Recently, I was added to a list of "TN A-Political" bloggers on BobKrum.com, one of several good blogs that cover the political arena here in Tennessee. Some of the other bloggers on that same a-political list, include Busy Mom, Jeff Corwall, Mr. Roboto, Rex Hammond, and Scott Randolph... I count this good company as friends, associates, or fellow-blog addicts (I'll let them decide their own category). I understand that 'A-Political' generally implies that our blogs are politically neutral, or at least not associated with the right or the left. I suspect that the choice not to show colors is a personal decision, which is indeed the case in my particlar situation. Please understand that being a-political on a blog isn't the equivalent of being a non-political individual...I have a love/hate relationship with politics. Let me explain:
My political philosophy is more romantic than practical. I am one of the fools who still believes that it is important to get the best person elected to a position regardless of political affiliation. Translation: I prefer to be represented by a person than a party. My heart tells me that is right, my head tells me that isn't at all the way things work.
Looking back on who I have voted for in past presidential races (and I have not missed voting since I turned 18)...I have voted for more who lost than won, and, have been disappointed by the performance of most of those who won that I will admit to voting for. That sad state of affairs has affected my polical philosophy to lean more toward what might be considered a democratic (note: lower case 'd') approach: I believe we, as a country, are better represented when no single party controls the house, senate, and executive branches. Somehow, we need a respectable level of domestic opposition in order to force what most politicians call non-partisan cooperation. Personally, I welcome opposing ideas, serious debate, and close votes when it comes to legislative activity (and I abhor fillabustering as much as I detest steamrolling)...it is hard work, and it should be. Representing a diverse populace should not be made easy by the force of shear numbers but by the fair, honest, and ethical representation of those who elect their respective officials. I expect too much from my elected officials and will continue to do so. They have the impossible task of representing me, my community, my state, and my country...and those who do it well are rare indeed.
This is about as political as I will ever get here on CTDT and probably as far off my general area of discussion as I can get. Maybe I need to talk about voting on-line... there's a technology and generational debate that includes a good dose of a-political (and other) politics.