Why So Many Labels And Requirements Just To Make A Better Country?

I am not a Tea Party, Green Party, Republican Party, Reform Party, Democratic Party, or any other kind of party kind of person when it comes to my citizenship as an American. I find that for the most part, the two party system works--but there have been times where a third party needed to shake things up some.

I began my adventure in politics in the Republican Party because I thought being a Republican was about the kind of politics practiced by men like Dwight Eisenhower, Bob Dole, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush (who I cast my first vote for when I had just turned 18). I thought Republican politics were about being strong on defense, conservative with the people's money--but not uncompassionate or greedy, and practical and some basic Christian moral values--without forcing religious views on people.

Later I found myself more active in the Democratic Party--and ran two races for public office--as a "Conservative Democrat" in the mold of men like Scoop Jackson, Sam Nunn, Sam Rayburn, Lloyd Bentsen and others. I thought then that being a Democrat primarily meant that you were more liberal on economic issues--but not reckless, looking for ways to make sure the poor and working class Americans got a shot at the American dream, strong foreign policy but not starting fights, not allowing the corporate gurus and fat cats to control everything and get out of hand with excesses, and using the government to solve some of our basic problems--while recognizing that government can't fix everything. I probably had a utopian idea that one could be supportive somewhat of some of the New Deal/Great Society kinds of programs--but still be supportive of some of the moral fabric that keeps our country stable.

In my experiences in both parties I discovered a few things. I discovered that there are some wonderful people in both parties who truly want to do something good and make a difference. I discovered that there are people in both parties who are only about benefitting themselves and who have no agenda other than their own selfish motives. I discovered that so often--good and well meaning candidates of both parties who I will call "MODERATE" often get passed over in primaries for the more "EXTREMIST" candidates who often go on to create havoc, chaos, gridlock, and a greater sense of hate and a very uncivil tone in Washington and all the state capitals around the nation.

And so I find myself often not fitting into either party. I often find myself without a home when it comes to politics. Which is fine, because ultimately my home is not in this world--Heaven is my home! But while I am in this world, I like being a good citizen. In fact, I think the Bible encourages us to "Render Unto Caesar" if you will and submit to authority.

I get so frustrated that we have to all fit into these "boxes" and labels if you will? Its like you can't support things like universal health care or regulating excessive and out of control corporate structures without being looked at as a wild eyed crazy communist liberal! Its like you can't stand by your religious moral principles when it comes to certain social issues--without being called a "Jesus Freak." And then again, there are so many who may share my convictions when it comes to "Christian Values" but who express them and attack those who don't agree with such "UnChristlikeness!" I absolutely love and appreciate people like Governor Mike Huckabee. He and I don't agree on a number of economic and other types of domestic issues--but he is a Christian who can really disagree with political opponents in a loving and respectful--Christlike way. I once watched him interview Bill Maher--who is one of those ultras on the left side--and even when Maher was hateful and disrespectful--Huckabee kept on being kind. That really impressed me!!

And its like you can't just be an "Independent." There are so many labels and requirements. And because of this--so many important issues that could be worked out, compromised on, and something good and useful for the people be done--GET LEFT UNRESOLVED!

We have to find a way to start having more conversations in this country--where we really listen to each other. We have to find a way to start recognizing that nothing will ever be our way 100 percent! We have to find a way to start finding what we can agree on as opposed to looking for what we disagree on! THE VOLUME IS TOO HIGH!!! We need to all settle down just a little and turn down the hate and anger a little. We need to empathize some and look at things from the other guy's point of view. And then talk a little more and listen a little more. Who knows, we might actually accomplish some great things for our communities and nation!

We need more leaders like Teddy Roosevelt who can look beyond partisanship and really get something done to last for generations!

Just some thoughts. Lets have a conversation!