For many of those who know me, I haven’t always been registered as a Democrat voter. As a semi-committed fundamentalist for most of my young adult life, I was registered as a Republican.
As I have documented in another article, there are many reasons I left the Republican Party for the Democratic Party, most of them have to do with civil rights, human liberties, and social justice. This was shortly after I read the book, God’s Politics by Jim Wallis.
There are always people changing parties, though this seems to usually happen during the college years. However, many people are now switching parties because of the 2020 elections, for some reason or another.
Many Republicans are jumping off the Trump train, after many Independents jumped on in 2016—for legitimate reasons. Many Republicans and Democrats are also going 3rd Party, for the first time, or again. And some Libertarian, Socialist, Constitutionalist, or Green Party voters are reluctantly going to vote for Republican or Democrat candidates.
While I claim to be far left Democrat, after the recent nomination of Democrat presidential nominee, Joseph Biden, I’m even wondering if I belong in the Democratic Party.
A lot of people think to themselves, Well I stand for B on issue 1, then I’m a Democrat (or Republican). And then they decide that they are then a Democrat (or Republican) and then have a list of things they have to hop onboard with. If Party A or B says they espouse this and that, then I should talk myself into endorsing this and that. Enclosing yourself in a bubble, you politically isolate yourself with like-minded talkers (thinkers?) and rarely hear a persuadable opposing view. Everything outside of your bubble’s view is rubbish … or so you’re conditioned to think.
For me, I have things I believe are important and my worldview says, pick that person for your vote, regardless of the party that the person belongs to. If the roughly 45-50% of non-voters actually voted, we might see a rise in 3rd (and 4th or 5th) party votes. More Independents will gain office and move up the political ranks. Being a member of the Green, Libertarian, Socialist or Constitution parties won’t be so marginalized. But this can be an argument for another day.
I say the above because a lot of what I feel is best for me, my village and state, my country, and all earthly residents might not be what either major party thinks is best. I judge this by not the promises, but the deeds done or not done.
I believe in RESPONSIBILITY.
The richest countries in the world have a responsibility to other countries who are less fortunate, and they are to have a responsibility to make sure those within its own borders are cared for, at least for the basic needs: food, shelter, safety, and health. No one in the richest country (out of just less than 200 countries) should be impoverished or facing death from lack of the aforementioned needs.
The richest people in the richest country have a responsibility towards their own people, and the places of employment and investment should care for those whom it employs or gives goods and services to. You can substitute the word richest to most influential or most powerful if you desire. However, often these descriptive traits are often describing the same persons.
These responsibilities extend beyond just the topic of money. Companies and people have a responsibility to their neighbors’ well-being. They’re responsible for the environment and climate. They’re to be responsible for those who come after us, leaving a decent world, country and city for when you and I leave this place. We are responsible for the kindness and compassion we show others. We have a responsibility to be good to ourselves.
I’m pro-human rights. I’m pro-civil liberties. I’m pro-freedom and liberty. I’m pro-justice and fairness. I’m pro-peace and tranquility. I’m pro-leaving others alone if they’re not harming others. I’m pro-healthcare. I’m pro-small business.
I’m anti-slavery. I’m anti-poverty. I’m anti-war. I’m anti-racism. I’m anti-bigotry. I’m anti-theocracy. I’m anti-corporatism.
Strange as it may seem, this is my politics. I’m not party-loyal.
Humanitarianism. Compassion. Generosity. Kindness. Future-thinking. This also is my politics.
When I go out and vote (or choose to sit it out at election), political parties have nothing to do with it. I’m putting my name next to another when I vote for him or her. It’s an endorsement. And I take a long, hard look at the person’s character, policies and promises.
Will my town, state, country, or world be better or worse with person 1, person 2, person 3, or person 4?
Looking into the sayings, deeds, and compromises of Bill Clinton, John Kerry, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joseph Biden, I don’t feel that they line up with my ideals or beliefs. These individuals are part of the empiric machine. While they might not be as bad as Republican elected officials towards the common man and woman, they are still just as elitist and arrogant.
At the time of this writing, they are pro-war, anti-healthcare for all, and care very little about the commoner. The pay gaps between the CEOs and the workers are just as wide. The rights of the minorities in this country are just as stifled. Many of us are still paying out of the nose for common prescriptions and doctor visits. Income versus inflation is ridiculous. And countries are still being bombed by Democrats and Republicans alike, with many civilian casualties.
No, I’m not a Democrat. I’m a humanitarian who believes in workers’ rights. I believe in science and that we should protect the environment. I believe that we all should have life, liberty and happiness.
I’m not a Democrat. I’m better than one, and I believe most liberals are.
Steve Dustcircle 
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