Nail on the Head

Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican Party, finally said it in a more pointed (though subliminal) way than I have been able to express it. 

Often I have stated, in one or another less-than-effective way, that there exists a Republican attitude and that even those who most effectively wave the GOP flag are probably unaware of it.  Similarly, most people who are racists (of any and all political persuasions) are unaware when they are making racist comments. 

Recently, in response to the many accusations that his party is out of touch, anti-minorities, anti-women, anti-gay, etc., etc., Priebus made the flat statement that it isn't true - that the Republican Party is concerned about every voter!

Let that sink in deeply.  Without realizing it, he highlighted the very specific point I've always tried to make.  They are concerned with every voter - not with every citizen, every child, every human.  Even if the subject of concern for humans in general is narrowed to mean only every human in this country, the Republican attitude to which I refer keeps them from stating flatly that they are concerned.  Only with each voter are they concerned - again, as always, bringing it around to the basic question of "What can you do for me?"  I want what I want, and your vote might help me get what I want, therefore I am concerned for you - the voter.

The Democratic (and truly democratic) attitude is typically one of concern for the disenfranchised - indeed, for all humanity.  But the party has a hell of a time translating this worthy attitude into solid action and commitment to managing things that will actually help all people.  Therefore they often lose that all-important voter to the aggressive party who has a laser focus on grabbing the vote.  This was best expressed by Will Rogers who stated he was not a part of any organized political party; he was a Democrat!

If you ever wondered why anyone would be an Independent, such as I am, here's the perfect reason.  My self image is of one who has a lot of heart and plenty of guts to fight for something I believe is good.  How could I ever associate myself with either Republicans who are heartless or with Democrats who are gutless?!