Why the world needs Republicans

As I was walking out of work this week, I was reminded briefly (very briefly) why the world needs Republicans. As I quickly walked toward my car at 6:15 pm, the very conservative owner of the company I work for conveniently pulled up next to me in a candy apple red Dick DeVos polo. Before I could get into my car, hit the A/C, and turn my I-POD to "Its 5 o clock somewhere," he went out of his way to distastefully discredit everything I believe in based on his assumptions of ALL Democrats. I think one of the names he called me was "loser"--and I was seriosuly offended. And some may ask what prompted this? Through some magical all knowing Republican mind reading powers (and maybe the picture of me posing with Jennifer Granholm in 2002 on my desk) he has determined I am the liberal enemy and he needs to "help me." And, besides the regular chit chat of the office, that is all he ever chooses to talk to me about--or should I say harass me about.

So with this encounter (one of many in my last three years at my current job) I decided the world does need Republicans. Moslty because our country is founded on the two party system, therefore making their party a important part of what we know as democracy (fostering healthy debate, etc). But for me personally, I need them because it makes me realize why I believe what I believe. I guess is what I am trying to say It makes me realize more and more that I could never vote Republican because I care too much. Having conversations with people of a conservative nature reaffirms who I am and what I want our government to be. Thanks, Mr. H--as annoyed as I may have been driving away from our little parking lot conversation, I now thank you for helping me to see why I lean to the left. Disagreeing is OK--for pete's sake it is healthy! But next time lets talk about our differences--don't try to change me! I (with every ounce of liberal dignity I have) have no intentions of changing you--just listen to what I have to say...that's all I am asking. My point here is, if the world didn't have any Republicans, who would I have to (constructively) argue with? And, how much fun would like be if we were all the same? OK, so it would probably be a lot easier, but then what would I have to blog about, right?