By John Fedele

Before you vote in the 2012 election, it would behoove one to understand the candidates’ party.  Today’s Democrats and Republicans are a far cry from the original ones.

Democrats originally supported state’s rights and the interest of workers and small farmers.  The party has evolved toward Liberalism which is characterized by progressive rather than conservative attitudes.

The Republican Party was formed in 1854 by antislavery groups to oppose the Kansas-Nebraska Act.  Over the years, it evolved into a conservative party because of  the defection of Liberal Republicans, Mugwumps and the secession of the Progressive Party. Conservatives believe on the maintenance of existing institutions and preferring gradual development to abrupt change

Then, there is what many call the Tea Party, which is not a political party at all.  It is not authorized or registered.  Although it congers up the vision of Native Americans tossing tea into Boston Harbour, it is, in truth, a philosophy that believes today’s government is too big and too intrusive.  It consists of members from all political parties, although those who ran, and won in the mid term, ran as Republicans.

So, when voting remember what’s in a name.  Democrat equals Liberal; Republican equals Conservative; Tea Party equals Americans.