Unaffiliated voters can lack credibility
The following is a Counterpoint column:
By Kent Benfield
Allen Johnson's column, supporting his choice to be "a man without a party," (April 13) was revealing (and unfortunate) in that his decision seemed solely based on his perceived level of care for black voters by the major parties.
I am a Democrat not because I think they care more about white voters but because I think they care more about all voters, regardless of race, class or economic status.
He chose to only mention African American Harvey Gantt's two failed Senate bids against Jesse Helms.
I worked hard and voted for each candidate who ran against Helms.
I was just as upset when Nick Galifianakis, John Ingram and Jim Hunt lost to Helms as I was in 1990 and 1996 when Gantt lost. Race was one of many issues I disagreed with Helms on.
I agree that North Carolina's voting pattern is intriguing, but that 21 percent of unaffiliated voters runs the gamut, I'm sure. I feel it is more beneficial to work together than alone.
Politicians such as Eddie Knox, Ray Nagin, Elizabeth Dole and even Jesse Helms, and voters who have switched parties lose much credibility with me.
Many politicians and voters alike who now so proudly proclaim themselves Independent lose credibility as well, especially when it is accompanied with the inference that those of us who choose to remain are not enlightened.
Taking your ball and going home usually only hurts yourself.
The writer lives in Greensboro.
Comments (8)
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"Many politicians and voters alike who now so proudly proclaim themselves Independent lose credibility as well,"
Departure from being a party drone is sign of enlightenment.
Posted on April 23, 2008 6:50 AM
There are so many distortions and convolutions in this letter that I hardly know where to begin.
Let me just say that I am an "indy" because the corrupt dems and repubs in this sate so feared the growth of the Libertarian Party that they acted in concert to eliminate it.
Those of you who wonder at the "growth" of indies in NC; when you reclassify an entire party as independent, you'll see growth.
And for those who smugly discount the number of Libertarians, how in the world do you think a party grows? A woman nurtures an unborn child for months before giving birth- a fully grown human being does not spring from the womb.
We will continue to grow, as more people learn of the true nature of Libertarian thought, and more become disenfranchised by the republicrats.
Posted on April 23, 2008 7:03 AM
The expression used constantly by the Democrats "For the good of the Party" should never be heard in America. The Republicans are even worse, trying to establish one-party rule (Rove) with a strategy of propaganda news outlets (Fox, NeoCon talk radio) and suppression of information.
How is joining a party a sign of enlightenment or fortitude? Doing so seems to me a resignation of though, a willingness to abandon the needs of the country for "the good of the party." Partisans seem to me like thoughtless, one-track thinkers. And the implication that someone who changes party is a traitor is ridiculous, unless your party is a slavish cult.
I am for outlawing political parties, literally dismantling them and forcing all elections in NC to be non-partisan. Maybe then Democracy can finally take root in America and we can vote for whom we bloody well please instead of a couple of party hacks foisted on us by the Democrats and Republicans "for the good of the party".
Posted on April 23, 2008 8:52 AM
verelse,
I agree with that last paragraph. I'm unaffiliated and proud of it.
Posted on April 23, 2008 8:56 AM
Did I say paragraph? I meant the entire post. Amen!
Posted on April 23, 2008 8:58 AM
~
Perhaps you're right, Kent. And as you are a major proponent of how "it is more beneficial to work together than alone," perhaps you would like to know of the new plan to show solidarity with your "party-mates."
It is suggested that Republicans drive with their headlights on in daytime. And that Democrats drive with their headlights off at night.
Now don't hurt your credibility by taking your ball and going home, Kent. Get with this program and give it your all.
~
Posted on April 23, 2008 1:05 PM
Kent, do you mean only "Yellow Dog Democrats" have any credibility to you?
Or perhaps once an idiot always an idiot. There's no changing your mind.
You said "Taking your ball and going home usually only hurts yourself."
Or you could stay and play with which ever ball they let you. Not your choice, theirs.
Posted on April 23, 2008 7:50 PM
Points all well taken, thanks for confirming...
Posted on April 26, 2008 12:16 PM