Have “We the People” Lost our Way?
It’s an election week in Michigan and there has been a tremendous amount of discussion on the topic of whether Democrats should vote in the Republican primary to ensure that the “right” or the “wrong” candidate wins the primary (depending upon what side of the fence you’re viewing from). I think this is just wrong – from a number of vantage points.
Free and open disclosure: Politically, I’m pretty much a centrist. OK, if pressed, I might be just a nudge left of centrist. I tend to vote with the Republicans on financial issues and the Dems on social issues. I’ve recently found myself siding with the Democratic Party a little more – more out of fear of the Machiavellian nature of the Republican Party at the moment than anything else.
On February 28, 2012, Reuters reported that “Democratic activists and strategists have launched a campaign to push fellow Democrats and independents to vote for Santorum to try to derail the more moderate frontrunner Mitt Romney, a Michigan native and the candidate President Barack Obama's campaign least wants to face in the November 6 election.” “…Roughly 12,000 Democrats expressed interest in voting for Santorum when they were contacted during a "robo-call" phone campaign organized by Democratic activists…”
Have "We the People" Lost our Way?
I have to ask the question: Is that right? Is it ethical? Is that something that serves the American people well? Sure, Democrats may get their wish – to throw a wrench into the works of the Republican machine. But at the end of the day, who really benefits from this? Step back, if you will, from your political inclinations and consider what is best for the American people. Doesn’t it make sense that both parties put forward the best and most viable candidates? Do we really want to circumvent a good, healthy debate on the issues by intentionally voting for the wrong guy? I’m sure that Rick Santorum’s campaign is elated that Michigan Democrats will be voting for him in droves. But are they happy for the right reasons? They’re voting, not because they have any intentions of crossing over, but because they don’t think he can hold a candle to President Barrack Obama, come November. Democrats seem to be less confident of the Presidents chances against Mitt Romney.
We (Republicans and Democrats) are constantly pointing our fingers at each other and accusing the other side of contemptuous behavior – of not acting in the best interests of the American people – of engaging in partisan politics at any expense, regardless of the outcome. We endlessly chide each other over our apparent inclination to put the interests of our party ahead of the interests of the American people. Perhaps we all need to look in the mirror.
A strong, vigorous debate on the issues is exactly what America needs right now. We need strong leaders who can articulate passion and lead our nation back to greatness. But one guy (or gal) cannot do this alone. “We the people” need to participate in the process. We the people need to throw partisan politics to the side. We the people need to remember that a lie is a lie and that lies are never good. So stop circulating them as lightly veiled “jokes.” We need to remember that we should treat everyone with respect and dignity, even if they are on the other side of the fence. We must disagree respectfully and understand that, in our Republic, freedom of speech and debating the issues is not frowned upon, but encouraged. That’s what made us a great nation and it’s the only solution that will make us great again. It all begins with mutual respect and human dignity. It all begins with you.