selenau837 said:
Good call. How about discussing some other differences between the parties? I'll discuss a couple topics that are closely related.
Reps: Laissez-faire; let the economy run itself
Dems: The Fed should regulate the economy
I lean towards the Dems on this one. I think Laissez-faire is the capitalist ideal but, much like Communism, it only works if all parties involved uphold the deal. I do agree that the less government involvement the better, but that often such involvement is necessary. I am willing to agree that the market will correct itself, but only after damage has been done. I believe damage prevention is worth government involvement.
Reps: Maximum individual freedom, minimum government, self-regulated society
Dems: Society regulated by laws and courts, individual freedom is limited, increasing government involvement is not a negative
Again I tend to side with the Dems and again it's because I believe the Republican stance represents an unrealistic ideal. Yes, in many ways society can and will regulate itself. A dishonest business, for example, will fail when people discover the dishonesty. But again, not until after damage has been done. I believe laws that limit the freedom of the good person are worth preventing the bad person from doing harm.
This is one of the aforementioned areas where I have a serious problem with the Republicans since they are more than happy to restrict personal freedom whenever it suits their purposes.
Reps: Minimum taxes, economic growth through investing
Dems: Whatever taxes are necessary, economic growth through productivity
In a sound economic plan, both approaches should be alternated. During a recession, taxes should be reduced and investment in the economy should occur to stimulate recovery. During a period of prosperity, taxes should be increased to pay back the deficit incurred. That's how it should go, but no one adheres to it. All anyone does is spend; both parties are equally at fault for the enormous national debt. However, in recent years (ie., Clinton's Presidency) it was the Dems who took the lead in moving toward the correct system. The Republicans promptly wrecked it all.