I’m politically immature
No one wants to admit that they don’t have a firm grasp on any subject they are involved with, especially on a subject as contentious as politics. We all want to feel we are on the right side of things. Often, not unlike our religious beliefs, we defend our political party or views to the very end, even if that means leaving rational thought behind and blinding ourselves to valid arguments made in opposition to our political leanings.
Often in discussions with people who, like me, have separated themselves from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term “cognitive dissonance” is used. Wikipedia defines it as being “an uncomfortable feeling or stress caused by holding two contradictory ideas simultaneously”. This stress will grow over time in someone who struggles to retain a viewpoint contrary to an opposing view that they allow themselves to be exposed to which may be equal to or stronger than their own. We often “shelf” these arguments away in the back of our mind in order to avoid the stress that will occur if we were to really consider them. The problem is that eventually, over time, this mental shelf will become so heavy that the person will not be able to avoid the contrary arguments and will have to deal with them at some point. The shelf collapses. The collapse can be extremely difficult and painful as the person realizes that everything they have defended for so long was not valid.
As with religion, it’s hard not to chose a side in politics and attempt to stick with it. While there does seem to be a rising tide of people calling themselves independents, even they find it difficult not to be polarized as a group. I often call myself a “moderate progressive”. I lean a little to the left.
Yesterday I called myself a Democrat in a conversation. I knew as soon as the label came out of my mouth that I was going to regret it. It’s not that anyone reacted negatively, but more about how I would be working that statement over in my head again and again. The reality is that I am not a Democrat, but I am supporting the Democratic candidates that will be on my ballot this election season. I’ve contributed time and money to these candidates and will continue to do so. I have not joined their party, but I have joined their campaigns.
One of my fundamental beliefs, and something I learned my my ordeal with Mormonism, is that I could in all likelihood be wrong. In addition to that belief is the acceptance of that likelihood. I’m trying hard to apply that to politics as well and not blindly follow anyone just because they call themselves a Democrat.
Another fundamental belief is that I always reserve the right to change my beliefs or ideas concerning a subject based on the best possible information available to me. I don’t consider this to make me a weak person, regardless of how the media portrays politicians who change their positions. I think anyone should reserve this right and use it when needed. While I am a strong supporter of Barack Obama, I’ll be one of the first to call for his removal from office if he betrays my confidence.
I know that I’m politically immature. I can’t cite the official names or record numbers of bills. I have a hard time remembering the names of politicians, even key ones, and I’m not always up to date with the latest legislative struggles at the various levels of government. I know I should be more in tune with what’s going on, but I haven’t been. There are some things that guide my political thinking right now and cause me to support my Democratic candidates in the hopes that these things have a better chance at becoming a part of our nation.
- We should realize that the balance of power in the world if shifting. In many ways, we have fallen behind as a nation. We need to approach our international relations with this in mind. I have every bit of faith that we can rise to any challenge presented to us, but we must first acknowledge the problems we face and genuinely seek ways to overcome. I don’t think it’s any less patriotic to recognize the need for improvement. I love my country and I am deeply disturbed when it’s citizens turn a blind eye to the difficulties we are facing while saying “all is well”.
- Cutting back on welfare and other types of aid to those in need is not a viable solution. A firm program of government assistance needs to be available to those who need it. However, a strict program of accountability should be applied for these programs. Government assistance shouldn’t be seen as something that anyone is entitled to, and there should be limits to its use. This assistance should move beyond the sending of a monthly check. Opportunities should be the focus of our welfare system at all levels. When needed, the government should give a hand up and not just a hand out.
- We need a more transparent government. Taxpayers should be able to know where tax monies have been spent and who is responsible for the flow of that money. We’ve made some good strides in accomplishing transparency, but there’s still more to do.
- The law of the land should not be dictated by the beliefs of some of the people. The continual invasion of religious leaders in the politics of our nation is a major issue for me. No one should have to live their lives according to the beliefs of another. It is against the very principles of our founding documents! I am dismayed that Evangelical leaders have so much clout in Republican politics. If anything, their involvement has caused the crumbling of the conservative platform, turning it into something contrary to freedom and small government; covering it with a thinly veiled agenda of religious interference.
- I am for freedom and small government. The government should not be any stronger or larger than it needs to be. People need to voice their opposition when the government attempts to encroach upon the their freedoms.
- We need fiscal responsibility. This means increasing taxes when needed, lowering taxes when possible and maintaining a balanced budget. It also means that tax dollars need to be spent for the purposes they were collected and their use should be transparent.
- The tax code needs to be simplified and fair.
Those are just a few ideas that I find myself agreeing with. Some are more liberal, and others are more conservative. Some I believe in deeply, while others are more flexible. All are subject to change if I see a valid reason to do so.
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