TV: “I think ive put forth some solid reasons to vote and support republicans, im still waiting on your counterarguments, in the form of actual policy you support.”
Apologies for such a long response, I got on a roll:
You said, “I agree that there are many who simply go along with it to appease their base, . . . but l’moy nafcha mina.”
I think most in support of gay or transgender rights are primarily “appealing to the base” in the sense that the Dem’s basic premise is live and let live so long as it doesn’t interfere with someone else’s quality of life. I agree this has expanded in some uncomfortable and troubling ways and I do have concerns it could have a negative effect to society; in my mind, there’s a difference between generally letting people live as they want, and actively advocating and celebrating that lifestyle, which erodes family values. I wish we’d find ways in politics and society to achieve the former without bleeding into the latter.
Nevertheless, in the LONG TERM the democratic party would stick up for a frum Jew’s general right to practice than republicans. If you’re looking to specifically compare red and blue policies, I agree with you there are seemingly compelling arguments to go red: they actively promote G-d and family values. But again, I think most or many republicans who talk like this is really more into “Christian culture” (i.e. WHITE-GENTILE),” and them talking about family values is really more of a code word for advocating the dominance of the historical white and simplistic homogeneity they have (or used to have) in their own communities. Hopefully I don’t sound like I just walked off a college campus, but there’s truth there. Now let’s assume for a moment Trump really has unconditional love for Jews (though I beg to differ). He doesn’t tell his supporters this, has also egged on or supported anti-semetic groups, remained silent, etc. Once once Trump is gone, Jews will be one of the first casualties of this nationalistic, nativist, and populist movement.
Transgenderism: I’m no expert on this. But seems to be a rare enough that I would hate for anyone to define their political identity around it or what to do in a sad situation where someone and their family are psychologically suffering over this. I don’t know much on this, but who knows what WE would do? Again, we don’t want to celebrate or normalize this stuff. But I don’t think people are “inspired” to be transgender, I would doubt any of them are actively intending to rebel against Hashem, and there are only a few of these cases compared to our population.
In all, you raise some good points. I have concerns with advocating certain lifestyles on par with traditional values. But once the White-Gentile party dominates politically and becomes emboldened, they won’t have our backs. Forcing laws down people’s throats aren’t so good at changing values anyway, and even builds up evil forces that cling to these seemingly good movements (look at Roe v. Wade). If you have children, you’d understand this. We need to also inspire, teach, and befriend. Neither party figured this balance out.