Partisanship
You have likely gathered that I am a partisan democratic voter. I believe in the platform and basic philosophy of my chosen party over that of the other.
Many people tell me they vote for the person and not the party. I respect that position and consider it a good philosophy in many instances. What I have trouble understanding are those who never vote. It is my opinion that the country needs a strong, two party system. One in which the power fluctuates and is, to a degree, shared. That tends to keep both parties more honest and responsive to the people. Too much power often corrupts even the best intentioned among us.
The balancing of power between the parties requires that there be partisans to keep each party running and swing voters who switch party votes depending on time and situations. State and national elections especially lead me to support my party. Even though our nominee may not have been my first choice, he or she has ascribed to the philosophy and platform of my party.
There are cases where candidates have ran for office in one party and switched while in office. That is anathema to my beliefs. I consider those people to be liars and (in some regards) thieves. They have taken money and votes from the supporters of the party in whose name they were elected to office, then changed affiliation while there. I would never vote for anyone who has done this, no matter which way they switched.
Partisanship has reached new highs in the last few years. While I am partisan, I believe in bipartisan governing. It pains me to see our elected representatives oppose good legislation simply because it was presented by the other party or support bad legislation because their own party developed it. Senators and congressmen/congresswomen need to look at all issues in light of how they affect our country and citizens. They need to govern on the basis of what is best for the country in the long run. It should not be based on which party presented the proposal or what it will do to them in the next election. They should have the integrity to vote their conscience and represent their constituents. Running our country in a way to plan for the next election cycle is creating less trust in our public servants. Run for your party and country, vote for country once elected.
Many people tell me they vote for the person and not the party. I respect that position and consider it a good philosophy in many instances. What I have trouble understanding are those who never vote. It is my opinion that the country needs a strong, two party system. One in which the power fluctuates and is, to a degree, shared. That tends to keep both parties more honest and responsive to the people. Too much power often corrupts even the best intentioned among us.
The balancing of power between the parties requires that there be partisans to keep each party running and swing voters who switch party votes depending on time and situations. State and national elections especially lead me to support my party. Even though our nominee may not have been my first choice, he or she has ascribed to the philosophy and platform of my party.
There are cases where candidates have ran for office in one party and switched while in office. That is anathema to my beliefs. I consider those people to be liars and (in some regards) thieves. They have taken money and votes from the supporters of the party in whose name they were elected to office, then changed affiliation while there. I would never vote for anyone who has done this, no matter which way they switched.
Partisanship has reached new highs in the last few years. While I am partisan, I believe in bipartisan governing. It pains me to see our elected representatives oppose good legislation simply because it was presented by the other party or support bad legislation because their own party developed it. Senators and congressmen/congresswomen need to look at all issues in light of how they affect our country and citizens. They need to govern on the basis of what is best for the country in the long run. It should not be based on which party presented the proposal or what it will do to them in the next election. They should have the integrity to vote their conscience and represent their constituents. Running our country in a way to plan for the next election cycle is creating less trust in our public servants. Run for your party and country, vote for country once elected.
posted by NHThomas | 10:27 AM
|
0 comments
