I agree opop, having an honest discussion online is rather difficult, which is why so many topics like these on other boards go down the drain so quickly.
As far as abortion goes, I don't "agree with abortion". But that does not mean I am willing to impart my decision on another human being. I would never encourage someone to have one, but if they made that decision (and I know women you have), then they are the ones that will have to live with it for the rest of their lives, not me.
As far as wealth being a meaningful factor in determing parties, take a look at Warren Buffet and many others. Back in the 50s, it was pretty accepted that Republicans were for small government and Democrats were for big government and that that had an impact on personal economics. Those days are long gone. Both of the two main parties are responsible for excessive government growth, just in slightly different areas. Well guess what folks, who foots the bill for government spending? The taxpayers. It does not matter who you personally voted for or which (of the two) parties got elected, the money will come out of your pockets one way or another. Republicans may cut your taxes, but the costs for other things are going up. It all balances out in the end.
As far as "being an independent is pointless", I just simply have to disagree. I mean, I understand the spirit of you comment, I just cannot accept such apathy. I have voted in 4 presidential elections (there, I have dated myself). I have yet to vote for either a Republican or Democrat. If everyone that wanted to vote for a third party but were afraid of wasting their vote actually did, a difference could be made. No doubt about it. We pride ourselves of having the best incarnation of Democracy in the world. Yet, despite how it is portrayed by both parties, we have the narrowest representation. Do you know how many viable political parties they have in the Japanese Diet (their Parliment) -or- the British Parliment? More than 2. And when no one party has a majority, they have to *GASP* compromise and form a Coalition. Simply put, if we had more parties, we would have more effective representation and the populace would be better served as a whole.
Well, at least in my opinion. Of course, knowing the age group of this forum, I doubt many will take the time to read all of that. So it goes.
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