by Jay Wesand

Created on: January 22, 2009

Webster's New World College Dictionary', fourth edition, defines the word Politics' as: 1. the science and art of political government; political science 2. political affairs 3. the conducting of or participation in political affairs, often as a profession 4. political methods, tactics, etc.; sometimes, specif., crafty or unprincipled methods 5. political opinions, principles, or party connections 6. factional scheming for power and status within a group /office politics/

Please excuse the above rather lengthy definition. However, it's important to understand where we're coming from when we discuss this particular subject. Most citizens tend to be suspicious of those who choose to be involved in politics. Sadly, they have good reason to be. If you'll refer back to number 4. in the definition, you will note that "crafty and unprincipled methods" has become part of the definition of this word. Isn't it extremely sad that such an integral part of this nation and its leadership has such a negative connotation?

It hasn't always been this way. What is it that turned the word into one that can turn the stomach? Credit for that dubious gift can be given to the rise of partisan politics. Is there a true need for a political party? George Washington wasn't partisan and became president based on his own recognizance and the fact that he served this nation well. In fact, he spoke out often against what he perceived as the evils and unnecessary risks of partisan politics. Our nation would be far better off today if the other early leaders had shared his views on this subject.

Why wasn't it enough to select from good men and women who had demonstrated their worthiness for public office thru past performance and by virtue of their personal character and moral compass? It was, but honest and moral individuals aren't prone to give in to what was necessary to form the power structure that is the basis of partisan politics. Partisan politics is about power at any cost. What does that really mean to the average citizen of this or any other nation? It means that the party and its ideology is seen as more important than the nation it supposedly serves.

Does it seem that the partisan system may not be working as well as some of its proponents had hoped it would? Let's take a look at just what partisan politics has done for this nation.

It has created a system that views partisan power and ideology as superior to the national interest.
It has allowed those who desired to implement an ideology

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>