Colt808....I dont think you understand the nature of the beast. Dems are funny people. To them we are a food source, useful idiots as they put it. They have contempt towards us citizens......yet need us to vote them in for their survival. These anti-gun bills. There really is no need for them, but to follow the nation and the radicals they push it forward. You have been living in Hawaii too long. Try going to a free state. There is a huge difference in taxes, gun laws, employment. These dems know one thing.....tax & spend. Thats it. Wanna know why everything here is so expensive?
The Dems ruling the roost for 50 plus years. Compared to Republican majority states? More oppurtunity and business friendly. Plus better schools in general and the list goes on. Sorry Colt808, I disagree with you on this one. We need to elect a majority of Conservative-Republicans and you will see Hawaii be a truly free state. I love the discussion though Colt808....you're a good man.
Pastor Dennis
I'm both amazed and befuddled at how you could've possibly gleaned all that from:
I wouldn't go as far as saying that...Some might, but most don't. Regardless of party alignment, it's just politicians being politicians.
I'll respond anyway...
1) "Food source": Yes, in a way citizens are, because politicians need the votes of their constituents to remain in office. True, regardless of party. As for contempt towards citizens...It's political elitism. Once voted in (or after a few years/terms), politicians think they're better than 'normal' citizens, but that's true with either party. *refer back to "politicians being politicians"*
2) Gun Control Laws/Anti-gun bills: a direct result of stupid people (criminals) doing stupid things and creating a "National Issue/Crisis". Examples:
The 20's/30's Prohibition era gangsters = NFA Laws, 60's assassinations and civil unrest = GCA, 80's & 90's Reagan, Lennon, Waco, & LA gangs = 1994 AWB. It's simple cause & effect. Politicizing the issue by saying one party is anti and the other is pro is flawed logic. Here's a few facts as proof of that:
In 1968 there was a Democratic majority in the House and Senate, BUT the Judiciary Committees of each (that passed the GCA) were mostly Republican. In 1994, the AWB passed overwhelmingly, but did you know 94% of the Democrat Senators and 95% of the Republican Senators voting 'yea'? If the reasoning that Democrats are 'anti' and Republicans 'pro' were sound, votes would be divided right along party lines.
3) Yes, things ARE more expensive. Understandable since we're an isolated State that imports the majority of our goods. Having one party in power over another would NOT change this. Alaska pays a bit more than we do for goods and a Republican dominated state. Bottom line: The reason for the added expense is a logistical issue, not political.
4) Tax & spend? Keeping it simple, citizens pay taxes/Government spends it. That's just how the system works. Hawaii has high income tax (7th highest per capita) and we have a higher median household income (9th)...it's all relative. No one likes to pay taxes, but raising and spending tax dollars is not something exclusive to a particular party. Both Democrats and Republicans have accused each other of “tax and spend” legislation.
5) Schools/education in Hawaii? You really should get some facts and figures before making such statements. Because depending on the source, Hawaii ranks anywhere from 15-20 out of the 50 States; While 16 out of the bottom 20 are Republican controlled States. Not that any of it says much...I've strongly believed the quality of education has declined over the last 20 years, but it doesn't have anything to do with who's in control of Government. In 10-20 years there'll be a generation of complete idiots.
I could go on about business friendly, opportunity, and following the Nation/pushing things forward, but I think you should already know that I'll say "nothing to do with political party". So why are Democrats in Hawaii in power? It's because this State has its roots in agriculture and the service industry. Traditionally, the Democratic Party has been that of the blue collar/working/middle class (because of their stance on labor rights issues)...that's basically the demographic of Hawaii's population. It's not about ignorance of the residents, just citizens exercising their right to vote for individuals who they believe best represent them.
Finally, while I may look local and have roots here, I do not sound, think, or act local. Since we've never met, you couldn't possibly know any of that and really are presuming a lot. Yes, I know the "nature of the beast". My first 'political' job was with Pat Saiki for Senate (and later for Governor). I've testified before several Hawaii State Senate and House committees, interned with the NRA (1993-94) and was posted at the Pentagon as a liaison officer to the Senate. I know how sides can work together, but I’ve also seen the waffling, flip-flopping, and some seriously underhanded last minute dealings on both sides...basically all the good and bad of local and national politics. As for being in Hawaii too long? Well, the majority of my adult life has been away from Hawaii, living in "free" states and I currently maintain dual residency (Hawaii/Texas), keeping homes in both, and paying dual taxes for this privilege. Is there something specific I'm supposed to 'see' that I haven't already? Since you (and probably others) are wondering: Yes, I am a Republican. I registered to vote and joined the Young Republicans on my 18th birthday.
Dennis, I'm sure we could have some lively discussions about any given subject, but with regard to this topic you've missed the point. I'm saying we need to stop pointing the finger/making comments that expand the divide between sides. It's no way to garner support from folks who might be straddling the line on the issue. WE stand a better chance by setting aside partisan bias and meeting ignorance with facts, logic and reason.