a interesting blog entry

I just signed up yesterday and wish to share my story of why I joined Dean, as a republican.

Dean first landed on my political radar prior to the Moveon.org poll. There were random reports about how fast he'd grown to be a significant candidate. Then he won the poll and the media took to him more and more.

This past week, I decided to check into Dean, find out what all the fuss was about. My primary move for this dealt with my own extreme dissatisfaction with G.W. Bush, which I voted for, supported heavily, and supported on both wars. Before I say why I'm for Dean, I'll say why I'm not for Bush anymore.

Approximately 3 weeks ago, I began telling my family and friends when in political discussions that I was considering abstaining from the 2004 political process. It would be the first Federal Election to which I had not cast my ballot. My unhappiness came in three steps:

1) The Iraq War- A war of personal vendetta sold on a bill of faulty goods;
Maybe Santa Claus took the WMDs. The damage to the long term US credibility will take at least a decade to mend. Case in point, look at the current polls in Germany. 20% of its population think and believe that the USA funded and ordered 9/11. I am a patriot. I believe in my country, in our people. It saddens me that we have gone so far astray, that our friends have now called into question our credibility to this extent. This is a very dangerous and destabilizing opinion, one that could lead over the long term to the greater weakening of the US Economy, and the American Way. We, the common citizen, stand to lose the most, in the way of jobs and standard of living. We're barely hanging on in a collected paycheck-to-paycheck system, and losing friends and allies such as Germany will destroy our long-term nation. Before the war started, I promised my Democrat wife that if there were no WMD's, then I would not vote for Bush. Still waiting sir.

2) The Failure of the Tax Cut to impact Me.
I am in the 27% Bracket. I pay 41% marginal rates on my paychecks when combining payroll and state taxes. Add in my healthcare, and I pay an additional 11% per 2-week period. I do not have children due to health conditions, and I am not eligible for the tax credits or breaks because I only own IRA Mutual Funds. I received 1 check two years ago, and nothing else. When I voted for Tax cuts, I thought that I'd get one. I haven't, and now the county is broke again. Deficits this high will drain the Federal Reserve and destroy our bond ratings. A big reason for the 90's was the improvement in the bond ratings, a large victory for both parties who worked together. Now Bush is growing the government more than I ever though Gore was capable. Its time for a change. Since I'm still paying a ton of taxes, its time I get more for my money.

3) The Fiasco over Gay Marriage Civil Unions.
Conservatives have touted State's Rights for nearly 5 decades in multiple agendas. Now, State's rights are out the door in favor of a Constitutional Amendment on Marriage? Why don't we regulate what people can watch on TV while we're at it (Patriot Act 3 anyone!)? It's sickening to hear fellow Republicans call into to talk shows and start every discussion with, "My Religion Says..." Know what, Religion in the hands of Ignorance is a frightening thing. Al Queda case in point. Gay's are People too! My family has 3 members, Mother Father and Sister. It sickens me to hear the Republican's on this issue. It is really the big issue that sent my mind off in search of a new idea, a new leader. And now I'm here.

Howard Dean Represents a New Idea, a New Face, a New Perspective and Energy source. His supporters believe in him because he believes in ideas that can and will improve our Nation. I need help with my Health Care more than My Tax Bill. I want my country to have respect again in the international community. After 3 years of War, we need to heal. Any rational person would agree with this. We must stay strong, as Dean is, and we must protect our workers, our jobs, our way of life.

I am by definition a swing voter. 25 yr old, Hispanic, Catholic, College Grad in Political Science. Registered Republican, Social Liberal/ Fiscal Conservative. Dean is the responsible choice, and I'm emboldened by his strength. I hope that my joining his bandwagon will help him to repair the wounds of our country, both domestic and international. I look forward to attending my first Meet Up this Wednesday and discussing Community Republican Outreach programs with the fellow Deanites there. I hope that you, reading this post, will remember that Dean can and will appeal to more than your average left leaning Liberal. He can appeal to all Americans. He has appealed to me, and he can beat Bush and supply new leadership. He has my support for the Primary, though I can't cast a ballot in it since at this point I'm a registered Republican. Maybe I'll change my registration, but more importantly, I can add my voice and my $$ to the effort to take America back from the two political dynasties which have high jacked our nation, both the Clinton's and the Bush's are trouble for our future. And He already has my vote in 2004.

A Republican in Louisiana,
Steven R.


Posted by Steven R at August 4, 2003 02:43 PM



taken from blog for america.com

[[aNNa]]

this is the best thing i've taken the time to read all day.

[Ryan]

He stands a shot, even against the Monkey Man currently residing in the White House. If the election were held today, I'd most likely vote Dean.

[Adam D]

Dean's a terse Clinton for 2004. He talks a lot of shit, but when it comes down to the issues he's just as empty and as much of a New Dem as Clinton was. Everytime he opens his mouth he moves closer and closer to the right...

Originally posted by Adam D
Dean's a terse Clinton for 2004. He talks a lot of shit, but when it comes down to the issues he's just as empty and as much of a New Dem as Clinton was. Everytime he opens his mouth he moves closer and closer to the right...

adm it's going to be dean vs. bush


we all know it


so you will be voting for bush then i take it?

[Adam D]

nope.

so will you be voting?

and who for?