Thank you for asking, but No I Did Not!  Let me explain why so you won’t think I am not interested in the positions of both sides, so I can speak to the differences.  I did not watch either of the first Democrat debates because I Read, I Research, and I Reason.  Of course, that invites more clarity and the defining of what I mean.  I realize that immediately some who are locked into listening and some on the Left will take offense to that position. 

So, let me go into a little more detail on what I mean. 

I READ:

What I mean by that is I read, as profusely as possible, all the material I can find about the positions, conditions, and declarations of all political candidates that I can.  I love America so much and have invested enough of my life in defending her, I long for information that will enhance that fight.  I have, for decades, tried to educate as many as possible about the Constitution, our founding principles, and what is really happening, not simply political spin.

I read conservative articles and liberal articles attempting to wade through the minutia to uncover a little grain to go with the fodder.  I have long believed that there is a balanced position in life where moderation and sanity can provide progress and the betterment of all concerned.  However, some of the positions of the modern Democrats are so outlandish there is no common ground, no middle ground, and no balance.  Therefore, I find myself rejecting those positions summarily.

I RESEARCH:

I have for a long time sought to know the real position of various political candidates, not just what they say in the soundbite moments of a campaign.  I am far less interested in what they say on the stage in a debate or more accurately, an audition than what the record reveals.  If they have served in any political office, I want to know how they voted, their long-term positions, and overall record.  Politicians have a nasty propensity to say what they think people want to hear at any given moment, so I’m not particularly moved or impressed with stage performance.

I want to know their positions on taxes, healthcare, abortion, the 2^nd Amendment, the 1^st Amendment, the border, and national security.  That is not an exhaustive list but enough to identify what I research.  Once, I have determined from studying as large a swath of time as I can find information, I feel I then know the candidate and do not need to hear a television or radio audition in which they try to sell me some political snake oil or advance a flawed and failed policy. 

Additionally, I research, how many times they have stood in opposition to the standard party line and how many times, have they reneged on their campaign promises in order to be a good party soldier.  Those are important characteristics for me. 

Can a person change?  Of course, I have over the years, but my core positions may have morphed a bit, the core position of conservatism, constitutionalism, and faith have not.  I still believe that our inalienable rights come from God not government.  I believe that private property is, or should be, untouchable by the federal government.  In that, I believe that my thoughts are my private property, and nobody has the right to tell me how to think. 

I REASON:    

I am deeply saddened, in modern times, at the absence of reason, common sense, and critical thought.  Students are no longer taught to think critically in school. I don’t mean be critical but think!  Frequently they are taught to buy the company line (the line of the professor and his/her political ideology) without question.  By critical thinking, I use the standard definition of “objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.”  Some have argued that the five basic skills of critical thinking are:  the analytical, communication, creativity, open-mindedness, and problem-solving.  I was taught that in the home and in school.

The Bible tells us, in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”  I would argue that it is impossible to “be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us” if we do not use logic and reason.

In my years of managing people and being under management, I have found that reason and critical thinking are a valued commodity in both the workplace and in life.  Therefore, to suggest it is not vital in politics would be contrary to rational reason and sensibility.

I endeavor to never make political decisions based on my personal situation but on the Constitution and what is rationally the best for the whole.  When I hear the Left trash this present economy as though we were in the throes of another Great Depression I find that both laughable and lamentable.  When I hear them insist that America and legal American citizens are obligated to provide healthcare and other entitlements to illegals, I both laugh and cry.  Critical thinking is clearly not a part of their repertoire

So, I did not watch the Democrat Auditions for the nomination of their party, not because I do not consider the Democratic Party a threat or the need to know what their positions are.  I did not watch because I Read, I Research, and I Reason.  I believe, without knowing specifically what each of them said in the audition, I know their position. Therefore, why subject myself to the health risks of anger which would elevate my blood pressure?  Why subject myself to attitudes that would cause me to have to repent? 

You must do what you believe is necessary for you to make an informed decision, I am and will continue to do the same. I have not budged from my position of defending and being willing to fight for Faith, Family, and Freedom.

God bless you and God Bless America!