Journey from Conservatism

I'm not sure when it happened. I voted for Reagan, and then again for Bush 41. I didn't vote for Clinton either time, although I remember not liking the Republican choices very much.

At some point, Republican views became the politics of fear and hate - for me, at least. I read news from both sides, and I get emails spewing things to be afraid of (mainly Obama) from many of my friends.

They seem to be afraid of:

• Diversity - this is evident from the racial tone of emails sent around about the Obamas personally. I won't dignify them by listing them, but you know which ones I'm talking about.
• A woman's right to choose whether or not to carry an unwanted pregnancy. Of course, the only alternative anyone ever offers is adoption, but for most married women, this isn't a viable alternative because of social pressure. Education and readily available birth control are the best ways to reduce the need for termination of pregnancy.
  
• Offering health care to those who cannot afford it. The argument that it's too expensive is ridiculous. It's a hell of a lot cheaper to fund preventive care and doctor's visits up front than it is to provide health care through emergency rooms. And, when the top group opposing universal health care is insurance companies - well - HELLO - need I say more?

What really pushed me over the edge, away from conservatism, was the campaign of Bush 43. When he butchered John McCain in South Carolina, with the help of fringe groups, I knew this was not a candidate I could ever support. He wanted to take the country back to 1950's-era times socially. I considered him dangerously inept, next to Al Gore. So, I jumped, and I've never looked back.

It makes me sad to see so many people I love still mired in fear and anger, but I can't do or say anything about it without triggering the anger response. They seem to prefer being there. So, I keep my politics (mostly) to myself, unless asked. Enlightenment isn't for everyone.