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Elephant or donkey? Somebody tell me

By Ron Bell

Published: September 11, 2009

I have nearly 63 years of experience knowing who and what I am. I know that I love my Washington Redskins. I hate the Yankees (who doesn't?). I think Frank Sinatra was the best singer in the world, and roast beef and mashed potatoes are a gift from God.

I know that Daylight Savings Time is a waste and rap music is used as a disguise to hide the fact that the singer can't sing. I'm also sure that newspapers will never die and know in my heart that President John F. Kennedy was shot by more than one man.

I am a Christian. I loved English Leather, golf has always been my passion and I cherished the moments that I served my country while in the Air Force.

What I don't know is if I am a Democrat or Republican.

I was born when Harry S. Truman, whom my father adored, was in office. I was inspired by John F. Kennedy, sold into slavery by Ronald Reagan, liked the first President Bush and I look forward to the next three years of President Obama.

I trully believe that Abraham Lincoln did more for this country than any other president, but a close second has to be F.D.R.

My dad once told me nothing good, but nothing bad happened under Dwight D. Eisenhower. Jimmy Carter was a great man but a mediocre president, while Bill Clinton was an excellent leader of the free world but less-than-perfect husband.

I know that I:

• Do not believe abortion is right, but believe in individual freedom of choice;

• Believe in ownership of hand guns but not the automatic cannons used by drug dealers;

• Believe in small government, but big enough to make certain choices for those who can't or don't want to;

• Believe we should give away food to nine people who don't deserve it so the 10th person who needs it gets it;

• Do not believe in affirmative action, but believe that the best qualified person regardless of age, skin color or gender should get the job;

• Do not believe in the No Child Left Behind concept, but I believe in allowing teachers to do what they are trained to do;

• Believe in capitol punishment in prisons, but not corporal punishment in schools;

• Believe in some type of health insurance program, but getting a non-government agency to run it;

• Believe in a flat tax for everyone;

• Believe that former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has already had her 15 minutes of fame;

• Voted for Gov. Beverly Perdue but have already lost a lot of faith in her leadership and

• Believe that both our current wars are a tragic loss of American lives, money and our national prestige.

I have just left myself wide open for discussion. I say that I am a donkey but I have a long trunk and large ears. What am I? I am usually not conservative, but definitely not always liberal. Middle of the road? Never!

I realize that some of my political views are slanted due to the fact that Ronald Reagan fired me as a striking air-traffic controller, but I do shade to the political right at times.

Would some of you folks who read my insignificant little column please come to my rescue and let me know my political persuasion? Am I a red state or blue?

'Til next time, ya'll take care.

Ron Bell is a community columnist. Email him at ron_e_bell1981@yahoo.com