Some on this blog have complained about the use of labels to denote ‘bundles of opinions’. Liberal. Conservative. Democrat. Republican. Gay. Straight. Pro or Anti-Hindu. These complaints struck a cord with some of the feelings I have on this issue. Why do we need someone else…a political party, a social group etc to tell us which opinions and views ‘belong together’?
I have a practical answer to this question: most people don’t have or want to take the time to think through how they really feel about each issue that is important to our society, particularly if their own life is ‘OK’ in that particular area. So, they align broadly with a group or party…and vote based on this broad choice, thinking most of the time they will vote ‘right’ (i.e., consistent with a more thought through personal choice on any particular topic).
This practical consideration, however, doesn’t make me feel better about the choices available, as I believe they significantly (and potentially adversely) impact legislation ‘on the margin’ (i.e., active legislation today).
A few examples:
1. Why does a pro-free trade stance belong with an anti-gay rights stance? Trade doesn’t have much to do with religion.
2. Why can’t you be pro-teacher and pro meritocracy and pay-for-performance in education (charter schools in America)?
3. Why can’t you be pro-Hindu (one of the greatest, and most flexible religions in the world!) without being anti-Muslim?
4. Why can’t you be pro-business and pro-gay rights or pro-choice? Who do you vote for if this is the case?
I think it’s time we started voting for issues, not parties!!
