This is my first blog on the Patch, and I want to start by "outing" myself as a lifelong Republican. For those who can't handle hearing the opinion of someone who is willing to identify themselves with the GOP - read no further. Although..I would love to engage in conversation with like-minded as well as those who have a different perspective. Our nation, state and community is very diverse - and people like me are just part of the mix.
I do not intend to make this a political blog - but my 30 years in politics and government relations makes it impossible for me to not slide back into the arena every once in awhile. Politics and government impacts every aspect of our lives - and it should not be avoided.
Many of my current friends, regardless of their political affiliation, have been hesitant to express their political views because they may not feel well enough informed on an issue, or they don't think it would be socially acceptable to talk about politics - someone might offend someone, start an argument, etc. For me, staying informed and engaging in political discussions and election activity is a part of life, and I enjoy hearing different perspectives and life stories that shape our views on public policy. As long as the conversation is conducted with an open mind and mutual respect - it can be a way to get to know and understand your friends and colleagues more deeply.
I come from a family that has been Republican on both sides for many generations. It is important to note, however, that over the past two elections a few of my family members became disgusted with people in the Party who did not communicate the conservative view with the compassion that we have always felt for people of all economic, cultural and racial backgrounds. I understand their concern of guilt by association, but I don't choose my party based on the political personalities of the leadership - rather the basic premise that the Party stands for. I am a Republican because I believe humans thrive when they are given the freedom to succeed. By today's standards, that means a good education, the right to vote and be politically active, fair laws that apply to everyone, right to practice a religion - or to choose no religion, and an economy that welcomes entrepreneurs and success, while providing aid to those who truly cannot help themselves. When I approach policy - those are my priorities.
I believe most politically active people are trying to solve the world's major problems - just in different ways. In the past decade, the focus has gone way beyond the Hand Up or Hand Out approaches partially due to information available on the Internet. Now, everyone has statistics (some true, some false), stories about political figures (again...some true, some false) and both major parties are fully utilizing the internet to plant talking points that lazy activists use without questioning their validity. Partisanship has overshadowed coming together to create good policy.
I am interested in hearing your personal stories that have shaped your views on public policy and politics - regardless of your party affiliation. I would also like to share examples of people coming together to shape policy with creative approaches. Political discussion doesn't have to be vitriolic - and we might find we have more in common if we focus on our common values.