Politics

[davidklecha]

I don't generally talk about politics. Not really even going to talk about it now. I consider myself pretty apolitical.

But do you know what gets my blood pressure up? Naked partisanship.

Seriously. Especially when it comes to the character of politicians. I mean, I understand the psychology behind wanting to rationalize the bad behavior of One's Favorite Politico, but it's still seriously irritating to see people blasting Others for precisely the same sort of behavior.

I so hate partisan politics. Hate it hate it hate it.

Comments

[daveamongus.livejournal.com]

I mean, I don't THINK you mean exactly that you 'don't have a side'. I've talked politics with you, we've discussed things, there are many things where you're very clear what side you're on.

Well, firstly, the me you've argued politics with was a younger, much more hot-headed me. He's learned a bit in the intervening years. Though, he knew enough to register "independent," which from my current perspective looks to be wise beyond his years. But I digress.

Do you mean you don't have a party?

That is, among other things, precisely what I mean. I have an opinion, when it comes to issues, and there are people with whom I agree on those issues, but I don't think I have a "side" because that, these days especially, seems to entail all the unpleasantness that I'm railing against here.

I don't want to be in the position of defending a scumbag, when I myself am decrying scumbaggish behavior. I would much rather simply vote issues, rather than people. I can't, in good conscience, support a party that I actively disagree with more than fifty percent of the time. When I was younger, it was terrible, because when I found myself identifying with a group on one issue, I'd find myself being swayed by the group's views on other issues.

I'd like to see them in power. They are my chosen representatives, but I don't think they represent me perfectly. I don't expect them to. I don't expect ANYONE to, or even want it.

It's not just that the DNP or the GOP or the Libertarians or the Greens don't represent me perfectly, it's that they hardly represent me at all.

They aren't necessarily the 'correct side'; but they are MY side.

And this is the sort of attitude I reserve for other things. I haven't the energy, in any way, shape, or form, to apply it to a political party that I find reprehensible in position and practice more often than not.

I'll defend my chosen affiliations, against all comers. I just can't make political affiliations like that. And it blows my mind that others can.