My political persuasion?

I tend to lead toward the party of common sense

Now that I have been here a few months I have been approached by a number of people attempting to glean my political persuasion. Based upon the content of my columns and stories many people have assumed I am a Republican. Others have guessed Democrat as well. At several events recently I have been asked about my political leanings and I have always been a bit cagey with the answer.

The truth is I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat. Anytime I have registered to vote I have generally registered as independent or unaffiliated, depending upon the rules in that particular state. I will say that I am generally fiscally conservative. Anyone who has read my columns knows that I am a big proponent of keeping tight reins on the government purse strings and spending money only when necessary to benefit the public good. On other issues, though, I tend to be more liberal-minded and I am a big proponent of civil liberties. I am open, however, to changing my opinion on an issue if sufficient evidence can be presented to persuade me.

I have voted for Republican candidates and Democratic candidates. Every election I have been directly involved in as a campaign worker has been for a Republican candidate, although that decision had more to do with the candidate than the platform. I generally tend to vote more for the person than for the party. In races where I think all of the candidates are sub-par I refrain from voting for any of them. Too bad none of the above isn’t a viable option in elections.

Generally I like to define my party leanings as the party of common sense. I think at times our political discussions leave out this important component. Our politicians are always so interested in saving face with their party that they cannot look at things in a common sense fashion. They are more concerned with towing the party line even if at times the party line involves completely illogical behavior.

Take the case of Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr. If ever there was a clear case of someone needing to resign based upon his transgressions in office, it is Darr. Initially, upon Darr being found in violation of 11 ethics and campaign finance laws, there were calls from Democrats for him to step down.

While some Republicans stepped up to call for his resignation, there were many who refused to take that step. Why? Was it some undying loyalty to the Republican Party of which Darr is a member, at least in name? Do political parties require some “band of brothers” mentality that requires other members to stand by those in their party even when they are clearly wrong? As of this writing, several of those Republicans have now joined the chorus of those asking for Darr’s resignation, but only after it became clear how the public and other party members were viewing the matter. One would think that the party that prides itself on fiscal conservatism would immediately call for the resignation of a politician caught with his hand in the taxpayer cookie jar.

Luckily for us, Darr made the sensible decision to step down effective Feb. 1.

This is not meant to bash Republicans ... the same thing happens with Democrats when they are caught doing wrong. It has always fascinated me how inappropriate actions will cause members of the offender’s party to defend him or her while causing the opposing party to demand some form of retribution.

The party of common sense says that wrong is wrong. It shouldn’t matter the political party or persuasion. Improperly spending taxpayer money should require immediate resignation or termination from office. Nothing else will suffice. In this case, Darr did the right thing in stepping down.