Playwright and political apostate David Mamet (his book, The Secret Knowledge, details his journey from liberal to conservative), recently offered an essay, "How the Democrats betrayed the Jews," wherein he discusses the long-running allegiance of Jewish voters to the Democratic Party.
I often lament the blind loyalty and tribalism of partisan politics. I know people believe they "win" when their party wins, but I tell them only the party is actually winning and that their votes really don't count. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but in my opinion, if you vote for party due to loyalty alone, or because the party has convinced you that their primary opponent is "the enemy," then your vote has been manipulated. The only way a vote counts is if it is one cast according to conscience - a vote for the candidate you believe will represent you and your values (which should be in line with the Constitution, though most are too ignorant of the Constitution to recognize a candidate who would truly uphold it). Excellent analysis Peter.
Editing note - might want to include his name in that first sentence. Otherwise great piece, as usual.
I thought I did. Not sure how I missed that. Fixed, thanks!
Amen! As long as they can take your vote for granted, they'll take you for granted as well.
I often lament the blind loyalty and tribalism of partisan politics. I know people believe they "win" when their party wins, but I tell them only the party is actually winning and that their votes really don't count. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but in my opinion, if you vote for party due to loyalty alone, or because the party has convinced you that their primary opponent is "the enemy," then your vote has been manipulated. The only way a vote counts is if it is one cast according to conscience - a vote for the candidate you believe will represent you and your values (which should be in line with the Constitution, though most are too ignorant of the Constitution to recognize a candidate who would truly uphold it). Excellent analysis Peter.