When asked why I’m a Democrat I point to the Democratic party’s long history of pursuing policies and programs that benefit middle and lower class portions of the population, while Republicans have tended to favor the wealthy, the well-born, and the powerful. Since I am none of these things, having a family history that is thoroughly anchored in the middle class, I am a Democrat.
Right now we have an excellent example of this difference between the two major parties shaping up in the political furor over high gas prices. The Republican candidates are concentrating their proposals on drilling for oil, digging for coal and building nuclear power plants. Occasionally they mention conservation and alternate and sustainable energy sources, but they are clearly married to the enormous, international corporations that deal in extractive fossil fuels and nuclear fission.
Democrats, on the other hand, are actively promoting wind power, solar power, and other clean and sustainable sources of energy. The distinction between the two parties could not be clearer. Republicans are supporting industries that control big money and big power. Democrats are supporting new sources of energy that are primarily provided by small businesses, independent entrepreneurs, and regional industries. And, perhaps most importantly, Democrats seek sources of energy that can be found right here at home and are sustainable over the long haul. That’s why I’m a Democrat!
Unicoipolitics's Weblog 
November 17, 2008 at 7:17 pm |
Have you seen the plan proposed by T. Boone Pickens, a Republican? I think he is a fine example of why it doesn’t have to be an either/or when it comes to energy. In fact, he makes a strong argument that an either/or mentality will ruin this nation’s energy crisis.