CANDIDATES: Bust a myth now

I’ve noticed a recent flurry of letters recommending not voting for a particular party but for the “best man” (or woman).

The best man is a myth. He usually belongs to one of the two majors parties and will advance the agenda of that party. (If he is that rarity, a true independent, he will be ineffectual without major party support.) These letter writers are apparently the so-called “independents” — another myth as they advance the agenda of a party knowingly or not. I can not think of “independents” without concluding that either they have no firm beliefs or they don’t understand how the system works (or both).

The reasons given in the letters I’ve referenced are pipe dreams. Consider my own case as an example since the basic reasoning — though with different details — applies to a great many people. I am fervently pro life and pro gun to mention just two of a long list of beliefs. Why would I consider voting for a Democrat? If my own spouse, parent, sibling or child were running as a Democrat I could not and would not vote for them. For even if they shared my beliefs on these and other issues (but then how could they be Democrats?) they would increase the power of a party which opposes these views.

Do you think we have Obamacare because a majority of legislators believe in it? Few if any of them have read it or know what it includes. They lined up for it in response to demands of the party. I can find no logic in being an “independent” or in voting for the ‘best man.” If you think me wrong in looking for the “R” after a candidate’s name before voting I consider you incredibly naive. And to the wit who’ll write “change your beliefs,” I respond, “you first.”

PHIL MEMBURY

Coeur d’Alene