This is the most fascinating and in depth article I've read about my generation in relation to our politics. If the trends in this article hold true, the U.S. is going to undergo major political and social shifts in the next 10-20 years. It will probably take you awhile to read depending on how much time you have, but I highly suggest reading it. There are a lot of statistical analyses from the 2008 election and other polls on things from our strong support Marriage Equality for Gays to our sound oppositon to the Iraq conflict.

Here it is: New Progressive America: The Millennial Generation

hey, Soul. I don't have time to read this now, but wanted to thank you for posting this. It looks like we are finallly leaving the "Reagan era" behind!!!! hooray!

Some interesting statistics/quotes from the article:

"Obama’s huge overall margin among Millennials contributed to his strong victory last November. Without 18- to 29-year-olds, Obama’s popular vote margin would have been slightly under one percentage point. That figure implies that an overwhelming proportion of Obama’s 7-point popular vote victory (87 percent) was attributable to the support of 18-to 29-year-old Millennials."

"A strong majority (58 percent) of Millennials favor allowing gays to marry, compared to 35 percent who are opposed...Indeed, a simple generational replacement analysis indicates that, by 2018, the time the last Millennials reach voting age (if not before), a majority of adult Americans will favor allowing gay marriage."

"Millennials have an open and positive attitude toward immigration, much more so than older generations. In a 2006 Pew Gen Next poll, 18- to 25-year-old Millennials, by 52-38, said immigrants strengthen the country with their hard work and talent, rather than are a burden on the country because they take our jobs, housing, and health care."

"Increased religious diversity, particularly the rise of seculars, is leading Millennials toward a more tolerant, less culturally divisive politics. In the PSP youth survey, 64 percent agreed that “religious faith should focus more on promoting tolerance, social justice, and peace in society, and less on opposing abortion or gay rights.” Just 19 percent disagreed. And, by 54 to 29 percent, Millennials endorsed the idea that, “Our country has gone too far in mixing politics and religion and forcing religious values on people.”

"Millennial views on America’s role in the world are crystallized in the PSP youth survey. In that survey, 73 percent of Millennials agreed that “America must play a leading role in addressing climate change by reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions and complying with international agreements on global warming,” compared to just 13 percent who disagreed. Seventy-three percent also agreed that “A positive image of America around the world is necessary to achieve our national security goals,” while 15 percent disagreed; 63 percentthought “America’s security is best promoted by working through diplomacy, alliances, and international institutions,” compared to 11 percent who dissented; and 59 percent believed that “The war in Iraq has proven that the United States can not impose democracy on other nations,” while 23 percent disagreed."

"When asked in the 2008 National Election Survey—a long-running
academic survey of political attitudes conducted by the University of Michigan—whether the government should provide more or fewer services, nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of Millennials supported increased government services, compared to 55 percent of 30- to 59-year-olds and 46 percent of respondents over 60 years of age. Millennials also came out strongly in support of more government when asked to choose between two alternatives: “the less government the better” or “there are more things that government should be doing.” Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of Millennial voters in 2008 supported the latter assertion that there is more that government should be doing, compared to 69 percent of 30- to 59-year-olds and 58 percent of people over 60 years of age."

"In a Center for American Progress/Half in Ten poll conducted in November 2008, respondents were asked whether they supported providing quality, affordable health care coverage for every American. Millennials, more than any other age group, supported this policy proposal, with an overwhelming 88 percent agreeing, compared to 82 percent of the total population. In the PSP youth survey, Millennials backed a federal government guarantee of health care coverage for all Americans by 71 percent to 16 percent, compared to 65 percent to 23 percent among the total population. In the Democracy Corps post-election survey, respondents were asked whether we should give everyone a choice between a public health plan and what they have now, or give everyone a tax credit to choose their own coverage. Millennials preferred the first over the second statement by 67 percent to 32 percent, a substantially higher margin than among all voters (58 percent to 38 percent)."

"The Millennial generation, which supported Obama by a 2-to-1 ratio in 2008, has
already had a large effect on American politics. That effect will only grow in future years as this generation—the largest and most diverse in U.S. history—adds 4 million eligible voters each year to America’s electorate. This generation’s agenda is therefore likely to have a large and growing impact on the nation’s agenda. That’s good news for progressives because Millennials’ agenda is so clearly progressive in all areas. Millennials want to end the culture wars; move America’s foreign policy toward a more cooperative and multilateral approach; rebuild a strong, positive role for government; achieve universal health care; reform and expand America’s educational system; start the transition to aclean energy economy; and much more. If progressive governance can achieve these
objectives, the loyalty of this generation to the progressive cause seems assured."

There is WAY more that talks about our Liberal views on education, unions/labor, better environmental standards, and so on.

When you get the chance, please read it because you are going to be geniunely shocked. By the way, I'm curious as to what my fellow Millennials here think about this article because it's research is pretty powerful.

BTW, Judy, did you read the pro-DOMA brief written by Obama's DOJ? It reads like a document written by Jerry Falwell and it makes me ill. Obama has lost my vote for 2012 as of right now because this was the last straw in a series of disappointments on a range of policies. There are rumblings they are going to take the Public Option off the table now. Unless Obama and the Congress changes course by Healthcare reform with the PO and start pushing for Gay rights legislation to get passed he is going to lose many of the people that article is talking about.

First of all why does none of this surprise me. The younger generation is one of "spoiled, used to hand outs, credit to buy everything, let mama and daddy take care of you" and people like Puff diddy, with his cars, jets, and bling..(oh but let's save the earth!!) mentality.

#1, who DOESN'T think LEGAL immigration is good?? I am a conservative and there is nothing wrong it...I welcome it, I think MOST do..it is the ILLEGAL...ILLEGAL immigrants, and I can't state that enough. It is bull that we get slaughtered for wanting people to come to this country LEGALLY to work, and live and get health care...NOT illegally, but HERE, how bout free housing, healthcare, food, first DIBS at a job and sorry..I know you were born, raised and worked here all your life, but this ILLEGAL'S daughter will get this last college slot..and FOR FREE. Wow....

#2..of COURSE they want MORE government help...ding, ding dong, look at my first paragraph. Why work for something, or do ANYTHING if it can be handed to you on a silver platter??? This country was not built on handouts, but hard work. It will be the end of America as we know it...the end of FREEDOM as we know it, and is that a GOOD thing?? If living in America in the past century was so HORRIBLE, why did people STAY?? Why were Republican's elected? Why is fox news to this day..the TOP RATED news station...even with OBAMA as president??

#3 Healthcare...free for everyone. Good, when your child is on a 5 month waiting list to get a simple surgery and they DIE, come talk to me about how WONDERFUL this is. Oh and when you get denied simple health services because you no longer qualify because you are high risk..(you smoke, you drink, you are over-weight, etc), again, freedom...buh- and bye. Again this is the land of OPPORTUNITY, not ENTITLEMENT. THAT is what makes America so great...and what makes it AMERICA.

I am all for equality for all, but there is NOTHING good about bigger government. Just look at the countries that HAVE it..or better yet, move there for a bit and let me know how it works for ya. I am sure North Korea would love to have ya.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction”. Ronald Reagan

Again my opinion, and I respect all of yours.

Soul - I don't think that they have a choice except to defend it. It is the law, like it or not, and the DOJ has to defend it. Keep the faith in Obama. I think he's focusing on the healthcare and will take on the gay issue at the right time.

The healthcare issue is interesting. I'm getting kind of annoyed about the Dems and Obama letting Republicans and conservative Dems ride roughshod over them. I believe in bipartisanship, but there's a limit. His success and second term will depend on the healthcare issue, I think, so we'll see what happens.

It looks like the younger generation isn't buying the fear mongering the Republican party has sold this country for the last 30 years. Be scared of the government, be scared of poor people, be scared of liberals, be scared of taxes, be scared of gay marriage, be scared of universal health care, be scared of illegal aliens - this list goes on and on. It's mind boggling. What this is saying is that the Republican party better move into the 21st century to be successful. Reagan isn't president anymore and his ideas aren't relevant in today's world. It is always best for the country to have at least two strong political parties so hopefully the GOP will be able to come up with a few new ideas that would actually benefit this country.

lol...we are not "scared" of any of these things...see, this is what I mean. What is beneficial about have illegals..notice the word..ILLEGALS in this country then giving THEM a handout? Why don't we just give handouts to everyone who performs an illegal act in this country? Illegals get free healthcare and education in California, and they are bankrupt. Dems have been running that state for years. (Arnold is republican in NAME only, just like Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins from here in Maine..)

Not at all scared of liberals, or taxes...some taxes are NEEDED...but when it is now been proposed that nearly HALF of what you make GOES to the government, yet those that don't work at ALL get the SAME benefits, what is wrong with that picture? What would be the sense to work?? Maine is the perfect example of that...WAY higher taxes (income, gas, state, sales...) than say NH, that HAS NO state income tax, but which state is more prosperous?? I have lived in both, and it certainly is NOT Maine, which is proposing raising more taxes (gas etc) and they just cut a huge amount of government/state jobs, teaching jobs, healthcare jobs...how does that benefit anyone?

and we should ALL be scared of a government that wants to be involved more in our choices, in our freedoms. Just look at the countries where government IS more involved, and how is it working out for them?

Gay marriage...I am all for it. If you are in love and are happy and want to get married, I absolutely support this.;)

There has to be a happy medium. Enough jobs to go around, a tax plan that is fair, AFFORDABLE health care for all..working towards acceptance of all, less government, so that we can continue to be the land of the free, by making our OWN choices and mistakes, and teaching our children that same thing, that if you work hard for something, you reap the rewards of it. I don't expect America to be run by one party, but by an honest coming together for what is right and what this nation was built on. Heading in the direction of some of the most socialized nations in the world is not the way to go.

If you are not free...you are a slave. You CAN'T eat this, YOU CAN'T own this, You CAN'T do this, or that.....you WILL pay for this, and give me this...think about it.

If that is the direction we are heading in..well...

K I am done with this topic..you all know how I feel..lol;)

The Conservatives and Republican party of today are in for a rude awakening if they do not liberate their positions to more Progressive ones. The country has already began the shift with Obama's election that my generation means business about genuine change. We have studied the history books and politics of the past and have come to understand that Conservatism in virtually all areas of policy is someting the majority of us do not believe in. I find it humorous that you make the assumption that our parents did everything for us. Many of my Liberal friends still work 2 jobs just so that they can get their College education, but of course, Cons will still paint us with a broad brush and demonize us because of our political/social beliefs. That's not very smart if you're trying to remain relevant in the next 3-4 decades with a potentially emerging Liberal/Progressive majority.

1- I don't view undocumented workers as the problem. I point to a broken system that is in need of reform after many years of being ignored as the problem. And let the Conservatives keep up the hateful actions and words against the Latino community. The Republicans can kiss Florida, Texas, and Arizona goodbye if not in 2012 than 2016 for that hateful ignorance.

2- People will still have intrinsic movtivation to work for their dreams and goals. Unlike past generations, we are not afraid of the government. We view it as a partner of the people which facilitates greater economic security and prosperity of everyone in the country from education to jobs. Just because most of us don't support the greed and wealthy favored policies of Reagan/Bush II doesn't mean we don't support freedom. That's a logical fallacy, and if anything, proves we are very much for freedom.....for everyone rather than just the wealthy.

3- Here are yet more scare tactics that don't resonate with me at all. I have family who live in Europe and are absolutely disgusted with the American Republican party over healthcare. They see what great pains the right in America has taken to lie, scare, and demonize to ensure we never have a low cost, high quality healthcare for all Americans like in industrialized/developed nations. Well, sorry, but like the stats show, that BS isn't working on us.

Unless the Liberal Republican of years past makes a comeback, my generation will be the final nail in the rights coffin. They are selling it, but for the most part we aren't buying it. And for many intellectual, political, and social reasons why we repudiate their divisive, greedy, and hate based policies.

Did you read the entire briefing? You can make the argument that they didn't have to defend it because other DOJ's from Clinton to Reagan didn't defend some of their laws either, but eh. My main aggravation and outright anger comes from how and what arguments they employed. I posted a link in the Gay Marriage thread which offers the low-lights of it.

I know you love politics and seem fairly Liberal, Judy. Can you really say with a confident demeanor that Obama is governing like a Progressive? Especially on areas of transparency and foreign policy like Guantanamo which he has flip flopped on. Plus, over 200 more people have been kicked out of the military with Obama in office because of DADT. Yeah, I guess those peoples lives take a back seat to things passed in Congress like a celebrate 100 year birthday of RR bill that recently passed. He is looking more like a Jimmy Carter than a Progressive version of Bill Clinton that I had "hoped" for. Like you said, here's hoping he improves his performance and policies. He can earn my vote back, but only with him urging Congressional action on Gay Rights ASAP in addition to genuine healthcare reform.

;( wow;( greed, divisive, and hate based. I guess that could go both ways;(

and you can't work "together with government." THEY won't allow it. If you "owe taxes" even after working your tail off, and don't pay those taxes (I am only talking income tax, not other FAIR taxes that help to fund necessary things) ..you lose your job, you have 500.00 in savings to get you through...guess who can come and just take it, or send you to JAIL??? After you WORKED to earn that money??? Yeah, the government is wonderful.

I am so sick to DEATH..and hurt, and disgusted, and PEEVED, that the "republican/conservatives" are considered HATEFUL, WARMONGERING, GREEDY a**es. I can show you PLENTY of LIBERAL greedy, HATEFUL people. Why can't we just be a nation that has a conservative side, and liberal side that can
COME TOGETHER...for the COMMON GOOD??? One side is not downed, or criticized, but instead understood, and researched, until a decision can be made that keeps our freedoms intact, while helping those that need a hand up, and without criticizing those that build a business, from the ground up with blood, sweat, and tears, yet that is a BAD THING, and they HAVE to "share the wealth" with whom they are TOLD to..not with who they wish?? Don't you see that the majority of HUMAN BEINGS in THIS America, are good, hard working, selfless, honest, souls? To be "republican" or "conservative" is not to be some evil villian, it is to fight for what our soldiers and forefathers have fought for, for hundreds of years. I am afraid some..not ALL of the younger generation is blind to it, nor do they even CARE. It is funny too, because a good majority of "Republicans" that have been elected into office, latley, were/are FAR from "conservative" Bush was so anti-conservative (where it counts) it is ridiculous...and THAT is where the problem lies. There is no "two sides" any more...if it is moving towards ONE side, no matter what that side is, that would be a bad thing.

and HATE for latinos?? ....it isn't hate for ANYONE, it is ANGER for those who come into this country ILLEGALLY and are allowed the same rights WE EARN, or are born having. We can not save everyone, it is simply not REALISTIC. In the mean time, a friend of mine, who's daughter worked her TAIL off through school, graduated top of her class, and was told she lost a scholarship to someone with much poorer grades, with a poorer income..but get this, her parents ALSO barely make enough to get by, BUT they make more, come from a "richer district" so too bad, all you worked for was in vein. She was PUNISHED for living in better neighborhood. HOW IS THAT fair?? How is THAT not prejudice?

Again, America is the land of OPPORTUNITY....NOT ENTITLEMENT. Illegals are NOT entitled to what those BORN here..or that go through the system to LEGALLY BECOME a citizen are. If EVERYONE was entitled to it...what do you think that would mean for this country?? Seriously??

ugh..I have a headache and am tired of it. Sick to death of being made to feel like myself, my family, my conservative friends and acquaintances are greedy haters. It just isn't the truth. We HATE no one. ugh....

yellin, I don't want to speak for Soul, but I think he was generalizing about the Republican party as a whole, not personally attacking you, your family, friends, your distant relatives or your future great grandchildren. No need to play the 'victim' role. Take a deep breath and relax.

yellin, who proposed a 50% tax rate? When? just wondering.

I'm very frustrated by Obama on several issues. But I'm willng at this point to see how it all plays out, give him a chance and trust him. I believe he is picking his battles right now and healthcare is number one on his agenda.

You directly mocked my generation by saying we never work for anything, are spoiled, are on welfare looking for handouts, and yet we still like the environment. Then you sit there and dehumanize immigrants simply trying to make a better life for themselves because they are the scary illegals. You then go onto talk about that we like unrestrained government not even stopping to think that what you're saying is just a talking point that lacks validity. Then you go onto insult people in other industrialized nations with superior healthcare that covers everyone. How did you expect me to respond to that series of insults and attacks?

Entilement is opportunity because opportunity means that you are entitled as a human being to the right to live decently.

How many Liberals do you see saying terrible things about Gay people or introducing legislation to take our rights away, Yellin?

Anyway, Judy is right in her post above. It was not meant as a personal attack at all, but rather a commentary to the Republicans as a national party. Their platform of hate against Gay people may work now, but it won't in the future. After seeing what the Republicans did to Gay people in the '04 election that sealed the deal for me. Their hateful vitriol hurt me so much and to see all those crazy amendments made to discriminate against Gay people was terrible. Was it the Liberals and Democrats driving that hatred to energize their base? No.

Do you know when they announced their defense of DoMA on June the 12th that was the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling of Loving v. Virginia? That was the case that the high court ruled it illegal to deny two people of different races from marrying one another. Somehow I found it more than a little (swear word here) for the Obama administration to do that. Perhaps a coincidence, perhaps they purposefully did that, or maybe I'm just paranoid because Obama can't seem to bring himself to show by action that he is the fierce advocate he called himself by word.

There are days I wish I was not born Gay because life would be easier. The pain I've been put through by people of different backgrounds because they can't get over the fact that Gay people exist. I love the person I am, but I have never understood how so many people can still judge and hate a person who is Gay before they even get to know the person. For me I've never had to play the victim role because I have genuinely been the victim of hatred. And the horrifying stories of Gay people murdered violently or harrassed to the point of being driven to commit suicide is appalling. And yet I hear a deafening silence from even those who understand the huge issue this is and that it needs to be addressed. My hopes and expectations were so great because of Obama's rhetoric that I never stopped to think it was mostly talk.

It feels so degrading to have to beg Congresspeople just to extend to me the rights I should already have as a tax paying, law abiding citizen. My parents want so much to see me get married and yet I can never say to them I will because I don't know if it will ever happen because of discrimination. People don't understand that this prejudice has a real and lasting harm on LGBT people and our families when they use the government as a way to deprive us of basic rights Straight people and their families take for granted. IDK why more people aren't outraged at these issues and feeling the urgency to change these things now.

I think that if it doesn't affect them they don't care. If they've never seen someone in their family fall to the floor crying their eyes out in pain over the latest hateful media blitz against them they would never know. If they've never been told what it is like to be literally spit on, been called Gay slurs to your face, or been threatened with violence against you they'd never know. If they haven't been kicked out of the military just because they're Gay or lose their job as civilian because they're Gay they'd never know. So, these Liberals telling us to be patient don't know how much we need to see movement on these issues instead of empty words of comfort which only hurt us more as we watch more people hurting in our lives.

Edited: Sorry for the long and drawn out post. Something struck me and got me all emotional.

Let's just agree to disagree. We both are clearly passionate when it comes to politics..lol;) Good thing we feel the same way about Elliott and his music too huh!

I will tell you this though..I never meant to put down anyone..like I am sure you didn't, but I in fact know of a few liberals acquaintances, (voted for Clinton and Obama..liberal on many issues, abortion, healthcare, we are always giving each other a hard time..lol etc,) but yet I have seen them mock, or make fun of Gay people, call them the "F" word, which is sickening to me, and in fact went so far as to say their kids better not ever grow up to "be that way" or they would disown them. So see, I don't honestly think it is the "party" with either side, but the individuals that we must concentrate on;) BTW I haven't talked to this "acquaintance" in years and I let them know exactly where I stood with that issue. I have family members that are gay, and are the greatest human beings alive. It matters NOT;)

Carry on! ;)

Just for the record: Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are not Liberals even though Liberals may have voted for them lol.

Yes, there are Liberals who are bigoted too. However, I've noticed it's more of a soft bigotry. Even the ones who are bigoted still vastly support equality. They just don't want Obama to go anywhere near those issues so this is the crowd on the left who tells Gays to shut up and be more patient.

Sorry I'm late to the party. :)

Wow, just wow. *picks up bottom lip off the floor*

Your first paragraph....I'd love to see the link to these "statistics"? My dh and I make more than a decent living because we're both educated beyond high school by several years. Our children probably would be considered having too many material goods or "spoiled" by some through the years.

But, here's the kicker...I have a couple kids in this Millennial age bracket now and guess what? They both had summer jobs since the age of 14 and played summer sports at the same time, they both made good grades and participated in sports all the way through high school, I would hear nothing but good things about how my kids behaved from parents where my kids would visit, they did chores (didn't like it tho).I'm not gonna bore ya with everything and I'll admit neither one of them were/are angels. ;)

Now, the oldest one...works full-time! Lives on his own! Pays his own bills! Makes his own car payment! Pays his own car insurance! Buys his own food! (all with only a high school education!) Oh, he doesn't even have a credit card either!

The next oldest...just joined the military! I don't think he's getting ANYTHING handed to him on a silver platter in boot camp, do you? LOL!

I want to address some more in your post, but I think I might need a stiff drink before I do. Haha!

Darn those kids, I guess I didn't raise them right! LOL!

I just wanted to share with you this letter from Jerome Hudson, a 22 year old black man, part of that "Millennial Generation" who thought he was alone in his beliefs, but found out after sharing this letter, that he was far from so. Imagine being young, black, and Republican in America and the prejudice that he got from the LEFT, the tolerant and accepting ones:

While attending a black fraternity party, I recently learned it’s a bad idea to profess one’s affinity for Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity.

Worse, according to current polls, it appears I may be the only black 22 year old in America who will be voting for Sen. John McCain.

It’s not that I was unaware that being a black conservative Republican puts me in the ultimate “minority.” After all, Shelby Steele’s classic article “ The Loneliness of the Black Conservative” has become an article of faith that I’ve all but committed to memory.

But I guess I had made the mistake of buying into all that liberal yammering about being “open minded” and supporting “diversity” that I’d deluded myself into believing that a civil, discussion about the herd-like ideological mentality of so many of my contemporaries suffer from was possible.

Boy, was I wrong. Big time!

My official “Negro” card got stripped away. I instantly lost my “blackness.” And now, consequently, I now am greeted with this: “Hey, y’all, here comes The Black Republican.”

And that’s when I think to myself, Hmmm…so this is how it feels to be an "Uncle Tom."

Still, being labeled “The Black Republican” is undoubtedly a promotion from: "Hey, why are you dressed so nice? You got a job interview or something?" Or, worse, “Man, why are you talking like that? You sound white? Who do you think you are? A conservative Kanye West?”

But my path to ideological emancipation began where all the most important things always begin—with my father and mother. Growing up, my Army drill sergeant father was a firm believer in tough love. My parents instilled in us Christian values. But I believe that first part—having an involved mother and father—was critical. With 70% of all black babies being born out-of-wedlock, it’s no wonder black poverty remains entrenched, welfare has become a way of life, and that many of my fellow young black male counterparts choose gangsta life over college.

But it wasn’t until college that I realized I had been ensnared in what John McWhorter calls the “Cult of Victimology.” One of my professor’s pointed me toward a world of literature I’d never been introduced to: Thomas Sowell, John McWhorter, Shelby Steele, Star Parker, Angela McGlowan, Larry Elder, Walter Williams—they obliterated the Leftist foolishness that floods my community.

It was then that my eyes were opened to the truth, a truth that my father was willing to give his life for, a truth that hundreds of thousands of American soldiers have paid the ultimate price to pass on to future generations. And that truth is this: America remains the greatest country that God gave to man.

So imagine me, a member of various organizations that largely consist of young black Americans, most of whom are womb to the tomb Democrats and liberals, speaking openly about the many opportunities and blessings we enjoy in our great nation and refuting Michelle Obama’s supposition that America is a “downright mean place..”

Can you say…..social suicide?

"So Jerome,” the partygoers asked, “you’re REALLY a Republican?!"

Duh!

Of course I’m a Republican! And your great grandparents were too!

Yes, I’m a member of the Anti-Slavery Party, the party responsible for: the 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (gave former slaves full citizenship rights), the 15th Amendment (gave slaves voting rights), the Civil Rights Act of 1871(protecting southern blacks from the Ku Klux Klan), the Reconstruction Acts, and the 1866, 1875, 1957, 1960, and 1964 Civil Rights Acts.

And no, my brothers and sisters, yesterday’s southern Democrats are NOT today’s Republicans! If so, former Klansman, Sen. Robert Byrd—the highest ranking senate Democrat and President Pro-Tempore of the Senate—apparently didn’t get the memo and forgot to switch parties.

But it’s more than just the history. I’m proud to stand for self-empowerment, personal responsibility, strong family values, small government, low taxes, free markets, a strong military, and individual achievement etc.

And don’t even get me started on which side stands up for the precious 1.4 million unborn children (32% of whom are black), who will be casualties in the war inside the womb. When I see these so-called “black leaders” bashing conservatives for “racist policies,” I wonder how they justify cheering on the political team who proudly defends the annihilation of 13 million black children since 1973.

And conservatives don’t care about black people? I don’t think so!

No, I think I’ll ride with the team who says enough with the welfare cancer that has destroyed people’s innate desire to achieve. Yes, I’ll ride with the folks who respect me enough to consider me their equal and not insult me with Affirmative Action racism. Yeah, I’ll ride with the gang who would rather create effective policies than emotional “feel good” symbolism that robs individuals of their desire to aspire.

So while it may take a little getting used to walking into college parties where I’m known as “The Black Republican,” I now realize I am a newly inducted member of a rich tradition of ideologically emancipated black conservatives. And guess what? I’m more than cool with that. I’m proud, actually.

“The conservative Kanye West”?

Hmmm….

Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Jerome Hudson is a sophomore at Tallahassee Community College with plans to transfer to Florida A&M University in the fall.

;)

I never stated that all people in my generation were ideological Liberals. The point of the original article I posted was to note how the majority of people in my age group hold Progressive positions on a wide variety of issues. From full and equal rights for LGBT people to multilateral foreign policy which places an emphasis on diplomacy my generation soundly supports a generally Liberal direction for the country. Many minorities feel like the Republican Party and Conservatism in general has been out of touch on core issues of importance to our lives and history as a people.

In the Black community, I suppose the fact Senator McCain did not vote to make MLK’s birthday a national holiday had no impact upon them. Moreover, there is a certain disregard for historical context in the post above me. Those same racist Southern Democrats switched to the Republican Party after Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Thus, the Democratic executive secured full equality in all realms of life for the Black community. Those Southern Democrats that switched to Republicans already significantly differed from the rest of the Democrats in the country and this was simply the deal breaker that caused them to switch parties. The modern Republican Party has played on racism against Blacks in the South for decades as their ‘Southern strategy” since Nixon. These two historical forces in addition to a host of others have made the Black community a strong supporter of the Democratic Party which was and still continues to be a force of liberation.

The notion that minorities support Democrats or a Liberal ideology in greater numbers because we are stuck in a victim role is as insulting as it is false. Many of us support Liberals and Democrats because they have a much better record on Civil Rights in modern history. Those who conflate what it is to be a Republican today to what it was like for Lincoln when he was a Republican in the 1800’s show a startling lack of knowledge as to how these two parties have changed over time. In recent history, the most virulent and hateful opposition to any Federal protections with rights for Gay people have come from Social Conservatives and the Republican Party. Their lies and hate based ad blitzes against us are something I certainly shall never forget. Democrats have yet to make good on their promise of civil rights for all, but they certainly are not the most loud, obnoxious detractors against Gay Rights.

Freedom seems to be quite a relative term anyway. Even as Republicans/Conservatives say they’re a party/ideology for freedom many of them don’t want women to be able to make medical choices on their own and want the Congress to degrade the lives and rights of Gay people. Yes, freedom is a wonderful thing, for the people they deem alright in their eyes to have it. Many elected officials like Ensign, Sanford, Palin, Foley, and Craig hypocritically tell other people how to live their lives and believe they own the definition of a family even as they have done a lot of hypocritical things as Senators, Governors, and House Reps while simultaneously working against Gay people’s rights. You see, many of us minorities are Liberal because we see through the hypocrisy, dogmatism, and prejudice so deeply ingrained against us in many of those on the right even when not loudly said to our face as it sometimes is.

Liberalism is a freedom oriented ideology which looks at things from a more collective perspective to value and lift up all members of a given society. The term Progressive is also utilized to denote the inherent progress brought about by more Liberal policy that creates fundamental change that is fundamentally needed at a given point in history. Conservatism’s inability to look beyond its own narrow definition of tradition is what makes it inherently flawed. Even as people gain more Progressive beliefs like Universal Healthcare or full equality for Gays many of the Conservatives continue to stamp their feet while loudly yelling hell no. Conservatives have become increasingly extreme in their far right version of America where only certain groups are allowed to enjoy freedom while the rich become more rich at the expense of a weakening middle class by unfair economic policies. This, among other reasons, is why 2008 was the start of a more Progressive era in this country.

The Conservatives have dominated this countries debate, politics, and policies for over 40 years and people have grown weary of it. Do you know there are only 78 members of Congress who call themselves Liberal or Progressive in ideology? This means that 457 Representatives and Senators do not consider themselves Liberal, and only one of those 78 Progressive people are in the Senate. Thus, the Conservative argument that Liberals have or are destroying this country is rendered a lie as Liberals are in the minority to begin with. Conservatives like to call themselves the party of responsibility and are mostly Republicans, but seem unable to take responsibility for their failed policies and politics of the last 40 years. Instead, they blame everyone else and in particular Liberals who many of them hate with a vehement passion merely for having a different belief system.

My generation is rejecting Conservative Republicanism in a sound majority on a number of issues because of the track record and history. Yellin, it’s perfectly fine that you decided to post a single anecdote from a single individual. However, this does not mean much when you delve into the statistics and garner the larger picture from all of the polls together. Conservative Republicans continue to monopolize the rhetoric and hold Progressive change hostage along with Conservative Democrats in Congress. All I can say is that will hopefully change because this country needs a turn around after the great damage done to it in the previous 8 years by a Conservative Republican President. And by the way, I’ve been very critical about Obama and the Congress on various issues as this shows I’m not just being a partisan hack. This shallow moralizing of good vs. evil and black and white BS of the last 8 years needs to be put behind us so we can move forward and change this country for the better.

By and large, the Millennial generation isn’t obsessed with abortion or the lives of Gay people. The article, if anything, noted our hopes for a more cooperative world, respect for human rights, and a generally more Progressive country where freedom for all is a reality. The vast majority of us want to put the culture wars in the dust bin of history with reproductive rights maintained and equal rights for LGBT people fully secured once and for all. We have other issues like climate change, healthcare, education, and poverty/economic issues to focus on after finishing off these ridiculous non-issues left over from the culture wars of the boomers from the 60’s.

A "progressive America"...no thank you.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0205/p09s01-coop.html

Yellin, if you didn't notice...it's not the 1920's.

Here's something from this century for you to ponder...

Whose Interests Does Progressivism Represent?

Progressivism is a political movement that represents the interests of ordinary people in their roles as taxpayers, consumers, employees, citizens, and parents. To coin a phrase, progressivism champions government "of the people, by the people, for the people."Given this mission, one might expect all democracies to be made up predominantly of one or another Progressive parties. Unfortunately, this isn't the case.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In general Progressivism stands most truly at the opposite pole from economic elitism, and has enjoyed its greatest support and successes precisely when the injustice, exploitation, arrogance, and greed of economic elites become intolerable — to both liberals and conservatives alike.

http://www.progressiveliving.org/progressivism.htm

Progressive is moderate and moderate is Progressive.

The majority of people in this country want a public option to healthcare, Yellin. Perhaps this angers Conservatives who would rather private insurers be able to charge people w/e they want, but the more Progressive option is what the majority wants.

Like I said, things are changing as my generation enters the voting booth and politics in general. We are not afraid of working with our representative government to actually do well for the majority nor do we buy into the right wing talking points so ingrained in this country the last 40 years.

Also, Mr. Goldberg neglected to write about one of Woodrow Wilson's finest hours - support of the 19th amendment, which would give women the right to vote and was ratified two years later. Conservatives opposed this so when a woman stands in that voting booth, she can thank a progressive.

This is a short list, but one can also thank progressives for the Fair Labor Standards Act establishing the eight hour work day and overtime pay, child labor laws, the GI Bill of Rights, the creation of Interstate Highways, Civil Rights, the Voting Act, Equal Rights Amendment, Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

The Conservatives have dominated this countries debate, politics, and policies for over 40 years and people have grown weary of it. Do you know there are only 78 members of Congress who call themselves Liberal or Progressive in ideology? This means that 457 Representatives and Senators do not consider themselves Liberal, and only one of those 78 Progressive people are in the Senate. Thus, the Conservative argument that Liberals have or are destroying this country is rendered a lie as Liberals are in the minority to begin with. Conservatives like to call themselves the party of responsibility and are mostly Republicans, but seem unable to take responsibility for their failed policies and politics of the last 40 years. Instead, they blame everyone else and in particular Liberals who many of them hate with a vehement passion merely for having a different belief system.


Of course they don't call themselves Liberal, because they might not get the votes if they did!! You have to go by their ACTIONS.

"They blame everyone else, in particular the liberals, who many of them HATE...."

wow...just WOW. And people don't "HATE" I can't even stand that word, or dislike, make fun of, and wish ill say... Sarah Palin???

exactly.

wow.

They don't call themselves Liberal because they aren't Liberal. American Progressives (for now) are a political minority in the House and Senate chambers. The Blue Dog Democrats who are more Conservative are in control. Senators Evan Bayh, Claire M., Mary Landrieu, Blanche Lincoln, Ben Nelson, and a host of others are really Center-Right people who call themselves Democrats in more red states to get elected. They are the best we can do in those states (for now). I say for now because, as I said, things are changing as people realize the distortions and lies of the far right which have allowed people to vote against their own interests wane away. The majority in favor of Universal Healthcare now in spite of the right and the insurance company's is representative of that. The people have always agreed with Progressives on a host of issues including healthcare reform. It's just that now, with things changing as they have, people no longer buying into the fear mongering and dishonesty about these policies anymore.

As for the hatred comment it really is true that many Social Conservatives hate Gay people with a passion. Their family values think tanks which spew hateful lies about Gay people, our lives, and our families is disgusting. Did you hear what that Republican Representative from Oklahoma said recently about in Gays being able to marry and what she listed it along with as moral evils? There are a multitude of Republicans who have built their careers on oppressing and harming Gay people through public policy. The pain and discrimination of the LGBT people is something they have used for their own political gain by playing off of peoples irrational homophobia and heterosexism. And for everything they have done to hurt us by words and actions, this may surprise you: I don't hate them......

I feel sorry for them because they go against humanity by acting and speaking in such ways. Their anti-science, anti-Gay, anti-anyone not religious, anti-working class economic policies take a real toll on the lives of many people. Do you really think minorities support Democratic or Liberal candidates by greater amounts because we make up all of the horrible things we hear about us from the Republicans? I will never forget how inhumane my people have been treated by and spoken about by those Conservatives in the Republican party. Democrats are far from perfect, but I've never heard the vile, bigoted hatred from them as I have from Conservative Republicans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt1fYSAChxs&feature=fvw

this speech says it all, and holds as true today, as it did in '64.

One of the greatest lines:

"a government can't control the economy without controlling people...and they know when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve it's purpose."

No one can argue with that line...ever.

You go sister. I am beyond being amazed by this dependency on government to solve everyone's problems from cradle to grave. It's why the Bamster is in office. 2010 the tide is going to turn.

I was supporting Yellins comments and someone must have been posting before me. Never had that happen before. Anyhow I sense a little tension amongst you Obama supporters. It's all good. A lot of us saw through him from the beginning and his poll numbers are tanking, thank god.

Yellin: If the right fears and despises government so much then why do Conservatives and Republicans want to control it? How can they govern effectively if they expect government to be inherently bad? Yet another flaw of Conservatism which has a self-fulfulling prophecy of ineffective and bad governace whenever they are in power. They should leave it up to the Democrats and Liberals who actually believe government can be effective by working with and for the people.

Moody: Don't worry, when the economy improves by 2010 Obama's numbers will go back up significantly as this statistical noise from an impatient electorate passes. Obama supporters are largely united around the central principles of his campaign and the Democratic platform. There is still 3.5 more years for new policies to be enacted by this Democratically controlled Congress and Executive. We are not fools because we know McPalin would have been a disaster for this country we thankfully averted. Obama isn't perfect, but he was superior to the alternative, and he is more open minded to changing course.

Did you not listen to Ronald Reagan's speech?

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take it away. Conservatives don't want NO government, they want SMALLER government, one that does the job it was created to do in the first place, and that is it, and have enough faith in the people to take care of themselves. If you should fall, then you deal with falling, you pick yourself up, and you try again, and sometimes again, and again, and again. You take care of you and yours, and help those you wish. It is not supposed to be easy. It was not created to spend, and fly our politicians on private jets, or give out all this free stuff and take care of every country and problem on Earth. Look at the debt this country is in because of SPENDING. Bigger government doesn't work, hasn't worked, never will work. That is why it is now "our job" to bail out the world.

I like the way President Barack Obama puts it..."It matters not whether it be smaller government or bigger government..just better government." He is a very wise man..IMO.

:rocker:

it does matter though...there is NOTHING good about bigger government. It can not be bigger, and be better....look at all the nations that have bigger government, and ask those that live there, how's that workin' for ya? There is nothing that bigger government can do better for you, than you, or the private sector, can't do for ourselves.

He's got you snowed....lol;)

JMO though, I still loves you guys! ;)

Ok, so what's the answer to health care? I used to think it was a personal problem, but as I have aged, my position has changed. I have very good health care paid for by my employer. My best friend has none as of November 2008. Why? She and her husband have a small business and their monthly premiums slowly increased until they were $1800.00 per month for the 2 of them. The choice between food & shelter or having insurance had to be made. They chose a roof over their head and food. Guess what happened next. She,through no fault of her own, became very ill. The bill is over 1 million $. They are so poor now, medicaid will pay the bill. There is just something so wrong about the whole thing, I don't even know where to start.

I don't even know where to start. Things may improve if the dems start to wake up and start voting down all this bigger government and I see that happening. One of our 2 big lib dem senators Bennett has stated he won't vote the party line anymore. And the heat is on Udall as well. We are very active on our side, Obamas support is waning. 29 % strongly approve while 36% strongly disapprove in the latest Rasmussan rolling three day average.

Recessions at least the ones in my lifetime have all run their course by now or at least were winding down. I'm not holding my breath that we see anything more than maybe a weak recovery that would have happened without all this taking over of the private sector. If you want to succeed in Obamaworld you will need to work for the government because they will have all the money and power. That's not a world I wish to live in.

and how is a more government run health care system going to get paid for? TAXES. So by the time this "awesome free health care" we ALL get is paid for by those who WORK by even MORE taxes, I can't even imagine, especially living in the state of Maine and paying what we do already...

I understand the frustrations, no health care system is perfect. Ours definitely needs revamping. But where do people from other countries tend to go if the need the best, or highest QUALITY of care? Just because it is paid for, doesn't mean it is GOOD. Look also at the positives of places here like St. Jude. Because St. Jude is run solely on donations, and it doesn't ask the parents of patients to pay for the services they receive, they have become the third largest health-care hospital.

The wait times in other countries:


http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/10/15/...mes-fraser.html

and

Moore's Sick Rx

by Michael D. Tanner

Michael D. Tanner is director of health and welfare studies at the Cato Institute.


Michael Moore's new film Sicko, a critique of the U.S. health-care system and paean to socialized medicine around the world, premiered amid great fanfare at Cannes last month. Time magazine reviewer Richard Corliss rejoiced, "The upside of this populist documentary is that there are no policy wonks crunching numbers."

Wouldn't want anyone messing up Moore's fantasy with . . . facts.

The American health-care system undeniably has serious problems, and Moore effectively dramatizes the suffering of people caught up in them. Yet he often exaggerates those problems. For example, he frequently refers to the 47 million Americans without health insurance, but fails to point out that most are uninsured for only brief periods, or that millions are eligible for programs like Medicaid but fail to apply.

Moreover, he implies that people without insurance don't get health care. In fact, most do. Hospitals are legally obliged to provide care regardless of ability to pay, and while physicians don't face the same requirements, few are willing to deny treatment because a patient lacks insurance. Treatment for the uninsured may well mean financial hardship, but by and large they do get care.

Moore talks a lot about life expectancy, suggesting that people in Canada, Britain, France and even Cuba live longer than Americans because of their health-care systems. But most experts agree that life expectancies are a poor measure of health care, because they are affected by too many other factors like violent crime, poverty, obesity, tobacco and drug use, and other issues unrelated to a country's health system. Americans in Utah live longer than those in New York City, despite having essentially the same health care.

And when you compare the outcome for specific diseases, like cancer or heart disease, the United States clearly outperforms the rest of the world. When former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi needed heart surgery last year, he didn't go to an Italian hospital or to France, Canada or Cuba. He came to the Cleveland Clinic.

While overly critical of U.S. health care, Moore overlooks the flaws of national health-care systems. He suggests, for example, that Canada's waiting lists are mere inconveniences, interviewing apparently healthy Canadians who claim they have no problem getting care. Yet nearly 800,000 Canadians aren't so lucky. The Canadian Supreme Court has pointed out that many Canadians waiting for treatment suffer chronic pain and, "Patients die while on the waiting list."

Similarly, Moore shows happy Britons who don't have to pay for their prescription drugs. But he didn't talk to any of the 850,000 Britons waiting for admission to National Health Service hospitals. Every year, shortages force the NHS to cancel as many as 50,000 operations. Roughly 40 percent of cancer patients never get to see an oncology specialist. Delays in getting treatment are often so long that nearly 20 percent of colon-cancer cases considered treatable when first diagnosed are incurable by the time treatment is finally offered. Perhaps Moore could have talked to some of these folks?

Visiting France, Moore waxes ecstatic about the government's willingness to pay for nannies to help care for newborns. He apparently doesn't notice that the taxes necessary to pay for such a system have given France one of the lowest rates of economic growth in Europe or that many of the country's best and brightest are fleeing.

Moore also slides over the facts when he implies that the French system is "free." It's funded through a 13.55 percent payroll tax, a 5.25 percent income tax and other taxes on tobacco, alcohol and drug-company revenues. And the system is still running a $15.6 billion deficit.

And French patients still have to pay high copayments and other out-of-pocket expenses, and physicians can bill patients for charges over and above what the government reimburses. As a result, 92 percent of French citizens have private health insurance to complement the government system. Yet there remain shortages of modern health-care technology and a lack of access to the most advanced care.

America needs to have a serious debate about how to fix our health-care system. But Moore's demagoguery and refusal to address the numbers will do little to contribute to that debate. Maybe he could've used a few policy wonks after all.

The size of government increased under Reagan.

Yellin, for about the tenth time, FREE socialized healthcare is not what is being proposed in the US. You are arguing about something that is not going to happen. Canada has socialized mediicine. That is NOT what is being proposed in this country. Do some research, for crying out loud, instead of getting your news from Fox News Channel.