When did people start attaching themselves to political parties like they do religions?

I like to think that people are thoughtful when it comes to their political affiliations. Political parties can change their core principles so it would make sense that people would switch between parties depending on the issues at hand and the candidates. A person might vote for FDR in the 1930s and Eisenhower in the 1950s and that could make perfect sense.

Lately, it seems to me that many people attach themselves to a political party as they would a religion. They proudly support McCain/Palin even though they will readily admit that the ticket doesn’t impress them and that the Bush policies have been less than stellar. I recently had an exchange with a couple of diehard Republicans that I found disheartening. I mentioned the economy, civil rights, the religious right, Palin’s complete incompetence, and their response was to just shrug and say, “I’m voting Republican.” It’s almost as if I’m asking a Christian to observe Chanukah when I suggest the idea to vote Democrat. Lest you think I am picking on Republicans alone, this behavior can be found amongst Democrats as well. (It doesn’t help that the Republicans have put forth such weak and dangerous candidates that it effectively limits this discussion to Republicans at this point.)

Not to oversimplify but I think this boils down to intellectual laziness and a need for identity. It’s become increasingly obvious to me that Americans and American women, in particular, have no common bond. We are growing more fractured and disconnected from each other. We use religion, politics, television, social networks, blogs, etc., to find connections and identities for ourselves. We accept sound bites and media portrayals without question. Critical thinking and independent thought are too time consuming and draining. It’s a bit like our dependence on processed foods. We know they are bad for us but they taste good and who has time to cook?

I hear and read stories of how Americans pulled together during World War Two – sacrificed for the good of the nation and supported each other – and wonder if Americans will ever feel that united again. To look beyond political parties and labels and connect with our shared identity…as Americans.

Well, she didn’t tank so it’s a success?

I’m not sure how people define success or maverick or feminist, for that matter, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t describe Palin’s debate performance as a success (I don’t think she’s a maverick or feminist, either). Yes, she didn’t freeze up so I guess that’s a step in the right direction but do people really think she is even remotely prepared to be Vice President? I’m still flummoxed by the continued support for McCain amongst some of my friends and family even in light of the blatantly obvious and downright scary weaknesses with that ticket.

I think I could be Vice President. I’d like an opportunity to evade questions and talk turkey with America’s common folk. I also think that I am very likeable when I wink so that should get me pretty far. I’m thinking a line of questioning could go something like this…

Moderator: “What do you think about the current economic crisis and how can we fix this?

Me: “Well, do you mind if I just go back to that question regarding foreign policy for a minute? There wasn’t enough time on that and it’s very important. You see I have a lot of experience with China. Did you know that we share a maritime border with China? There’s just an ocean between us…and I can see China from my apartment…I mean, if I go to my computer I can view maps and images and keep an eye on the Chinese. I know what they’re up to and, you know, I like to talk about that amongst other things when I’m spending time with other middle class families watching my kids’ games. We middle class folks need to look out for each other and take care of this great country of ours. God bless America! (wink)”