Deciding on a political party
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Editor,
As a “committed” political independent, I have voted for candidates of all stripes and colors over the years. Some say that committing to “independence” is more a commitment to sitting on the fence, not so. It states that I reserve the right to evaluate candidates based on individual values, not the bias of any political party.
Our national politics seem to require we “Pledge Allegiance to the (insert party name) instead of to the US of A, and “one nation divided with liberty and justice for the party faithful,” thereby obliterating our abilities to evaluate individual policies and possibly reaching national consensus.
We stand at corners of a virtual boxing ring within which the candidates bash each other with ever-increasing furor. And the fans in the stands take on slogans that they have “heard” from commentators on the sidelines that add bluster to the fight rather than making any contribution to a dialogue that might help any thinking person figure out the true position of the individual candidate.
No candidate, of any party, for any office, has ever perfectly aligned with my personal views or values. I often question those in office and the decisions they make, even after I have helped put them there. I do not expect them to always vote as I would have in their position. However, if, without reason, they so violate the trust I have placed in them, I vote accordingly next time.
My decision on national candidates is not based on party, although they happen to be Democrats this time around. My vote this year is based on the candidates I most trust as individuals committed to finding fair and just solutions to the huge issues we face; to creating a better future for the citizens of this state and our country; whose general policy positions I most agree with; who have demonstrated they will listen to and consider my concerns; and the knowledge that neither is afraid to buck the party-line platform.
I will be voting for Kathleen Williams, representative, and John Tester, senator.
Billie Lee
Polson
