Party Politics a Failure in Our System

As I wander from blog to blog, news article to news article, I notice, depending on the "political" views of each authour how everything is scewed to the "left" or the "right".

Everyone out in the blogging sphere it seems has their "pet" names to call members of the opposing parties. They also have a wonderful way of lumping everyone of a paticular party into some abstract visoin of what "they" think that party stands for.

Deffinitions:(as found in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Liberal:

a) of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism
b) capitalized : of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism; especially : of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives

Liberalism:
a) often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity
b) a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard
c) a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties
d) capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party

Conservative:

a) tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : TRADITIONAL
b) marked by moderation or caution (a conservative estimate)
c) marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners (a conservative suit)

Conservatism:

a) disposition in politics to preserve what is established
b) a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change
c) the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change

Social:

of or relating to human society , the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society

Socialism:

any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods

Conclusion:(using these somewhat vague definitions)

I consider myself a conservative. I do believe in traditional values, but not to a point where change is not acceptable. Change in society is inevitable and needed in order for that society to grow and improve.

I believe that we as a society are responcible for the welfare of human beings as members of society. In todays day and age there is no way to justify anyone living in poverty. That said, I believe in the old saying..."teach a man to fish" rather than "give the man fish".

I also believe in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties.

So how is it possible for me, a conservative, to be able to fall into all three catagories as defined here? Is it possible that we are more same than different? What we seem to be lacking is understanding and open honest debate on what is best for the country as a whole. We need to put party polilics aside as it only divides our nation when we all should be joining together to make it a better place for all.

Whether you live in Victoria, BC, ST. JOHN'S, NF or anywhere inbetween, does it truely matter what political stripe you wear on your sleve? Do you not want an honest, accountable, respectable and fair government? One that is looking out for every citizens best interest? One that promotes business in a way to create employment and further benefit shareholder's and it's employee's. One that will not waste or steal your hard earned money that you graciously hand over in the form of taxes out of every pay cheque? Is this too much to expect of any government? I personally don't think so. The question is, how do we get this kind of government?

Certainly not by name calling and childish behaviour!(ever watched CPAC?)

We must as a society come together, no, BAND together and demand more from all of our politicians. Let them know we are not going to let them continue down the same road as they have been. Insist they be accountable to you and I for every decision they make. Let them know that toting the party line on every vote is unexceptable. They are there to represent you the citizen's of this country, not the party!

Next time you have to vote at an election, whether it be municipal, provincial or federal, put on your party "blinders". Take a good look at what each candidate has to say and where they stand. Vote for the one who represents you best.