Zenguy
I do not believe that Democrats think that the government should take care of everyone, but rather there should be a safety net if someone truly needs it. Like insurance, you pay in hoping not to need it, but it is there if you do.
I am not sure what we have with the Republicans is bigger government as much as big government contracting. The draining of the treasury to pay Haliburton and others to run the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and tax credits to companies that outsource jobs to other countries. We were on the way to paying off our National debt and less than eight years later we have the biggest debt ever, with no end in sight.
Fiscally I am pretty conservative. I view paying taxes as an investment in my country, but I want the government to use the money wisely of course. Recent history shows that the Democrats have been much better about balancing budgets, creating jobs and improving the economy, Reagan and both Bushes spent us into the ground.