COLUMN: Democrat, republican, or third party: That is the question
Often, in today’s society, one unfortunately defines oneself as what one is not, rather than what one is. Even worse, one finds at times oneself defined by others willfully or unknowingly, as one thing or the other, as this or that. Such definitions of one’s convictions, ideology and character create then unwanted and unsolicited associations with certain beliefs or ideas, and even worse misrepresent one’s true intentions and aspirations.
Thus, it is not uncommon to read and hear in the media and daily conversations such broad generalizations as, “that person is a liberal or a leftist,” or “this one is a neo-conservative or a fascist.” Whereas such stereotypical identifications provide access to easy classifications, they don’t and must not serve as the basis of one’s decision regarding which ideology, faction, or party to consider supporting.
As responsible individuals, we must ensure that our decisions are not based solely on what our parents, affiliates, preachers, and media tell us. Surely, it is reasonable to expect that the convictions of our closest associates do and will affect our social and political conscience, but however intensive or well-meaning their advice might be, it should never replace the process of self-discovery which should take place in the social and political consciousness of each of us. It is very possible that this process will take you in a very different direction from what others might have wanted, but then again that direction might not be that far off. Ultimately, it is you who has made that decision, and if need be, you can strongly defend such a stance, because it is the result of a well-thought and carefully conducted self-examination.
In the context of such a self-evaluative journey, the surest way to arrive at your desired destination – knowing your political leaning – is to thoroughly examine the core beliefs, values, and ideologies of respective political organizations. Often, we are misled to believe that such issues as “gun rights” or “abortion rights” are at the core of such political organizations, and that by supporting or voting for one party or the other, then one is automatically promoting such beliefs. In reality, such contentious issues as the ones mentioned are very rarely easily identifiable with one party or the other.
A Democrat in Utah might prove to be more socially conservative than a Republican in California (just to mention two parties). Thus it is by no means shocking that Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzeneger’s stance on most social and environmental issues is more liberal (for lack of a better word) than that of a Democratic-elected official in Utah, or in other parts of the country.
The truth of the matter is that political parties tend to be more inclusive than exclusive. Especially in Utah, the Democratic Party, with which I affiliate, has a rather big tent, so to speak. One would be hard pressed to find a more diverse group anywhere else. Supporters and members of the Utah Democratic Party range from highly educated individuals to those with a high school diploma, from openly gays and lesbians to socially conservative Latter-day Saints. Each of these individuals identifies and promotes various aspects of the Democratic Party, thus realistically representing the variegated fabric of the society we live in.
So, before you go to the polls next year, make sure you have conducted a thorough inquiry into what each political party promotes and supports, here in Utah and nationwide. If you want to learn about what the Democratic Party stands for, you might want to visit with the USU College Democrats (meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m., Main 326) or check out the following Web sites, www.DNC.org and www.CDA.org. If that is too much, start by talking to your friends, neighbors, or preachers; you might have not known, but they are Democrats as well.
Medlir Mema is a senior majoring in political science. Comment can be sent to medlirm@cc.usu.edu.