There is no greater disconnect between voters and politicians than when elected officials fail to live up to expectations that are created for us during a campaign.
At the very core of that disconnect is the Party Platform.
Purporting to be Democratic, Republican, Libertarian or Tea Party “values,” over the years the party platform has become an advertising afterthought, a sales and marketing piece filled with catch-phrases that sound great, but bear little resemblance to how representatives actually vote once in office.
It’s with some surprise, even, that I give a tip of the hat to a Republican plan to seek public feedback in creation of their 2010 national party platform (if only for concept). The GOP is asking for internet feedback in development of a national platform, and it’s nice to see that the “party of no” realizes, finally, perhaps, that the public really does understand that they are responsible for the lack of progress in Washington and that if the direction doesn’t change soon, there won’t be much of a GOP left.
Over the past few weeks, though, I had the opportunity to represent State House District 60 as a member of the Colorado State Democratic Party Platform Committee. The district includes all of Park, Fremont, Chaffee and Custer counties, and parts of Saguache and Pueblo counties as well. This year we’re headed in a different direction.
This year, it is the grass roots of the party starting what needs to be a trend for all officials by having those running for elected office state their positions or convey their thoughts on all of the items of the party platform.
It’s simple enough: “All Party Candidates should be asked to publicly state their positions on planks of the Colorado Democratic Party Platform,” it says. But its meaning is far deeper. And while some counties on the committee desired to replace “asked” with “required,” we’ll hope that voluntary compliance will be sufficient.
The idea sends chills down the spines of some candidates who believe that to dodge and weave is a better approach than to fight for their own core beliefs. What if it were OK for a candidate to state what they think, even if it’s not popular with everyone within their own party? Would not an open and honest reflection of self confidence gain support and respect from all voters and create a gauge to be measured against once in office?
Not only should Democrats insist on it, but so should all voters and all parties. This is what representative government should look like, not selecting officials by listening to a televised interview where the majority of the time is spent avoiding the answer to a question. The Democratic Party thrives on different opinions and discussion, not lockstep compliance to leadership. And in the end, we all benefit.
Based on experience, the GOP’s recent discovery of the Internet will be a start, but pay close attention to the end product which without a doubt will be a marketing piece devoid of meaning and without commitment.
More than 4,000 delegates attended the Colorado Democratic Party Assembly last weekend in Broomfield, and by voice vote the party platform was overwhelmingly adopted.
Don’t hesitate to take a look at the Colorado Democratic Party Platform (it is lengthy, detailed, and a search-able .pdf file) set to appear shortly on the Colorado Democratic Party web site.
Then ask your candidates about things important to you, and remind them that the Democratic Party has encouraged their reply.
This column was originally published in the May 28. 2010 edition of The Flume, the paper of record for Park County, Colorado. The monthly column is titled "Democratically Speaking"
