may i ask...and if this isn't the right place to do so, i apologize...but why democratic? Why do you think things need to change?

I work in a job with low income families. I see the struggles each day that the average and below average income families go through. I guess I am one of those people that think I can change the world...and make it a happy place where we do not spend money on war, help the poor and disadvantaged, and just try to make a difference in the average persons life. So in the long run I do not like to see the unemployment rate high (has a trend of being lower when Dems are in office), money going to the rich and big businesses, and war (not saying Dems are against war, but for example, we are done in Iraq, Sadaam is gone and we should be gone also. Quit endangering our soliders lives, let them come home). I could write forever on why I am a democrat...but when asked these are the FIRST FEW things that come to mind. And like I said...this is just my opinion and I ask no one to feel they have to believe it or agree with it in any way. I know I cannot save the world, but helping the disadvantaged make a difference in their lives is what I do each day, and I feel at least I am making a difference.

PS: I also work for a program that is funded by the Federal Govt. It is a program the Republicans deem unworthy of large amounts of money. So each year our grant becomes smaller and smaller and each year I have to hope my job will stil exist.

I don't want to argue. But I just want to bring it to everyone's attention that the economy runs in 8 year cycles and the unemployement rates runs in 4 year cycles. What that means is, that it takes 8 years before we see the effects of anyone one president's efforts to change the economy and 4 years to see the change in the unemployement rate. That being said. We are currently seeing the effects of Clinton's administration. This isn't the reflection of Bust or the repulican party.

As for the war, yes we are done there. Yes we should end things, but right now Bush is trying to help rebuild. America is providing guidance and support during this process. There is nothing wrong with that.

Again, i'm not trying to argue...just giving food for thought. Thank you for sharing your reasons for being democratic.

You know, maybe we should not have gone to war, but the fact is that we did......and now it would be more of a tradgedy to pull out our troops and leave the country in shambles. The fact is that a once supressed and tortured country is now free from the dictator and has many of the same freedoms we do. As for Republicans and the poor, it's not as if we dont' care about poor people, that's ridiculous. We just have a different view of how the economy should run. I will say that I do not favor the US govt playing Robin Hood when it comes to income. Skerbrow also makes a good point about hte 4 and 8 year cycles. But it stinks because the wrong person usually gets blamed or given credit for a good or bad economy. And yes, I have worked with a lot of low income families and seen the same things. I for one will NEVER vote for a Democrat as long as they continue to support abortion among other things.

Ps. I'm also not trying to start a fight, but I was a political science major and have a very huge interest in all of these matters. I too am just stating my opinion, so nobody shoot me!!!!

HAHA I got so involved with the last post that I forgot what this thread was about!!!!!
When I was in college I was involved with the Young Conservatives of Texas, the Baptist Student Ministries, and I worked a lot!!! Now I'm in the local ADPi alum association and go to grad school. Not much else going on there. Oh I work at the mall and at a church camp as well. I do however want to get involved with the Bush re-election campaign in some way. I think it's really cool that some of my sisters are involved in politics (even if it's for the Dems!!) ;)

When i was a collegiate, we too had to have 2 extracurricular activities at all time, work counted as one if it was full time.

So I worked, was a member of the UNT Green Brigae (The marching band), The local Phi Beta Lambda chapter, LHS FBLA, Baptist Student ministries, Church orchestra, and Attended church bible study (which also counted as one).

I was busier that I should have ever been. LOL But I was voted most dedicated Alpha! LOL Guess it all worked it out.

I'm a poli sci major too, so this is what I study everyday!

The way I see things regarding our invasion of Iraq is how I view Vietnam. It was none of our business and we were lied to. Having said that, we're already there. It would hurt the innocent people of Iraq MORE if we just pulled out now. Although I think it's a idiotic thing to try and democratize/americanize Iraq. However if we hadn't gone to war in the first place we could have saved over 500 American lives, and spared the loved ones of ALL troops. Also, because we are now in Iraq we will continue to have troops occupying Iraq for MANY, MANY years. (We just pulled troops out of Germany from WWII two years ago!)

On a side note... (and probably a controversial one!)

None of the hijackers from 9-11 were from Iraq or had ties to Iraqis. All the hijackers were from Saudi Arabia and Eqypt... Our only two ALLIES in the Middle East. Perhaps our president should stop worrying about oil and start worrying about the collusion of our so-called allies and the royal families within those countries. Or perhaps he might even want to worry about North Korea, Kim Jong II and their nuclear capabilities... but then again North Korea has no oil, just nuclear weapons and a dictatorship.

Sorry... politics get my blood flowing!!

I agree, I do not know if we were justified, but the point is that we are there and it would be bad to just pack up ship.

I am not truly educated enough to have a decent opinion on the Iraq War business (sad, I know- I need to watch the news more). But I will say this: I am registered Republican but my standard of living was MUCH MUCH MUCH better when we had a Democrat in office. It's been a long time since I've actually voted Republican.

Back to the extra-curricular thread:
In college I was involved with Baptist Student Center & I'm trying to think of anything else outside of ADPi but am having trouble remembering. I needed time to study- unfortunately I was not one of those people who got good grades easily & it took me while to learn how to study. I thank ADPi study hall for getting me on the Dean's List. ADPi really saved my GPA by making me study.

Now I'm involved with ADPi, my church, ADPi, an organization for people in my profession, ADPi, Ronald McDonald House, and ADPi. I used to be in PEO but not anymore. Oh, and I own my own business which takes a lot of time. HHHMMMMM.... that's all I can think of this late on a Friday- I'm ready for the weekend!

I had no idea- that is wild. That is fascinating to me.

War is just one of the reasons I gave for a reasoning behind my politcal choice. I am a Democrat by choice, but it was also a large part of my upbringing. My great-grandfather, my father, and my uncle have held at least one politcal office each in Akron, Ohio. Politics is such a bad topic to discuss, but yet such a fun one!! One good thing I do have to say about this administration is that Bush has a very good Cabinet- very intelligent men and women (i.e. Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice)-- to bad he isn't one of them. haha Oops, did I say that! I guess my blood boils too!

Overall, I think daily through my job, I have become even more liberal. Ugh, I wish I could explain it to you, but there is no where to start!

Nice input ladies...everyone is welcome to their own opinion...but as a strong democrat I just want to let you know that it is hard to make me stray from the democratic beliefs....and I am stubborn!

Back to the thread....I already listed my extracurriculars above!!:)

As a Texan and an American, I know you are free to your opinion. But as a sister, i ask that you please do not put down our President. He was elected into office to do what he felt was best for the nation. Imagine how much of a load on your shoulders that would be. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. He has a tough load to carry and a lot of sides to consider. I believe in my heart that is truly do what he and his cabinet feel is best for our nation. After all, that is why he was elected.

As you said, I am free to give my own opinion and I have.

Now back to the point of this thread. :)

This is a huge factor in my switch! I too was raised in an ultra-Democratic family - four generations of working in some form of politics! - until I was a delegate. When I realized what all I had to "accept" as being part of the Democratic platform, I realized that I could not possibly agree with all the planks - most especially abortion. Interestingly, the rest of my family has slowly changed parties, too - without any pushing from me!

I'm glad to see that so many chapters have a minimum number of activities for each sister! It truly is one of the best ways of showing your strength on campus. Even a small chapter can focus on one or two activities with high visibility, and the next thing you know, more and more women are drawn to you!

Originally posted by ADPiZXalum
I for one will NEVER vote for a Democrat as long as they continue to support abortion among other things


This is the reason I will NEVER vote republican. My body, my choice. Abortion may not be the right choice for you, or even me in certain situations, but once the government can force you to have a child, they can force you not to have one.

I will NEVER vote for anyone Democrat or Republican if they are anti-choice...

This is just my opinion, and many of my closest sisters at Beta Beta disagree. I respect everyone's opinion, and everyone has a reason as to why they feel so strongly!:D

I love you all!