Politics 102

Conscience Votes Threaten our Political System

We are often instructed that we as Americans harbor an obligation to preserve our liberty by getting involved in the democratic process. We do so by casting a vote for a person we most desire to represent our common interests.  We vote with the idea and expectation that our representatives, once elected, will dutifully carry out this responsibility on our behalf.  Thus the word, “representative”.

Too often, however, we as constituents become disillusioned and frustrated when elected officials disparage the concept, to represent (to speak and vote on behalf of), and choose a path of mere self-absorption as if our opinions no longer matter.  Egocentric politicians take it upon themselves to vote their ideology and vote accordingly without regard to the collective opposing views of those who they are to represent, instead choosing to vote on legislation using an intimate form of aptitude, “conscience”.  

The word “conscience”, on the surface, suggests something that is heart-felt. On the contrary, politically, it is used as a technique by the covert politician to gain sympathy and compassion from the electorate to justify their voting record.

The self-absorbed political culture that permeates the halls of our governmental buildings has methodically disintegrated the confidence of the American people in their local, state and national leadership.  

Why?  Because we are not being truly represented.  

The consent to govern, authorized through the election process, doesn’t necessarily imply the authority to make personal decisions based on personal ideology or conscience.

In order for constituents to exercise their right to vote properly, perhaps it is time to start to realize the pitfalls of a system where the duty of our representatives to follow public opinion has been completely overshadowed. If Americans want to steer the country back to a place where voters are willing to personally get involved and let their voices truly be heard, it’s time to advocate veritable change. That begins by electing people who are cognizant of public interest versus personal interest.

“Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than  Christianity has made them good.”   

~ H.L. Mencken

Democracy is in essence about giving people a voice, and furthermore giving it to them in such a way that their voice counts, is heard and acted upon. However, merely being told to cast a vote as part of fulfilling one’s obligation as a constituent, is not necessarily going to gain the right outcome (as so well embodied in Mencken’s quote), and this is what causes the average American to dissociate oneself from decisions made on their behalf. To fulfill this right and duty, our leaders need to start fulfilling their duty.

Ostensibly, this sounds simple. After-all, if someone appears moral and ethical, isn’t their conscience something we can put utility in and moreover, trust in? Yet I would ask, “Is it truly a public officials role and public duty to vote according to his or her conscience?”  I think not!

Many politicians appreciate the freedom of debate that comes with the conscience vote, but this is exactly why they are so dangerous.  Conscience voting is a threat to our civic way of life. We need not remind our elected officials that they occupy public office to serve the public interest, not just themselves, their friend’s or political supporters.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent.” If we carry through with Lincoln’s postulation, we can conclude that no man should vote strictly their conscience when their duty is in reality to represent their constituents in such matters that will ultimately affect citizens with immutability.

I expect my elected officials to consider public opinion, rather than relying on their own personal virtues. It is with arrogance that any public official can assume that somehow they know what is best for the public good.  They are not elected to be so maternal.

Finally, I want my public officials to stand for my vote, because as a constituent it is a privilege I have designated to that person, the authority to represent me, that must be employed wisely as a reflection of my principles. 

Vote for leaders who stand up for your interests and who have demonstrated they understand that concept and will dedicate their public service to implementing and abiding by it!

Ponder this:

"A man's conscience and his judgment is the same thing; and as the    judgment, so also the conscience, may be erroneous."

~Thomas Hobbes