The difference between Democrats and Republicans

[RecycleMichael]

This thread was started in another, but I wanted to read some people's opinions on the real differences between the two parties.

I'll start. Please, please try and discuss this rationally and respectfully.  

I think one of the real differences is that republicans are proud of the rich and democrats are ashamed of the poor.

Yes, there are very wealthy democrats and very poor republicans, but the policies being debated seem to focus on these issues.

The democrats fight for minimum wage increases while the republicans debate the death tax. The democrats issues are housing and education while republicans go after commercial development and income tax cuts.

I know I am being simplistic here, but I just see the economic issues being fought along these principals.

The funny thing about republicans being proud of the rich and democrats being ashamed of the poor is that they are both right.