Kowtowing to the Majority

As we approach election season, the political dialogue narrows. Talking points change from something the commentators on TV espouse to something that nearly every member of the public can recite, almost to the word. We hear words like "Flip-Flop" from people all over the place. That's not the kind of description that arises spontaneously from the mouths of thousands of individuals. It's a backwards way to approach politics. A politician's job is to represent the people. The people shouldn't be repeating words from their candidates -- the candidates should be representing the people. Maybe people need their own talking points.
I am a Democrat, and so I believe a few things.

--I believe the ideal legal system would have one law -- respect everyone and everything -- but because that's too vague, we have to settle for the segment of respect we can write into law without being disrespectful ourselves.

--I believe in the separation of church and state, and I believe it cuts both ways. Make sure the government stays out of my religion, and in return I'll make sure the government stays out of yours.

--I believe in freedom of speech, and I believe it also cuts both ways. When you make the choice to speak, you accept the responsibility to listen, duly consider, and when necessary correct the things that are said.

--I believe in the right to bear arms, and I think you already know how I believe it cuts. When you choose to keep weapons you choose the responsibility to be knowledgeable, careful, and respectful (i.e. not shooting people, not injuring yourself, not leaving them accessible to children, not arming people who will, etc.)

--I do not believe September 11 fundamentally changed anything. I believe it did nothing more than provide an excuse. The changes were, and are, entirely up to whoever cares to make them.

Wait a minute... What the hell?

The Democratic party doesn't advocate those views! How can you call yourself a Democrat?!?

Mostly, I suppose I'm a Democrat because I've ruled out the Republicans. The Republicans, or at least the Republican politicians (that's not the same thing), are obstinate. They won't do any of those things, because they have their own things to get done.

What I like most about John Kerry is exactly what the Republicans hate. They call him a "flip-flopper". They say he kowtows to the whims of public opinion. I'm inclined to believe them. That's exactly what I like about him.

Republicans are too well defined. And it's a definition I don't like. I am a Democrat because I hold out the hope that Democrats, even if they don't advocate everything I believe, might at least be open to it if the opportunity arose. The Republicans I know are not.

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