Hot topic! My daughter has to write about the difference between Repub.

[RadicalMom]

and Dem. parties and if the two party system works. Asked for my help, but I'm having a hard time giving an answer she could dare to use in her 8th grade social studies class. But, at least her teacher is pretty much to the left.

[Lautremont]

1. Have the only Repub values she lists

be the olde-tyme ones that Lincoln et al. espoused, and which are pretty much ground into the dirt by every current "Republican."

[DavidDvorkin]

2. Point out that Abe would be a Dem today

It could be a good essay on how the parties have switched positions on many issues. Straightforward, no insults necessary.

[ClearMessage]

3. Here's an idea:

Democrats appeal to the best in us, while republicans appeal to the worst in us.

Democrats appeal to good and wholesome American values such as integrity, community, helping the needy, tolerance, caring, justice, freedom, equality, fairness.

Republicans appeal to the dark side of the human soul: fear, greed, prejudice, intolerance, revenge, xenophobia, discrimination, exploitation.

(from http://clearmessage.org)

[bobbieinok]

4. what I learned/heard at some point growing up

when it gets real serious, republicans support the rights of property...democrats support the rights of people

[jayctravis]

8. Actually...

Democrats underlying philosophy is one of inclusion.

Republicans underlying philosophy...as of recent...seems to be one of exclusion.

[punpirate]

5. Try to introduce some research...

... instead of invective or sly smears. Contrast, say, Democratic programs such as SS and Medicare programs against the conservative tendency to fight taxation to pay for such programs.

I recall a study a while ago which suggested that conservatives (mostly Republicans) were more rigid in their thinking, more autocratic and more determined for government to have control over people, while liberals/progressives/Democrats preferred popular control of government (the Jeffersonian ideal). Try Googling something along those lines and it should pop up frequently. There was a lot of pissing and moaning from the right about the study.

Cheers.

[WildClarySage]

6. Republicans believe that business should support people

and that government should, therefore, support business interests ahead of those of the people.

Democrats believe that people support business and that the government should therefore support the interests of the people ahead of those of businesses.

Republicans believe that given moral choices, people will make mistakes. Democrats believe that given choices, people will make moral decisions.

Republicans believe in a small government that exists to provide moral restriction (often in sexual matters). Democrats believe in a government that assists people in meeting their needs in the least restrictive environment possible.

Republicans believe the process of incarceration and criminal justice is about punishing criminals. Democrats believe that criminal justice is about providing justice to victims while promoting the welfare of all individuals, including the accused/convicted, for the betterment of society as a whole.

[FM Arouet666]

7. You could use the theme of "truth"

Truth in politics and its consequences as a means to compare and contrast the two parties. You will have to mention Clinton and his lie, in a manner befitting an eighth grade class. Then compare this to the lies of the Chimp. Telling the truth is the most basic quality which one learns in their formative years. Perhaps Bush could take a remedial course. Oh, wait, he did, all he learned was some story about a pet goat.

[RadicalMom]

9. Wonderful suggestions! Thanks to all of you for your great ideas

and ideals. I also think this is a particularly good topic for DUers to discuss. I appreciate the reminders of what we need to always fight for - that is the real freedom that can be achieved when the motive of the society is to promote the well being of all who are part of it. I also feel that the Demcratic Party recognizes that we are all citizens of the world.

[LisaLL]

10. another idea

Have her read the chapter from "Don't Thinkof an elephant" by George Lakoff. . The Chapter briefly discusses two Moral Models one is Conservative, one is Progressive. These models explain why each side supports the policies that they do. It's a must read and would also make a great backbone for a written discussion on differences!

[Squatch]

11. I hate to say this...

but isn't this why they have libraries? I'm sure you are itching to help, and you should up to a point, IMO. However, I would encourage self-discovery on this topic.

Just my opinion...don't hate me for it.

[RadicalMom]

15. The teacher only gave them one night and two paragraphs...

to do this in. With four hours of additional homework, plus the fact that I'm handicapped and can't take her very easily, it wouldn't have helped. But I know what you're saying. Plus, most of the kids do most of their research online.

[MsTryska]

12. heck......

have her do her paper on the difference between what passes for a republican today, and what a republican was in the days Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt.


then compare those old-time republicans to todays democrats.

[cattleman22]

13. I apologize for the thread jack up front.

This quote really bothered me.

"But, at least her teacher is pretty much to the left."


Many posters on here have mocked conservative college students for being upset that 70% of all professors are liberal. Yet here is a DUer gloating that the teacher is a liberal. I think it is far better if it is impossible for students or parents to be able to determine the political leanings of the teachers.

[Nevernose]

18. You're right to a certain extent

IMO, a teacher should leave his or her personal politics out of the equation.

However, is it any wonder that 70% of professors are liberal? What else can one expect from a well-rounded education? Liberal values are not just moral, they are also logical.

[RadicalMom]

19. "Gloating??" You accuse me of gloating that the teacher is liberal..

I made that comment because first, it was nice to not have to be concerned that she would suffer some discrimination or retaliation if her thoughts weren't in line with the teacher's, which I personally experienced in middle school. It wasn't very nice. Besides that, this teacher is one of a couple of teachers who has not been obviously right wing, that she had had in her years of school so far. This community has a Republican majority, so she continually has to defend her beliefs with many people she encounters. The teachers may not boldly get up and state their beliefs in class, or declare party affiliations, but you can tell which way they lean, sometimes, by the positions they take, and even by the way certain assignments are worded. You are asking for an ideal situation where teahers are Switzerland. It is unrealistic to think that their personal beliefs will never leak out.

As for the college students, it's good for them to hear beliefs from both sides. I agree with the person who suggested that the teachers experiences in higher education may have made them think.

[realFedUp]

14. an essay titled Exactly where conservative political ideals will take us?

(as sent to me by the registered Republican author of this
piece)

Exactly where conservative political ideals will take us?
By Gerald Plessner

Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - WHAT is so wonderful about conservative political ideals? I have spent the last two years, on and off, thinking about that question.

What was so wonderful about the first third of the 20th century that we should revisit the pain of the Great Depression, the racial hatred and discrimination of Jim Crow or the lack of the medical advancements that save lives today? Should we return to the limited opportunities for women or the neglect of the aged, poor or disabled that was so much more prevalent then?

What did conservative principles do to rid us of such problems? Did conservatives initiate Social Security, the G.I. Bill of Rights or the Voting Rights Acts? Did they bring us the Internet or enact laws that help deserving young people of all backgrounds go to preschool or college?

I asked a number of friends who know history to tell me what advancements of science or human understanding, exclusive of tools of war, were produced under conservative regimes. I got only one answer: Columbus' voyage to prove the Earth was round was financed by a pretty oppressive regime. And that was 500 years ago!

Conservatives like to view progress through a rear-view mirror. Every advancement that makes them uncomfortable prompts a yearning for the good old days, for a return to the traditional values of another time.

But the good old days are what you get on Main Street at Disneyland. The rear-view mentality is of little value in our daily lives. People need progress to prosper, not withdrawal from the real world. Progress calls for investment, research and experimentation. It requires an open mind, even when results don't fit our established beliefs and ideas. It commands and produces ingenuity that benefits everyone.

Progress is the rising tide that Ronald Reagan spoke of so eloquently the one that raises all ships.

Contrary to what too many conservatives seem to think, progress is a good thing. And government actions that support progress and do not curtail it are a good thing as well.

That is why it is worrisome to contemplate the near future when the following might happen. What if:

A group of lawyers states' rights conservatives seek to bring cases to the Supreme Court that would repeal the social legislation of the New Deal? They would attack federal laws that make all states treat certain issues uniformly. They would change laws that give citizens protection from things like discrimination, unsafe working conditions and unfair business practices.

The president's opposition to stem-cell research further limits research that might benefit millions of living human beings and the precedent is extended to other issues.

Religious conservatives continue to attack public education for telling young people the truth about the risks and responsibilities of sexual expression. And after three-quarters of a century of debate, they continue to attack the teaching of evolution, advocating their beliefs over science.

Increased militarism in response to the atrocities of Sept. 11, 2001 result in an ever-growing defense budget that rewards industry at the expense of vital programs that help ordinary citizens.

Civilians in government again manipulate our elected officials and the public, taking the United States into another war to advance their neo-imperialist dreams.

The president's nominees to the Federal bench, and especially the Supreme Court, meet the litmus test of willingness to roll back individual rights such as a woman's right to choose, protections under workplace rules and issues of habeas corpus raised by our response to international terrorism.

Where do conservative principles guide us on such issues? Will they show us what is so wonderful about conservative political ideals?

-- Gerald Plessner is a Southern California businessman who writes regularly on issues of politics and culture.

[Smirking_Chimp]

16. Reps=Fear greed war corporatism. Dems= peace labor environment mom+pop

[manic expression]

17. I think that in the bigger picture,

the two party system is extremely flawed. I don't think restraining from saying some things is very good, as the whole point of this assignment is for the students to actually explore the situation as well as themselves. In my opinion, you should point out that both major parties are not very much different when it really comes down to it (sorry if this offends people, but this is what I think), and that elected officials differ even less. Also, I think that the party system effectively narrows the discussion and choice, as well as allowing a virtual monopoly of power and voice for the group best represented by a party (which is not a representation of the people).

Edit: bad writing corrections.

[Lexingtonian]

20. That's easy

Republicans are the party of colonialism.

Democrats believe in Section 1 of the 14th Amendment.

Greens & Libertarians...who really knows, and who cares?

[RadicalMom]

21. This IS the Democratic Underground, after all.

[GreenPartyVoter]

22. Well, you can refer her to the writings of Ralph Nader

*zipping up asbestos suit*

But ultimately she's going to have to determine for herself what t he difference between the parties are and if the system is working. Pretty heavy stuff for a kid her age. Heck, most adults in this country don't bother thinking about this stuff.

So thank heavens she has a great teacher who is helping her learn to think for herself! (And clearly a great parent who is doing the same. ;) )

[traco]

23. Found this after a google search

The easiest way to tell the difference between Repub and Demo is to look at party platforms.

Repub: Pro-life
Demo: Pro-choice

Repub: Pro-business
Demo: Pro-worker

Repub: Pro-military
Demo: Pro-social

Repub: Pro-privitization
Demo: Pro-government program

Repub: Pro-self determinization
Demo: Pro-helping hand

Repub: Pro-deregulation
Demo: Pro-regulation

Repub: Pro-development
Demo: Pro-open space