Key Differences Between Left and Right, and Some Curious Similarities — Part One

by Robert Archerd, August 10, 2023

As a middle schooler, I considered myself an Eisenhower Republican. And at the time, being politically aware and involved was certainly not unusual for young adolescents. My recollection is that most of us had our political favorites, whom we regularly discussed, along with the issues of the day. And, unlike today’s adults, we did so amicably.

Democrat Adlai Stevenson was running against Republican Dwight Eisenhower to succeed Harry Truman, and become our nation’s 34th president. I, personally, favored Eisenhower (“Ike”) because the GOP of that day bore close resemblance to today’s Democrats, especially regarding matters of immigration and race — plus, Ike wanted to tax the rich at 90% (which he was actually able to push through at 91%!).

And for those too young to remember, the most adamant racists of the era were the Democrats, as the Republicans were still a long way from becoming the party of white grievance.

(Note: Nixon drove me from the GOP, with Reagan pushing me a little further, and Trump guaranteeing I could absolutely never return to what now appears overwhelmingly to be a vile cult.)

Regarding issues that separate us politically, a good friend recently told me he wished nobody owned a gun. Ever. No guns. Period. But he also says he has a close friend who owns an assault rifle. He adds that the friend owns it because, and this…