Politics illustrating a devaluation of voters

By Steve Kijak
Published: May 5, 2008

We are approaching and witnessing a uniquely tenuous time in politics and current situations promise to change how many citizens view their votes in the future.
Imagine the Democratic primary results if one candidate receives a substantial majority of the votes of the citizens who came out looking for a “change” from the current leadership, only to have their votes disregarded and ignored by those who “know what is best for the party”: the superdelegates.
The voting public watches their vote, opinion, voice and educated choice changed by a superdelegate chosen by the party hierarchy.
As the final election approaches we also begin to see a paranoia develop within the ranks of the party as some people view opposing or somewhat different opinions as a challenge to the party or people in leadership positions. This has happened in the past and will likely progress to a point where some even stand up and claim that they are more party-oriented than others in the crowd. They will ask or claim that others do not support or endorse the party’s candidates as they should or as much as they should. The fact is there are many levels and ways of showing support both publicly and privately.
The focus changes from convincing a large number of voters and constituents to convincing a superdelegate whose vote is more valuable and subject to “spin” influence at times.
Let’s not forget history and the possible future use of legal actions when some people do not get the results they expected or desired. Al Gore took legal action to change the way votes were counted in Florida when it appeared he lost that state. It is sad when a presidential candidate, or chairman, feels it necessary to take legal action when the results of the voting citizen do not agree with his agenda or game plan. This is but another way of devaluing the citizens’ vote while claiming they are doing the will of the people or are acting “for the good of the party.”
Remember the bumper sticker after the 2000 election “Selected Not Elected”?
Steve Kijak
Stuarts Draft