This is a question mostly for those of us who live in the U.S., I'm gathering.

I'm a card-carrying, sign-displaying, money-donating, fund-raiser-attending, bracelet-wearing Democrat, although have an emerging independent streak that seems to strengthen as I get older. I think I could in relatively good conscience vote for John McCain, whom I respect. And I've known some appallingly stupid Democrats over the years. There are also plenty of smart ones, too, like Barack Obama and John Edwards, to name just a couple. I respect people of all political affiliations and work hard not to force my own beliefs on anyone else.

Traditionally, Democrats support public education, matters like health care and welfare/workfare programs, the environment, the arts, equal rights for women, civil rights, abortion rights, equal rights for gays, tax relief for the middle class, religious tolerance, diplomatic approaches to peace in international relations, etc. Those are all things I believe in. I also believe in a strong national defense and in fiscal responsibility, and I know those aren't always matters that are seen as Democratic strong points.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jimmy Carter, who is one of the greatest examples of a humanitarian ex-president, even if his term wasn't regarded as one of our greatest. I also like what Bill Clinton is doing now toward the fight against AIDs in both America and Africa. (I like what Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates are doing, too.) I also believe that George H.W. Bush has a bit of a humanitarian streak these days. Often they become better men after they leave the presidency than they were during it. I have a lot of respect for people who do humanitarian work, particularly in health care, education, and anti-poverty efforts.

People in the medical community, who tend to be mostly Republicans, often look askance and me and my husband because we don't support the party that would protect our current capitalistic medical system and, for that matter, which provides us the most tax relief. But we cannot in good conscience do that. I'd socialize a lot of things if I were queen for a day, including medicine, and I'd do so because that would benefit far more people than just the top two percent of wage earners. Humanity as a whole is what matters, and not just wealthy, educated humanity.

Frequently individuals who don't think too deeply but who like to hear themselves uttering what they believe are insightful and critical comments, take refuge in statements like "Democrats and Republicans are just two sides of an equally bad coin." I disagree wholeheartedly. Ideologically we're very different. And no matter what anyone at the very extremes of each party believes, we nonetheless have to be able to work together in order for our country to get anywhere. Deep in my heart, I tend to believe we balance each other out in necessary ways, too, but I'm burying this statement here at the bottom in hopes that no one will take much notice of it.