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June 2008
The voice of independents
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hello, friends and neighbors. I apologize for not talking with you for a while. Home projects have kept me otherwise entertained.
We will be celebrating the Fourth of July next week, and shortly thereafter we will find ourselves in a primary contest. So, as we prepare to celebrate our independence, I direct my thoughts to the voice of Independents.
What is an independent? Not a party man. A generic term bandied about is, “socially liberal, fiscally conservative.” Most Independents that I know cringe when they hear the words “liberal” or “conservative.” We hear them on the news, on the talk shows, but when we talk to and about each other, their words used far less frequently than what we hear.
Why? Because 70% of voters are independent. There are a lot more of us than there are liberals or conservatives. We don’t tithe the Republican or Democrat parties. When we talk about an issue in which we are told we are “with us or against us,” we say, “none of the above.”
We are frustrated by the “either/or” choices presented to us. We say that there has to be a better way, and we can’t understand how our leaders can be so obtuse.
Mostly it’s because we let them be obtuse. How many candidates are running for office unopposed this year? It surprises me, given that many of the people with whom I talk express their dissatisfaction with the status quo.
I think it’s because independents don’t like the hassle of politics. Politics is a nasty game. They don’t discuss what we should do, they discuss why we can’t do it that way. Want to run? You need money. This is the paradox. A minority represents the extremes of a political viewpoint, but the majority must conform their message to this viewpoint if they want financial assistance. Show me the money.
Although there are many issues on the table, the single topic of whether you are pro life or pro choice will determine any future political or monetary support that you will receive. Every thing else, in their mind, is irrelevant.
The problem with being independent, as I see it, is the need for dependents from people who don’t want you to think independently.
Ironic, isn’t it? I’m sure that many of us will be talking about a variety of things in the days to come. Might I suggest the following?
• Don’t listen to polls. They sample a very small number of people, and use that sampling to speak for our country.
• Change the channel. If you watch Fox news, switch to NBC. Hear what’s being said.
• Don’t listen to someone because you agree with him. Listen, because you disagree. Even if they don’t share your point of view, chances are, they have water to point they didn’t consider, and vice versa.
• Don’t find the answer, find a question. The question is not whether or not we should drill in ANWR, for example. The question is, what do we do about our energy needs today and in the future?
Remember, folks, this is your election, not theirs. Don’t glaze your eyes when they spit out a sound bite. Ask questions, of yourselves and of your candidates. If you want to celebrate the Fourth of July, that’s a good way to commemorate the day.
What questions would you like to ask?
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