September 2000

No One is Innocent

I remain perplexed by statements made by conservatives regarding how the Democrats are luring ‘irresponsible’ constituents to the polls this November (and every election) with promises of Government programs and excessive services. These people are missing a fundamental similarity between both parties.

The Democrats sell themselves to those who approach their economics politically; for example, ‘taxes are fine if the underprivileged are served.’ These are the people interested in how the government will provide for the governed.

The Republicans sell themselves to those who approach their politics economically; for example, ‘taxes are fine for essential public services, but not to safeguard a central government.’ These are people who are interested in how the government will provide for their pockets by doing very little.

This is a very broad stroke – but wait – I think I can explain.

The Republicans chiefly attract those who have money to lose in taxes spent services deemed wasteful or useless. While on the other side, the Democrats chiefly attract those who do not have ample money and use the services paid for with money from those who have money.

The two groups described vote for what they need. Each appear irresponsible because they do not consider the needs of the other. Without question, these constituency groups do not vote or support their parties responsibly.

The dilemma, as far as I can tell, is that the middle class cannot be lured in for their basic needs and wants. They are not taxed as much (although they are taxed a lot,) and they do not need the amount of services provided by the government (beyond open schools and snow removal.) It is in the means that the parties cannot play as they do the ends.

The middle class in America are played off their hopes, dreams and fears. The Republicans would promise tax breaks, while the Democrats can promise to help the poor. These people vote more for what their candidate can do for others than for what he can do for them.

In a nutshell, I think that to insinuate that the Democrats alone use ‘irresponsible’ voters in ’92, ’96 and ’98 is similar to saying that the Republicans used the same types for their ‘revolution’ in ’94. I do not think I could verily say that anyone in America (save the candidates themselves) vote for the most honorable and respectable reasons.

Because in this age of welfare for the poor and the rich, it is hard to tell who is bribing who anymore.