Is America Over?

This doesn't make sense. Liberals love facts. Go to YouTube and watch a few minutes of Democrat candidates give speeches. It's all dry fact, fact, fact. No pulse, just facts, and the facts are usually true (see one of the truth rating sites; their average truthfulness is amazing.) But as a result, Democrats are almost always boring. They have some good ideas, but they package those ideas in an unappealing package that leaves you feeling cold.

Meanwhile, conservatives are all about emotions. They paint pictures of a golden age that only exists in memory. They tell you how great America is and how if you elect them you'll be proud to be an American again. They are really good inspirational speakers, and they make you feel powerful, like you really matter. Unfortunately, like many inspirational speakers, their words too often are superficial. Conservatives have no respect for the truth. They make up facts or severely distort truths, I think in part because they are so emotional, and emotion has a way of distorting one's view of reality.

One of the ideals that conservatives hold up is "less government." That has its upside, but it also has its downside. What "less government" really means is fewer regulations for employers. Under conservative rule, employers would be able to work employees longer and for less pay. It's the liberals who push for higher wages, the right for employees to unionize to get better working conditions and benefits, and better overtime pay. It's weird how the heart of the US is so pro Republican when the Democrats are actually working harder for it.

Democrats can't be unchecked, however. As well-intentioned as they are to help the poor and middle class, they are too exuberant in that desire. They often rush ahead too quickly. They don't understand that many people are uncomfortable with change and that it needs to happen slowly. Democrats are also too keen on using legislation to forge a utopia. Under Democrat rule, life would be full of regulations.

In summary, under Republican rule, life would be hard for anyone not born into a wealthy family, but life would be pretty darn free of regulations. You could litter, engage in reckless behavior, and do all sorts of things you can't do right now. Under Democrat rule, nearly everyone's life would be better. You would have a better chance of making a better life your yourself and your children, and the standard of living would be higher. The price for that life, however, would be far more ticky tacky regulations of what you can and cannot do, which in some sense would be suffocating.

The best approach is to realize that neither Republicans nor Democrats have the best solution to a happy life, and as a result, we should stop vilifying them. The extremes of both parties are bad. The best way to go is with the sensible people in the middle.