Partisan politics

[tw]

Originally Posted by smoothmoniker

I want my representative to be partisan on this issue. I expect it of them. I consider the good faith of my vote for them to have been violated if they choose the false value of "reaching across the aisle" over honoring the integrity of my vote for them.

Post WWI American politics has never been so partisan as it is today. Take Vietnam as a perfect example. The minority calling for a Vietnam solution were from both parties. During both a Democratic and a Republican administration, support for that war was never by party lines.

Gerrymandering is a new phenomena (a refined tool) resulting in a Congress of party extremists rather than two parties with numerous moderates. Better government means constantly crossing the aisle to create legislation. Take Hilary as an example. Her first legislation was a cooperative effort with John McCain - both moderates. But moderates have become rare in Washington which also explains the recent contentious atmosphere in Washington.

Gerrymandering has created a Congress so entrenched that the conservatives Bob Dole, Brent Scowcroft, Alan Simpson, or Pat Buchanan are now considered so moderate.

I expect my representatives to work first for America - not for the party. That is the difference between a good politician and a bad one. The bad politician simply totes the party line. You cannot work both for America and the party simultaneously. When the choice arises - as it often does - I expect my representatives to buck party politics and work for the nation. Otherwise he has been corrupted. Obviously, that means working across the aisle often is necessary when Congressmen work for America.