Thursday, September 14, 2006

Voting Principles - Joining a Party

I'm a member of the Democrat/Republican/Libertarian/Green/Whatever party. We are a group of like minded people who unite our efforts in order to make this a better society and a better country in which to live.

Let's get real. Political parties are about political power not about like minded people, platforms, or agendas. Maybe the welfare of the country and a better society are in there somewhere, but they aren't even close to political power in importance.

If you are actively involved in government an community affairs and you want to associate with a party to further your goals. Go for it. Being a committee of one and trying to change the world is a non-starter. Or, to put it in Southern lingo, "That dog won't hunt!"

If you are a voter who wants a better country, you would do well to look carefully at the character of the persons to whom you are giving power. The question "Is this someone you'd buy a used car from?;" is a good starting place. If you have already ruled out the scoundrels and the incompetents, character is the next thing to consider.

Yes, I know you really care about the war and the economy and taxes and human rights, but these things aren't going to matter if the wrong hand is on the wheel.

The Hermeneutic - Voting Principles (so far)

1. Throw the Scoundrels out.
2. Identify and eliminate the Incompetents.
3. The Party or the Person