more tolerance of both sides of the issue. As much as there are pro-choice advocates there is also a lot of pro life advocates. We can disagree it's ok. Law is law and I respect that. To get back to the blog post is that I agree with what you say, I would like to see more focus on jobs, economy and the budget. I think all issues are important but to me personally, my fiscal well being and opportunity to live a successful and fruitful life, to provide for myself and my family are paramount. I see the Republican party giving me a good shot at that. Less taxes, fair flat tax code and more focus on jobs I see as my future. I choose to be a republican because more of my ideals are within that party than others. Great Post sorry to be long winded!
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