Can a Christian be a Democrat?

I have always heard that religion and politics are topics we should avoid. I have never understood that, and being the opinionated person that I am (grin), I don't shy away from discussing any topic. I believe that people can love and respect each other while holding different views in matters of religion and politics. When we discuss these sometimes sensitive topics, we are telling the person we are talking to that we trust them enough to share a very personal part of ourselves with them. So here is my question:

Can a Christian align themselves with the modern-day Democratic Party? While this debate is not new, I affirm that he cannot for the following reasons.

I do not consider myself Republican or Democrat, although I am registered as a Republican because this party represents more closely my political views. Neither candidate for the upcoming election is appealing to me, but I will have to chose the lesser of two evils, and that will be McCain. I know what Obama wants to do, I know his beliefs, and I know his platform. His views politically are dangerous because when enacted, they destroy the economy, punish those who work hard while rewarding those who REFUSE to work, and promote dependence on government rather than hard work and God.

From a purely political standpoint, the Democratic beliefs often violate our Country's Constitution, such as their call for a ban on handguns and support for illegal immigrants. Obama's views come straight out of Marxism, which history has shown to be dangerous to freedom, antagonistic to Christianity, and fiscally UNsound.

Today's Democratic party believes it is the government's job to take care of the individual from birth to death, including Hillary's proposed "baby bonds," government-paid day care, and health care.

From a moral standpoint, much of what Democrats support and uphold is condemned by God.
For example, Democrats do not promote a strong work ethic, while God does.
Consider what God says about a good work ethic:

"For even when we were with you, we comanded you this: If anyone WILL NOT WORK, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, NOT WORKING AT ALL, but are busybodies" (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11.)

"Let him who stole steal no loner; but rather, let him LABOR, WORKING WITH HIS HANDS what is good, that he may have SOMETHING TO GIVE HIM WHO HAS NEED" (Ephesians 4:28).

"Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me" (Paul in Acts 20:34).

"The lazy man wil not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing" (Proverbs 20:4).

"He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich" (Proverbs 10:4).

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23). [Some translations read, "Do your work heartily..."]

God tells us to work in order to provide not only for ourselves but to also have something to share with those in need. Those who REFUSE to work should not receive any assistance. The Democrat party promises assistance to those who REFUSE to work. Not only that, they promote taking money away from those who work hard and giving it to those who don't. This is unscriptural! I see nothing wrong with helping those who are truly in need after doing all they can to support and help themselves.

The Party platform calls for abortion on demand, which is sinful. And the Party supports ungodly behavior such as homosexuality and homosexual marriages.

How can a Christian adamantly align themselves with an organization that takes these positions? I CANNOT support this party nor its 2008 presidential candidate because of what they stand for. To do so is to condone sin and to PARTICIPATE in such when we put a piece of paper in a ballot box that says, "This is what I want, too!"

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret" (Ephesians 5:11-12).