You may or may not have heard that 30-year Republican Party member, Arlen Specter, changed parties today and became a Democrat. That's sortof ironic since most Republicans have felt he was parading around as a Democrat for most of his political life anyway. His move, makes him the new poster boy for everything that is wrong with politicians. He said, "I have found myself increasingly at odds with the Republican philosophy and more in line with the philosophy of the Democratic Party." That is the most honest thing he has said in years. The truth is however, that the said "increase" started 29 years ago, not recently. In fact, he said just a few short weeks ago that he would never leave the Republican party. Aside from that outright lie, it is important to understand why he really left the party.
I lived in Pennsylvania for almost seven years, and it is largely a conservative state. But, as is true of many states, the conservative voters that dominate actual square miles of PA are outnumbered by the largely liberal voters in the big cities (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in this case). I have no problem with that. It is what it is. But Sen. Specter has been the worst kind of RINO (Republican In Name Only) for as long as I can remember. Every once in a while he'd actually behave like a conservative, but was highly unreliable when his conservative constituency wanted him to take a stand (for example, his position on the bailouts). Why the Republicans in PA tolerated him for as long as they have is totally beyond me. He has used the Republican Party for their support and fundraising to suit his own agenda. And now the truth comes out.
Specter was about to have his clock cleaned in the Republican primary for his re-election bid. He was polling behind by more than 20 points. So rather than answer to HIS constituents and face the people that have supported him for years, he took the politically safe and selfish route and changed parties. "I am not prepared to have my 29 years' record in the United States Senate decided by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate", stated the "honorable" Senator. Oh, really. I thought that elected officials were supposed to answer TO the electorate that they profess to represent! Apparently that was okay for 29 years, but now that they're finally prepared to hold him accountable, he denigrates and belittles them. The arrogance is breathtaking.
It doesn't really matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican, this is the kind of behavior that makes the stench of Washington DC reach to the heavens. The idea that these politicians are better than us, the people who employ them, is beyond insulting. Arlen Specter has proven once again, that most politicians will have power at ANY price. There is nothing illegal or technically wrong with switching parties, it is a free country. And it really won't change much in the Senate, his votes will largely be liberal, as always. But whether it is moral and has a shred of integrity is entirely another matter. He has sold his soul to keep his power. I wonder how much longer we will keep people like him in Washington.
Interesting that you commented on this. It has been a source for contemplation of my own today. Thanks for the insights Lori. I enjoy reading you points of view. By the way, did you see that Camie referenced your post on "taxes" on the www.hersheywardcouponclippers.blogspot.com ?
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoy your posts.
ReplyDeleteSomeone I know declares himself "independent" although he votes Republican every time. After thinking about it, I think I'll start doing the same until something better comes along. I don't want to be attached to either party.
P.S. What did you think about Ron Paul?
ReplyDeleteThanks Camie and Suzette. I appreciate the feedback.
ReplyDeleteI kindof have mixed feelings about Ron Paul. He says a lot of things I like when it comes to following the Constitution and fiscal matters. Unfortunately, Libertarians start to sound a little wacky when it comes to foreign policy matters--they are strict isolationists. Although there are days when that starts to sound better and better too. I think it's impractical in the day and age we live in though and we have to be engaged internationally.
I agree with you that I am equally disgusted with career politicians in both parties. There's nothing wrong with voting as an Independent, what matters is that you vote. I think the key that we are missing in the political process is in the Primary process. Far too often, we (and I include myself because I'm guilty of this too) don't get involved in the political process until the General Election. By then it's too late; the candidates have been chosen for us. We need to become involved in the process during the Primaries so that we are choosing the kinds of candidates that will represent us and not their own interests.
We are firmly entrenched in a two-party system, good or bad, it's what we have. I would prefer to see high-quality candidates within the two parties than divide the vote three ways. It is unlikely that an Independent candidate will ever win a significant political office, instead it divides the vote further. This is exactly what cost George H.W. Bush re-election; Ross Perot took enough votes away from him that it allowed Clinton to win.
Ironically it is the Primary process that would have finally rooted Specter out of office in PA, for his lack of representing the interests of his constituency, but he's too much of a coward.