The Forum with Decorum

[Maggy]

Fellow posters:

Please do not allow this forum to be used as others, ie: Dems 17 and Vindy.

No matter what your PERSONAL beliefs or political affiliations, if you cannot defend your PERSONAL stance without name calling and PERSONAL attacks, I would believe you yourself question such.

As a Democrat, I was always still looking at the person as well as the Party, and occasionally crossing over when I voted. I guess that's why I finally decided I was really an Independent. Also, it is the Capitalist make-up of our country that has contributed to our strong Democracy. They are not opposites, but actually compliment each other when properly functioning. I don't want a socialist state. Is not the American way to " work hard and get ahead "? Is it also not the American spirit that reaches out to those in need, whether our own or globally?

So who's responsible for our mess? As far as I'm concerned, both the Democrats and Republicans, and perhaps most of all we ourselves. Afterall, we keep sending them back.

Also, to assert that an individual's political preference dictates the true good that they as a person try to do in a community is ridiculous, and to use a personal confidence to attack is wrong.

Stand for what you truly believe - too few people do. However, understand and respect that others may do the same at the other end of the spectrum. This isn't bad. It makes for great dialogue, understanding, and a possible resulting middle ground that benefits all. It is the differences that are our strength.