The Democrats have a newfound power. They used it to make a 100 Hours push. I was actually going to write letters to Pelosi and my congress people, saying something like that. It would have said that they needed to get things rolling quickly, and show us that they mean business. I, of course, was too busy/lazy to actually do it, but I am glad they have sense. The Republicans complained about it, of course. They've had 12 years to do what they want, and they have. I don't think they can complain much.

What different things do the parties stand for, and how do I see these? How do this pillars affect how the parties govern?

Republicans are for small government, or so they say. They say let "the market" decide. Let "the people" decide. They want to get the government out of the way. This sounds great, but it's not what they do. Large American corporations have been deciding what's best for America. The only reason we have hybrids now is because Japanese companies brought they im. Detroit refused to, and now they have to in order to compete. American companies and American markets aren't very smart with many things nowadays. Sure, for the past century the US as a whole has driven innovation and invention of many things. We led the world in many things. Now, we are lagging behind. Letting corporations do what they want is not healthy for America.

So, what, do the Democrats want larger government then? Maybe so. In influential circles there are rich people, politicians, and large corporations. Simply put, these three circles influence life for the rest of us. Out of all three of those, I'd rather have the government in charge and making laws. Corporations and rich people give themselves tax breaks and law exemptions. Sure, some politicians do too, but overall they are accountable to us. We the people can take away their power. Therefore, if government controls some things, we the people control some things. Sure, government should not control everything. There is a line to be drawn somewhere, and that place is hard to find.

Plus, in reality, government has not shrunk under Republican control. They controlled congress and the white house, so they could do whatever they wanted. You would think they would make the government smaller, and make less laws. They have done the opposite. The government is bigger than ever before. Many restrictive laws have been passed in the last seven years. Heck, they created a whole new branch of government. I know some of that is necessary to fight terrorism, but still...

Here's the thing. The Republicans say they want a smaller government, but instead make it larger and make more laws, and tell you that you're unpatriotic if you don't like it. However, when the Democrats make more laws, as they say they will, it's bad and a waste of money. (How much money has been spent in Iraq so far?) The laws they enacted within the 100 hours, by the way, were to raise the minimum wage, to help with student loans, and to follow all of the 9/11 commission suggestions. Those three things help poorer people, help students, and help fight terrorism. However, those are labeled "bad" by the Republicans because the Democrats passed them.

Don't look at what they say. Look at what they do. Look at who the politicians help, then decide who is better for this country.