Seth, sounds like you're an independant, which is where I think most people would fall in some shape or another if they exercised free thought. Instead, most people tend to let the parties think FOR them on most everything so long as that party agrees with their opinion on one or two things.
I fancy myself an independant although I no doubt lean conservative on most issues. Quite frankly most social issues I couldn't care less about. Economics and foreign policy are my key issues, and at times I have supported both parties in approaches and reforms. It can be draining at times because it's simple to find yourself in the middle of both sides in an argument, fighting off rhetoric and talking points seemingly without an ally in the world.
The bottom line my friend? I figure that, rather than voting a spectrum it is most wise to vote based upon the few things that are most important to you, AT THAT TIME, and to be sure to revisit the issues and their importance regularly. For instance, I tend to (loosely) side with many environmental causes which are a Democrat issue. Yet, it's hard to see the US being in any position to accomplish anything environmentally with a broken economy, and I'm convinced the Democrats are on a path to fiscal ruin.
JFK said it best with "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." I think these are probably some of the most inspired words any US politician has ever uttered. I take that to mean that, in the very least, we should all strive to understand our nation's needs at any given time and attempt to put in power those most suited to serve those needs, understanding that needs will change and different people will be required. To be able to honestly do so means that one must never be led into blind ideological slavery to any political party or special interest.
Read August's signature once - while I believe that "never" is a strong word, I agree with it in principle.
|