Party Politics

I have grown very tired of partisan politics. Even in the financial crisis we find ourselves in, our politicians cant seem to shed the party first attitude that has invaded our legislative branch of government.

I discovered, however, this is not a new phenomenon. Take a look at this quote from George Washington, in his farewell address.

"The party spirit, he lamented:
serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another."

It seems that we are stuck with the childish party politics that are inherent in the system, but I don't have to like it. It reminds me of the Beatles song that John Lennon penned, "I, me, my." I believe we will see vast improvement in what we can accomplish as a nation if/when we get beyond selfish, self serving politicians, who are supposed to be representing us.

My recommendation is to vote for the representative, not the politician, if you ever get the opportunity.