VOTE: Partisan - and principled

In the recent school board editorials and campaign literature much has been made about the fact that this should be a “non-partisan” election. Some candidates tout their non-partisan status and belittle the Republican status of their opponents. It is kind of like the abortion issue where some people say they do not like abortion but are pro-choice. In other words they present themselves as above the issue.

I would think more of a pro-abortion proponent who bases that belief on the principle of population control — even though I disagreed — than one who avoids taking a principled stand by saying they are pro-choice. The same applies to the concept of “non-partisan.” A person who positions themselves as non-partisan is either trying to mislead or saying that they have no principles on which they are willing to base their argument.

It appears to me that many liberal candidates choose the words that describe their stands in a very intentional ambiguous manner in order to mislead and deceive the voter. You can’t be non-partisan and stand on principle at the same time!

DON PHELAN

Coeur d’Alene