Our sons Billy and Paul visited us this weekend and after a day of wine tasting, me as sober driver, they asked and interesting question. They asked because they don't see a lot of difference in the current major political parties. The question was, "you guys, being in your sixties have seen more politics than we have have. What has been the major difference in the Democrats and Republicans over the decades". I thought a few moments and answered.
The democrats have historically attacked a societal evil not the other party. In the late 50's and early 60's we attacked racism and voting rights. From the mid 60's until the mid 70's we attacked the Viet Nam war. We continued the assault on cold war as MAD=mutually assured destruction was the theme. We then started slowly cracking the glass ceiling to promote equality for women. As we broke down that barrier we started supporting LGBT equality. Now it appears the attack will be multi headed as we plot against the disproportion of wealth and global warming. I hope in the near future immigration and gun control will be on the front burner.
Certainly there are pockets of each evil still alive but our political intent is clear. I told the boys these things as a 30 year vet having served twice in combat zones. I am not a pacifist.