"Fiscally conservative" can have sooo many meanings.
Some people think "fiscally conservative" means lower taxes, but it doesn't have to. I think it means not wasting money, and only spending on projects that matter, that are what the people have asked for, and what have been proven effective.
Unfortunately, the government is incredibly wasteful, no matter which party is in charge. I think people wouldn't mind paying taxes if they thought their money was being used wisely - but most people feel that the more money they give the government, the more waste there will be, which is why they begrudge that big bite out of their paycheck.
I also think it's sad sad sad that the Republicans have all but totally abandoned Federalism. That used to be their strength - pushing state's rights. Now the Dems are starting to claim it for themselves, which I think is absolutely brilliant.
State's rights answer so many of the roadblocks facing the Dems. Gay marriage? Marriage is regulated by the states. It should be left to them to determine. Guns? State and local issue. God? Well, that one will always be a toughie, but maybe there could be some way to give more power to the states on how to interpret separation of church and state.
Bush's insistence on unconstitutionally consolidating executive power and increasingly trying to centralize the government make the Republicans look like fascists rather than simply evil corporate capitalists, which kills them with moderates.
Some people think "fiscally conservative" means lower taxes, but it doesn't have to. I think it means not wasting money, and only spending on projects that matter, that are what the people have asked for, and what have been proven effective.
Unfortunately, the government is incredibly wasteful, no matter which party is in charge. I think people wouldn't mind paying taxes if they thought their money was being used wisely - but most people feel that the more money they give the government, the more waste there will be, which is why they begrudge that big bite out of their paycheck.
I also think it's sad sad sad that the Republicans have all but totally abandoned Federalism. That used to be their strength - pushing state's rights. Now the Dems are starting to claim it for themselves, which I think is absolutely brilliant.
State's rights answer so many of the roadblocks facing the Dems. Gay marriage? Marriage is regulated by the states. It should be left to them to determine. Guns? State and local issue. God? Well, that one will always be a toughie, but maybe there could be some way to give more power to the states on how to interpret separation of church and state.
Bush's insistence on unconstitutionally consolidating executive power and increasingly trying to centralize the government make the Republicans look like fascists rather than simply evil corporate capitalists, which kills them with moderates.
I look forward to 2009.
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