Party-line voting = Frivolous voting
First of all, I am certain that on some issues a majority of one party or another is going to see that the proposed legislation aligns (or not) with their own (not the party but the person) ideals and beliefs. For example, if the majority of the republicans in congress consider themselves to be “conservative” (and I use that term very loosely), then a proposed piece of legislation requesting a massive spending quest laden with “pork” will almost assuredly result in the majority of those republicans voting against the bill. But, I have become so jaded by the unrelenting party-line voting that has been occurring for sometime now. To me, it seems as if those we the constituents elect leave their brains at the front steps of Capitol Hill. I would dare to say that a majority of bills that are voted upon are not even read by the majority of the legislators. Essentially they wait for the wave to hit them and if their buddies on their side of the aisle voted aye, you can guess what they will be voting. On a more serious note, I do believe that the majority of our legislators are in fact bright and of relative sufficient intelligence. That being said, I believe that what happens is that those who vote aye when they feel they should vote nay (and vice versa) are doing so in order not to “be that guy.” Being singled out as the “renegade” or the one stirring the pot is not the forte or desire of most legislators. However, we the constituents elected each and every one of our representatives in order that they would represent our wants and needs. When that legislator chooses to verbally but not mentally agree on any legislation, that legislator has betrayed his constituents. A good example of late would be the vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). All 47 republicans voted to repeal, while not a single democrat voted to repeal. So let me get this straight. Every single republican is against the ACA, and every single democrat supports the act? The answer to that question is hell no. This type of party-line voting is exactly the sort of abomination that prevents good legislation from being passed, and bad legislation from being stricken down. Why can’t we have more Teddy Roosevelt’s in congress who are willing to stand up for what they believe in and go to battle on any issue regardless of what their own party believes? I just wish that our members of congress would keep the following quote by John Quincy Adams in mind the next time (and every other time) they vote:
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.
(On February 4th, 2011 at 10:38 am)
While I agree that it is hardly fathomable that on so many votes the opinions of those voting are so rigidly down party lines, I also believe that there are many times when a group (i.e. Republicans) must stand as one in opposition to an afront to our Nation’s well-being such as Obama-care. When that happens, they must vote with a single mind. While some may be fiscal conservatives, others social conservatives, and still others both (which in my mind is a true conservative), these men and women must put the good of the Nation over their personal opinion and stand as one force for what is right. If they observe the wise counsel of one of our earliest presidents and vote on principle alone, that might put them at odds with their constituents on a regular basis. They should as a rule weigh the feedback of those they represent, the good of the country, and finally their own principles while maintaining the latitude to stand as one with their fellows in opposition or agreement on any issue. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more of your blogs in the future.
(On February 4th, 2011 at 12:13 pm)
I can understand the need for a “united front” on issues in which the proposed legislation is unconstitutional (which “ObamaCare” is considered to be by some people), but it seems that this united front has become all too common of late on any and every issue. This is one of the main problems with the party system, in that it allows politicians to adopt this lazy thinking of “I will just vote with the party” instead of actually dissecting and researching the proposed legislation. The only time I am okay with a “united front” is if the members of said front have actually done their due diligence and determined for themselves that the proposed legislation is indeed unconstitutional or undesirable.