Dont Democrats use the government to force their brand of morality on others just like Republicans?

Question

Many Democrats argue that Republicans try to force their morality on others through law. The Protection of Marriage Act, and anti-abortion laws are often cited as examples as ways in which Republicans try to do this.

However, do not many Democrats wish to do the same thing when they promote policies such as universal healthcare or minimum-wage laws?

Are not Democrats basically saying, "Because we think everyone should have healthcare, all Americans should have to pay for this healthcare, regardless of whether they want it or use it"? And, because we think everyone should be paid at least X dollars/ hour, every employer must pay their employees at least X dollars/ hour, or we will punish the employer with fines or worse."

How is this any different from Republicans saying "Because we think every marriage should be between a man and a woman, marriages can only consist of men and women, regardless of others' personal preferences"?

Both parties try to force morality on others.

Answer 1

You are absolutely right.

People want to create universal health care because they think it's immoral to allow people to suffer or die from conditions that might have easily been prevented in the first place. They don't want to ban gay marriage because they think it's immoral to enforce one religious code over another.

By all means, if you think it is a good moral decision to deny basic medical care to people because they're poor and you think it is a good moral decision to require people who despise your religion to follow your religious rules anyway, then do your best to stop such efforts.

That's what democracy is all about!

Answer 2

The examples you gave are vastly different. Take the Protection of Marriage Act, it is saying that it is illegal for anyone of the same sex to get married. A homosexual couple wanting to get married affects no one except the individuals wanting to get married. The act does nothing actually "protect" marriage because stopping gay couples from getting married isn't whats harming marriage in the first place. The anti-abortion laws are slightly more difficult given the many definitions of when a child becomes a "person."

Now look at the minimum wage bill, in 1968 the federal minimum wage was $1.60/hr, which calculates to $9.12/hr in 2005. That is well over the current $5.15/hr. With the cost of living constantly increasing due to inflation, why shouldn't the federal minimum wage increase accordingly?

And as far as health care, I'm sorry that those lucky enough to be able to afford health care or have a job that provides it, but what about those who don't? What happens to a person living in poverty struggling to pay rent when they get badly ill and can't afford medical treatment? It is the responsibility of our Government to help our citizens who need help and if that means the rest of us pay a little more in taxes that's the price we pay. It's a much better use of money than spending hundreds of billions of dollars on invading Iraq.

Answer 3

Because democrats are concerned about the well being of the people of this country. You said it yourself. Healthcare and being able to feed our families. Versus someones sexual preference?
Come on now! Lets get real here......

My father lives in a tiny town, population of 3000. He works for 6.25 per hr at a cabinet factory. ( The best job in town mind you ) they provide no healthcare. He barely gets by. That involves morality.

Can you honestly tell me that John being in love with Gregg is a more important issue? That is just being nosey.

Ill tell you what should be done.....

They should take a vote from everyone in America. Each vote is 1 vote and vote on all these issues. This is not 1940 anymore when people were so worried about how they looked to other people. Today we want to be happy and accepted and most of all treated equally! Then we would see what Americans really wanted.

Answer 4

Morality has no business in the governments hands period.
Dems opened the door when they said abortions were okay, then the legislated that perhaps mercy killing can be okay too.. then then they started on other forms of death like light sentences on drug users,shorter sentences for chronic offenders so they can kill again, etc.
They started the debacle of the Social Security program that cannot give as much as planned...then they changed the program so much its not for the elderly anymore which was the original intention of the bill. They were the ones that pushed for a war on poverty.. which is endless.. and now the environment.. which is another bottomless pit. btw I was a democrat for too many years than I want to remember! People forget that the Dems have owned the legislature for over 80 years you can't stop a rolling boulder down a steep grade in 4 years let alone 8.

Answer 5

Conservative efforts TEND to revolve around issues that don't belong in government or politics in the first place ; Liberal efforts TEND to revolve around issues that address the welfare of ALL citizens (usually taken by Republicans as a stereotypical mentality that the government owes its citizens something - a handout). That's the difference.

Either way, it's a battle of opinions and emotions that will never end, so don't get too wrapped up over it.

Answer 6

Yes. Hello! Don't you think it would be nearly impossible to separate your morality from your everyday actions? Of course. It just so happens that my own moral code does not jive with the things the current Republicans seem to stand for, so I do not support that party. Those whose feelings are opposite mine oppose Dems.

Answer 7

Your morality is up to you, whoever has been elected. You are completely free to do whatever you might like, provided you are willing to accept the consequences of your action.

It's not politics, it's your belief system that determines your morality.

Answer 8

Democrats have no morality......everything is okay
to do according to them. And they absolutely do try
to force their ways on us all. They are for more taxes,
gay marriages, human/animal relations, waving the
white flag in Iraq, and voting against English being
the first language of our land.

Answer 9

You are completely correct.

Constitutional law to a liberal is always about making sure that liberals can have whatever laws they want to have and conservatives can't.

Answer 10

You have answered your question for me. Right on!