Why Parties Shouldn't Rule

While the Republicans are busy creating issues, like ethics reform, personal responsibility, and immigration to distract us from what's really going on, the Democrats can't seem to figure out what to talk about.

No surprise all the way around. In order for an organization of any sort to exist cohesively, they have to have a clear message that everyone involved is aligned with. This is usually put together by the leadership of the organization in the form of three statements: The Mission Statement, The Vision Statement, and The Value Statement (though a lot of organizations miss that last part).

The challenge an organization faces is in generating those statements and gaining consensus among it's membership. The Republicans and Democrats have tried so hard to be the party of everyone, that it's impossible to gain any real consensus among their members.

Republicans have fought this weakness by creating polarizing issues and then standing for them. The Democrats haven't fought that weakness, which leads to a muddled message and no clear direction. The only thing this leads to is the ability of the opposing party to point out the weaknesses of the other's strategy.

Parties are literally unable to do this and remain the large, overarching, all-issue, conglomerates they want to be. They squabble internally, and rip themselves apart by overindulging in the stands they think they want to take. There can actually be no strategy for them to implement.

Individuals on the other hand, have no trouble putting together personal statements of Mission, Vision, and Values. That is why Individuals have strength: Strength of Purpose, Strength of Conviction, and Strength of Faith.

Our current system means that any viable individual, small political party, or alternative viewpoint cannot be a force in American politics.

That is.... Unless we call it out, put a name on it, and take action.

I suggest that anyone who understands the fallacy of the two party system do only two things:

1. Throw out any intellectual or historical allegiance you have to any political party.
2. Vote for and support the person whose stated Mission, Vision, and Values, closely resemble your own.

This is not an easy task. You will not find someone you agree with 100% - you'll need to let some things slide. You will need to do it actively - tell people what your Mission, Vision, and Values are, AND why you have chosen the person you choose to support. You will be told in very compelling and graphic terms that you are throwing away your vote if you break from the two main parties. You may discover that you've been supporting the wrong people for the wrong reasons, and you'll have to own up to that.

What you gain - Clearer vision, conscience, and ownership over your role in government. A stance that is defensible in the face of the issues. A way of clearly communicating your vision and individual value within our society. A way of making positive statements when discussing the issues - an elimination of debates that involve "bashing the opposition."

Try it - you'll rest easier. All you need to give up is your way of looking at the world, and all you need to accept is your inalienable right to question everything - including yourself.

Peace,

Matt



Tags: politics, republicans, democrats, parties, government, values, mission, vision, rights, individualism, individualist, credo, liberty, freedom