Today's American politics are similar to the Nuclear Proliferation buildup of the Cold War. Each side obsesses with gaining control for as long—however brief—as possible and pushing though a long queued-up agenda. With the wailing din from attack ads on both sides, there's no opportunity for people to hear any truth. The "objective perspective" is impossible to attain.
The Republicans have made an art out of following orders and falling in line. Their actions have less to do with their own best judgment and much more to do with their faith that their leadership will ultimately do better things than the other side's. This has led me to have to fight for the Democratic party rather than really listening to both sides and figuring out, district by district, who is the better candidate. If it's a Republican, that candidate will inevitably help the systematic punishment of Democrats. In short, "they started the bloody war, so they're to blame for my falling into the same insipid trap!"
Rather than just whine about it, I always try to ask myself how things could be changed. Change is a really hard thing. Trends, traditions, power establishments, and long-pent-up hard feelings stand in the way of any really productive change. It's possible, but anything will require faith, effort, and persistence. Here's my assessment of the possible approaches:
1. Introduce a 3rd party.
I know a great number of people who hate both Democrats and Republicans and want a 3rd party alternative. Unfortunately, with the existing parties' power establishments, this is going to be next to impossible. Ultimately, a vote for a 3rd party candidate will be a dim "protest vote" and will effectively be a vote (or lack of a vote) for one side or the other. Miracles may happen (Uruguay just elected a 3rd-party president) but don't hold your breath.
2. Get citizens better educated.
I give an equal blame of "the people" and "the media" for the fact that a large minority of US citizens still think Iraq was working with Al Quaeda and that we in fact found WMD's in Iraq. Also there are tales of incredibly uncivil behavior of our Colorado state legislature that nobody knows about.
If the electorate is ignorant enough to not know basic facts, wild exaggerated attack ads are going to be effective. If people know more facts and the issues are really about one ideology vs another, those stupid ads wouldn't have teeth. If our news media outlets actually added some of the slightly more boring news items along with their mix of sensationalism (like having the obligatory salad with dinner) and if people would put forth just a little bit of effort to get past the knee-jerk "all politicians are corrupt" mindset, we be in a far better position.
3. Change your party from the inside.
Okay #1 ain't going to happen. #2 is a lofty pipe dream, and there's no motivating force to bring it about. That leaves just one alternative: if you would rather do something to minimize this election-season mess then get involved with your political party. There are dramatic changes a single person can make.
And you know what? I think it would be just as good if people joined the Democratic or the Republican parties. I have a friend who is thinking of being a Republican because he sees a greater margin of improvement there. (There is a LOT of sanity that could be brought to the Republicans.) In general, I think the Republicans need a soul and the Democrats need some professionalism.
However you look at it, the result is the same: if we want the election season nightmare to change, WE will have to change first.
Posted by Murray Todd Williams at November 1, 2004 10:31 AM