Why are you a Democrat?

[Anonymous]

I guess there are two parts to the question.

1, how did you end up being a Dem.? Was it b/c of your parents, some other influence, or just something you chose to do?

2, regardless of how you became one, why are you a Dem.?

I'm trying to explain 2 to my DS but am just grasping for the right words. As for 1, I'd love for him to follow my lead, but I really want him to arrive at that conclusion, assuming he does, by himself.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you just explain the "general" differences between Rep. and Dems. Point out the hot topic issues such as health care, taxes, Middle East policy, abortion, environmental issues etc. (just don't skew the facts to reflect your personal view if you truly want your DS to arrive at his own conclusion).

Hec, even throw in a little socialism, libertarianism, and the green party into the mix and point out how those views differ /similar to Rep. and Dems.

...then let your son decide.

Actually, once your son gets into the real world and starts contributing to society he may change his mind once he sees all the parts put together.

[Anonymous]

DH and I are both liberals who work in the public interest field. We secretly worry that our DS will grow up to be an Alex P. Keaton-Nixon loving-NRA supporting-Republican

We talk openly about politics, social justice issues, and the election. DS is only 4 (going on 14, but that's another story) but he's picking up on things. The Obama campaign called a few months ago to ask for a donation. DS had answered the phone and his response was, "I'm sorry, but we don't like Obama -- we like Hillary Clinton." The phone was on speaker (that's the only way I let DS answer the phone b/c who knows what will come out of his mouth), so I could hear the Obama fundraiser laughing hysterically on the other end. He said, "Okay kid, thanks anyway."

So, he's picking up on things. Talk about your beliefs. Get involved with campaigns or advocacy groups and model your beliefs. Your kid will catch on.

[Anonymous]

My parents are Republicans, my husband is a "watered down" Republican and I'm a Democrat. I've always been liberal, a tree hugger, pro-choice, etc. I too want my son to make his own choices-hope he's passionate about what he believes in. I haven't eaten meat since was in my early 20s (now 44)-I've agreed to let him eat chicken and seafood. I want him to make decisions for himself but if he asks me why I don't eat meat, or why I recycle everything-I'll tell him my story. He's his own person and might feel differently than I do. I don't think like my parents! Or my husband, although, because he's fiscally conservative, he associates himself with the Republican party. However-he voted for Clinton, in both elections!

[Anonymous]

1. Variety of factors. Parents were very progressive, but I tended to be more conservative as a reflex. However, when I worked closely with people on the Hill when I was in my 20's and met all of these 20-something Republicans who truly believed that poor people were poor because they were lazy, THAT'S when I realized I was definitely a Democrat. Now I am a lesbian mother and firmly in the progressive/activist camp of the Democratic Party.

2. Because I have empathy for my fellow human beings and great wariness about the destructive impact of corporate influence on the quality of life in our country and on our planet.

There is a book that my dd received as a gift from a friend called "Why Mommy is a Democrat" - you can find it at:

http://www.littledemocrats.net/

[Anonymous]

I do not like to say that I am a "Democrat". I prefer to say that my the issues that are closest to me are in line with the platform of the Democratic party:

- abortion rights
- gender/racial equality
- social safety net for people who need it.

[Anonymous]

My grandpa gave me a mug from that said "If you want to live like a Republican, you'd better vote like a Democrat!" Because Democrats have better policies for low and middle income working people, which is my family background.

Ironically, as our income rises, and we hang out with lots of inherited wealth ivy league progressive types who don't share our worry about Obama's tax policy on high earners because they have plenty to spare, DH and I now joke "If you want to live like a DC Democrat, you'd better vote like a Republican"..but I don't think we really could!

[Anonymous]

1: I live in DC want to vote in the primaries that really decide things here.

2: It's ingrained from my youth.

3, 4, 5, and 6: Nixon, Reagan, Bush & Bush.

7: Although I have neither had real money problems nor been really well off, I definitely identify more with those who might need government help than with those who see the government as a drain on their income.

8: The aforementioned government help I might need does not include advice about what I do in my bedroom.

[Anonymous]

My personal view is that it is not helpful to teach children to identify themselves as Democrat or Republican, because it teaches them to let a party platform make their decisions for them. Better to do your own thinking and be open to the ideas of both sides of the continuum. Normally, one will tend to align with one party versus the other, but no need to steer children in that direction right from the start. Of course, my viewpoint comes from being fairly moderate and independent ... I find the extremes of both parties fairly objectionable. So I guess I am actually steering my child to the exact same place I have myself decided upon!! Oh well!!

[Anonymous]

I'm a flaming lefty pinko, but I vote democratic based on the idea of getting folks in office who will set policy as close to inline wtih my ideals as is possible.

I talk to my child about politics, but not in a heavy-handed way.

[Anonymous]

We teach my children racial equality, tell them it's ok to be gay (and married to your same sex partner), and let them express themselves in their own ways.

We shop at farmer's markets, own wheat germ, purchase naturally raised meat, free range eggs, and did not circumcise our son.

We teach them about the environment, and the need to protect it. We plan on getting our house off the grid in the next year, purchasing a green house (year round garden), and making our carbon footprints much smaller than they are now.

We believe that those who need help, should be given the help they need. We believe that those who have, should help those who have not. We however have experienced socialism first hand, and as a result, are Republicans. We however don't vote down party lines, and never once did either of vote for Bush.