What Harry said in 1948 rings true today more than ever!

Gryphen, over on the Immoral Minority blog had this terrific post "Remember, Harry Truman had the Republicans' number almost 70 years ago." reminding us of the words of Harry S. Truman in 1948. They bear repeating in these times:

"Republicans approve of the American farmer, but they are willing to help him go broke.

They stand four-square for the American home — but not for housing.

They are strong for labor — but they are stronger for restricting labor’s rights.

They favor minimum wage — the smaller the minimum wage the better.

They endorse educational opportunity for all — but they won’t spend money for teachers or for schools.

They think modern medical care and hospitals are fine — for people who can afford them.

They consider electrical power a great blessing — but only when the private power companies get their rake-off.

They think American standard of living is a fine thing — so long as it doesn’t spread to all the people.

And they admire of Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it.

Now, my friends, that is the Wall Street Republican way of life. But there is another way — there is another way — the Democratic way, the way of the Democratic Party."(Source)

If Harry was giving the speech today he might have added a few things, perhaps:

• Republicans are all for Women's Rights, as long as it isn't the right to control their own bodies or the right of equal pay for equal work.
• Republicans support Civil Rights, as long at those rights aren't actually implemented in a way that might be construed as fair.
• Republicans approve of Gay Marriage, after all, marriage between a man and a woman should be happy!
• Republicans believe the climate is changing, but not that human activity could be a significant contributing factor -- because that would limit the amount of funding received from those patriotic energy companies.
• Republicans support Freedom of Religion, as long as they are free to support whichever religion means the most votes for them.

And some people wonder why I have separated myself from the Republican Party!  ("I Believe it is Time to Part Ways with the Republican Party", "I've Been Getting Some Flack Over My Issues With the Republican Party").  I am not saying the Democratic Party is perfect, but when you compare the platforms of both parties, one stands much closer what we should strive to be as Americans, and it's not the Republican Party!  Currently I am registered as an Independent, and plan to stay that way until one party stands for not just a majority of the things I support, but stands for things that make sense in the 21st century, not the 19th.