As a hard-core Republican who grew up in a low-income household and who until recently didn't make enough to pay much in federal taxes, I'll attempt a response.
Bear in mind that I also come from the Republican perspective of the 2000's, not the libertarian monster creature that masquerades as conservatism in the recent environment. I identify with Jack Kemp, "empowerment zones", "compassionate conservatism", etc. Herman Cain recently said that the word "empowerment" is "liberal".... go figure.
There are both economic and cultural reasons for our adherence to the GOP.
Although many of us have had to depend on government programs from time to time, we do not see this as an honorable way of life. My father did have to apply for disability benefits after a massive heart attack. He appreciated that these benefits were available, but would have rather worked if he could. He never took vacations and went to work even when he was sick or when the weather closed everything down. He would have worked until his dying day if he could. He accepted the benefits, but did not appreciate the lifestyle choice of people who go on welfare or receive disability benefits when they really could be working for a living. There was also a short time when we had to depend on food stamps. Again, this was not a proud moment. I think many of us see Democrats as encouragers of a lifestyle of dependency on government programs.
I'm not a redneck and live in a urban area, but I've always had a deep-seeded resentment of the haughty attitude of wealthy liberals. Just because I'd rather watch Married with Children than a Broadway musical doesn't make you better than me. I'm a graphic artist and web designer, but I'm sorry - abstract art doesn't make sense to me. What does this have to do with politics? Absolutely nothing... but its what I think of when I think of Democrats.
Jesus Christ said "blessed are the meek" and cared for the poor, but yet liberals still have a problem with the little town of Whiteville, TN having crosses on their water tower? I hate sports, but I'd glady go to a football game and pray and protest the ACLU's efforts to ban prayer at high school football games. The modern liberal movement made poor white southerners choose between Almighty God and their pocketbooks. Why were you so surprised we chose God? (For the record, I do have a special place in my heart for liberal and moderate Christians)
Wealthy liberals spend their money defending spotted owls or transgendered rabbits or whatever the hell you people do. Wealthy conservatives are people that we know in our community - people that employ others, that give money to our churches, that support our community.
Just typing from my stream of consciousness here.... now paging Joe Republic to tear it all down
