election time--the silly season

Last week I got a phone call from someone who identified herself as a Republican seeking my donation to her party. I told her I hate political parties and choose to vote for individuals rather than party tickets. She asked, "What if the Democrats win?"

Evil can come from either side of the fence. Our Republican brethren are self righteous in some categories, and our Democratic brethren self righteous in others. Each is wrong on several planks of their platform, in my opinion.

The Republicans are, however, the only major political party that gets my "yes" on the their stand on abortion. They're also right on the marriage and family issues, for the most part.

And the Democrats are unfortunately the advocates of a social reengineering effort that I think is misguided and destructive. These efforts aren't mentioned on their website, for some reason.

Alexis de Tocqueville said "There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle." He wrote that almost 200 years ago. I wonder why so many of those who are devoted to political parties today seem so hostile and devisive rather than reflecting mercy and patience.

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