Political Parties

Just an observation: George Washington, our first president, from the beginning of our nation advised against political parties. Sadly, his wishes weren’t respected.

It seems to me that there are two approaches to politics and voting in a democracy, or democratic republic if you will. One is voting decisions based upon issues. The other is voting decisions based upon parties.

If issues are the basis of voting, the voter is forced to be informed and educated on the issues in order to decide his vote. He must comprehend the issue, its impact, and the effect of his vote in order to vote intelligently.

If, on the other hand, political parties are the basis of voting, the only effort involved for the voter is a simple opinion of the candidate for office and the party he represents in his candidacy. Not only is this latter option much less complicated and easier for the voter, it renders him more controllable by the party leaders. The “My grandfather was a Whig, my father was a Whig; and, by gum and by golly, I’m a Whig” phenomenon comes into effect, and the rest becomes the order of the day—that party goals and aspirations change over times notwithstanding. Of course, how the candidate parts his hair, his looks, his personality, etc. certainly helps. It may even speed up the process. I might note, however, that under this latter option, our nation could possibly lose our democracy in the process. What we don’t know can hurt us.

These are my thoughts.

Ronald Miller

www.sageobserver.blogspot.com