Thread by @JeffRoushPoetry

For those who believe voting doesn’t matter, because “both parties are the same,” “there’s no real difference,” or some version of this, I get it. You want to see a difference in your life, and don’t care about squabbles in D.C. But there are critical differences. (Thread)

1. Republicans want you to believe government doesn’t work, so it should just be Freedom, O.K. Corral style. Democrats want to create laws and policies that make government work to help people.

2. Republicans believe the richest Americans need tax breaks to work harder and get richer. Democrats believe taxes are an investment that allows government to work better—and it’s fair to ask those to whom America has given the most to pay their fair share.

3. Republicans believe hate and division represent the natural order, so we shouldn’t try to do anything about it. Democrats have faith in American citizens, and want programs that will teach people about both our history and how to live together in better harmony.

4. Republicans know the value of infrastructure programs, but believe a vote against it better politically, and excoriate anyone in their ranks who voted to provide them. Democrats also know the value of infrastructure, and voted for programs to benefit their constituents.

5. Republicans support and amplify members who support violence and insurrection, and are fighting against the release of information about January 6. Democrats want to understand and show Americans what happened and who helped make it happen.

6. Republicans make things up, present them as fact with no evidence at all, and say “Believe me, not what you see.” Democrats present data and follow science, because they believe having credible information is better than not having it.

7. Republicans conflate religion and politics, presenting their party as “good” to the other side’s “evil.” Democrats believe religion is a private matter for a person, rather than a cudgel for the government to wield.

8. Republicans want you to vote for their best interests. Democrats want you to vote for yours.

9. Republicans want to have final say in women’s medical decisions. Democrats want to keep it between women and their doctors.

10. Republicans want to limit what your kids learn from history, literature, science, and social studies. Democrats believe in providing kids with information about their country, their world, and themselves to help create a responsible, informed, and ethical citizenry.

These are fundamental differences. Put them together, and you will see a clear pattern: Democrats believe in you, while Republicans believe only in themselves. That is your choice, in every federal, state, and local election. Vote for the party whose members will vote for you.