Hey Jimbo, thanks for the reply. I love these discussions, it helps me to better understand my own reasoning and to make better imformed decisions. I am not sure why so many Americans are scared to discuss their beliefs. In my mind, I would have a hard time making a rational decision without knowing all of the facts.
I am not sure why so many Democrats are under the impression that we (folks who voted for Bush) want to overturn Roe vs. Wade??? I am very "in the middle", especially when talking about many of the social issues. I agree that a woman should have the right to choose.
However, here are the main reasons that I usually vote Republican for president:
1) I would like to limit the size of government. Traditionally, Republicans are for a more "Laissez Faire" society.
2) Economic momentum - Most of us in this country work for larger corporations. I need for my company to do well in order for my pocket-book to do well. Not to mention, I need for large public companies to do well in order for my 401-k and stocks to do well.
3) It burns my blood that I get up and go to work everyday, knowing that my tax dollars pay for some losers to sit at home and collect a free check form the government when they are perfectly able to work. I do not mind paying for what welfare programs were set up for, which is SHORT term assistance. Nor do I mind giving the helping hand to those individuals who need it.
4) I often feel that as of late, many laws/rulings have been in support of certain minorities, as opposed to the majority of the American public. For instance, the pledge of allegiance and the removal of the 10 commandments.
5) In this election, I support our troops and our Presidents decisions as far as the current war is concerned. Yes, there have been mistakes along the way. But, tell me a war/conflict where there were not mistakes. By definition, it is a time of much uncertainty. Further, the liberation of those two countries will have far reaching affects on that hemisphere that will hopefully impact my childrens future in a positive manner (meaning less dangerous).
6) I have no issue with gays/lesbians. As a matter of fact, some of our best friends are a lesbian couple. I also think that a gay couple should have similar rights to a married hetero couple. However, I do support the idea of distinguishing between a "marriage" between a man and woman, and a committed relationship between a couple of the same sex.