He said, “But you sound like a Republican, not a Democrat.”

This was in 2008 and I was explaining what most people in my political party wanted for the next 4 years. He said, “But you sound like a Republican, not a Democrat.”

I started laughing then as I do now when someone supposedly more “conservative” than me reacts this way to my political statements.

What did I say that sounded so Republican?

I said I wanted fair and balanced taxation so that everyone pays a certain portion of their annual income and that there should be fewer “tax breaks.”

He agreed and said, “I’ve heard some Republicans asking for a flat tax rate for all.”

“Great!” I replied, “So that means corporations that make billions can finally start paying their fair share and we can finally update our infrastructure, revitalize education and healthcare!”

and, “Whooo. Not to mention finally ending those Reagan era tax breaks given to oil companies during the oil bust. Yea that was supposed to be a temporary accommodation but after the bust ended, they never paid their fair share again.”

His face dropped, “But we can’t tax the oil companies. They’ll cut our jobs”