If a child asked me, "What's a Democrat?" or "What's a Republican?", how would I answer?

First, the age of the child would influence the language I would use but I hope I could in any case convey basic facts about our two most prominent political parties.

Second, I'd try to say what the names mean. Come to think of it, what do they mean? Is a Democrat one who promotes democracy? No, they all make that claim. Is a Republican one who believes in the republic? No, they all do that. We know what is meant by those names but it seems to me the names themselves don't actually mean anything these days.

What about trying to differentiate the parties based on where they stand with regard to: personal wealth, spending, compassion for the working class, war (and what justifies it), the draft, birth control (including abortion) gun control, and these days, global warming.

Personal wealth: All our presidents during my life time have been rich white men, with the possible exception of Harry S. Truman who by chance or design, was the first to receive the presidential pension. He is said to have commented: "This saves me a lot of financial embarrassment." Jimmy Carter was not fabulously wealthy but he was successful.

Spending: Everybody knows that Democrats are known as the "tax and spend" party and that is one reason why dyed-in-the wool Republicans are so adamant against Democrats in the Federal government. Yet they ALL SPEND and I mean spend BIG. If anyone doubts that, look at the budgets we have now. Look at the cost of our current warit is expressed in trillions. And on the topic of war, which party is most likely to make war? It is impossible to say. Examples abound on both sides.

They both also tax. It is a matter of WHO pays the taxes levied. Is it the working class, which has far fewer options in sheltering income from tax or is it big business that has more tax shelters and more lobbyists in Washington representing their interests. I can hear a young detractor now: "Wait a minute, I thought it was Congress that represents the people." Yes, my son, that's right but lobbyists work for business' special interests by trying to persuade congresspersons to vote for or against a certain bill or amendments to it."

"How do they do that?"
"They give gifts."
"Is that fair and honest?"
"No."
"Is it legal?"
"Yes."

Compassion for the working class: Democrats have the reputation for that but does it really mean anything? If compassion gave us the

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