Recent Gallup polls show that 40% of Americans are conservative, while only about 20% are liberal. That leaves 40% that both major Parties "court" for their vote. I consistently hear people say that "third party" candidates can't win, that they just take votes away from the Republican candidate. I've heard people say we must vote for the the most conservative candidate "who can win". And I've read articles that present the argument that coalitions must be built if the Republicans are going to take back seats in Congress.
But my philosophy is a bit different. Historically, coalitions built have just water down the Republican Party and pulled it further and further to the left. For 40 years the Republicans have been telling us they need to be more inclusive. And because of that we've been voting against a particular candidate, or voting for the candidate who will "hurt" us the least, instead of voting for a candidate who represents our values! All except 1980 and 1984 when President Reagan (a Conservative) ran and won landslide victories (that should tell you something). Reagan didn't build coalitions, he didn't pander to one political special interest over another. He said what he meant, and meant what he said. And his message resonated with the people - conservatives and moderates alike - because they liked that message. That should tell politicians something - find and use that same message! Reagan's values, principles, patriotism and integrity were prominently displayed during every speech he ever gave.
So I say forget about the "labels" - Democrat/Republican/Independent mean nothing! What counts is the way a candidate (regardless of his/her party affiliation) votes - period. It's that cut and dried. Past voting records are a matter of public record, so check the voting records of your Senators and Representative. If their record is too liberal/progressive vote them out of offcie at the very first opportunity. If they are a new, inexperienced candidate, ask him/her what their positions are relative to the values and principles you hold dear. You may not know much about the person you vote in, but I expect your political vigilance from today forward will most likely mean you'll scrutinize their voting record once they take office - and vote them out if they aren't what you want.
Do not let someone talk you into voting for someone you are not comfortable with just because they're the candidate "who can win". Don't settle for that! It's that kind of thinking that has driven us to the fragmented, politically correct world we live in, And it's been driving us there for the past 40+ years. Don't settle for more of the same! Don't settle for someone who does not share your values! Do not settle for someone because he/she is the "least" progressive. Find the people who share your values. Encourage them to run for office. Then support them every way you can. And then, when it's time, vote them into office!
It's a long road back, America! Take time to think about, and visualize what you want America to be. Then go out and mold her into that vision!
Wake Up America!
No comments:
Post a Comment