OPINION — From Ancient Grecian philosophical thought to Gutenberg’s printing press, the human race has proven to deeply value and actively seek innovation. For centuries, theories and goods have evolved to better suit our world environment. I have noticed that these changes allow advances and new ideas to better our world in nearly every aspect of our lives. Except for one: Modern-day American politics.
Wait! Before you quickly find anything BUT this to read, let me explain what I mean. My motivation for writing this column, comes from a trend that I have noticed through my research of current political issues. I’ve found that our modern-day United States political climate has become repetitive, close-minded and lacking drive. As a young person, this scares me to death.
One problem inherent in a two-party system, is that the discussions stay only two-sided; “Conservative” versus “Liberal.” According to a Gallup poll, The number of Americans that identify as an “Independent” is at an all time high of 42 percent. It’s clear to see that the rigid dogma of a two-party system works to discourage individuality and uniqueness among political candidates and creates a more cookie-cutter form of government.
Another problem inherent in our system is perception. Edward de Bono, a renowned psychologist, once said “Studies have shown that 90 percent of error in thinking is due to error in perception. If you can change your perception, you can change your emotion and this can lead to new ideas.” Our realities are not realities as much as they are our perception of it. So how do we change our perception?
One way to do just that is by questioning. Whether you hear it from your neighbor or read it on the internet, Ask yourself “What is the source of this information? Can I absolutely know that this statement is true? Is there more information I need? Maybe several sides to it we don’t yet know or haven’t considered?”
Over time, our societies nature has grown to resist and even fight change. But, what if those who are willing to embrace change, carry with them the ideas that would provide the actual solution to decade-old problems? Many call these plans or ideas crazy, but … what if we need a little crazy?
I think that this maddening, pendulum-like political scene that we wade through like a vat of syrup, is actually the crazy thing, and we have grown so accustomed to it that it seems normal.
We’ve developed an attitude that is so harsh toward those with new things to say and it deserves hard examination. The American people have been reading the same headlines, the same results, and the same names on the ballot for years.
The same “hot-button issues” have been hashed and rehashed, by the same politicians who are running on the same platforms. It is no wonder that only 57 percent of voters showed up on election day in 2012 and why in Iron County, only 30 percent showed up in the last General Election. Yes, 30 percent.
It is high time that the status quo is challenged. Our political scene is in dire need of a long overdue paint job. Without your mindful involvement, one of my children’s children might be writing a column quite similar to this one.
When we seek for better answers and when we realize there is far more complexity to what is best than just “Right” or “Left,” we then broaden our framework to create a true masterpiece.
Submitted by Kaleigh F. Bronson, senior at Cedar High School, Cedar City
Letters to the Editor are not the product of St. George News, its editors, staff or contributors. The matters stated and opinions given are the responsibility of the person submitting them; they do not reflect the product or opinion of St. George News.
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Bright, perceptive young person. Maybe there is hope.
I’ll second that thought Independent person.
There’s a good reason so many of us Americans citizens are Independent types.
Lets see what the Yea Butts have to say. Good job Kaleigh F. Bronson
Good article indeed. but wait until MESAMORON and REAL LIFE DORK show up. I can about imagine the kind of trash those 2 will post about the article
You are more of a “guess what” not a guess who.
Good thoughts! Thanks for sharing.
Very well written. I could not agree more. We as a country have not been this divided since the civil war. The exclusive two party system has become too conservative, and too liberal. The young person who wrote this obviously has a bright future. I would even suggest a future in politics, as long as you just stay somewhere in the middle, and don’t give in to special interests.
Good points. The solution: vote Libertarian!
7 Reasons to go Libertarian:
http://www.lp.org/have-you-seen-these-7-reasons-to-join-the-libertarian-party-now
party full of anti- “big gubmunt” gun nuts. I think ur beyond hope, iz…
That’s not the Libertarian view, knucklehead. It’s more or less “live and let live”.
I’ve listened to enough libertarian drivel. They should call is the ‘every man an island party’. Libertarian philosophy might have worked 200 or so years ago, but in modern times it’s just kooky blather. “Obama aint gonna take my guns!!!” on and on…
Fun Bag, I love to watch your comments but sometimes you’re such a simpleton it’s laughable. The last thing libertarians want is your guns.
fun bag, I interpreted this article as being more about independents than liberals, did you know there is a difference between independents and liberals?. And did you also know that there is Independents and liberals that are also pro gun and even own assault rifles?
I think our biggest obsticles to picking qualified candidates, are all the single minded idiots that will vote on a single issue, like gun control.
I think 42214 missed the ENTIRE point 😉
i never said they did… ???
Which of the 7 points on the link do you disagree with FUNBAG? A specific example.
Well Iz, all it says basically is “we don’t like no big gubmunt in our business”. What do stand for that will improve the country besides their trademark of “makin’ big gubmunt smaller”???
can i make the assumption that libertarians are probably more similar to tea-party republicans than anything?…
No. False assumption. Again, read the Libertarian platform.
I don’t think you know enough about politics, kid. Have you tried reading the Libertarian platform? It’s on their website. I get a little irritated when people make Libertarians out to be Constitutionalists. The Libertarian party is about as moderate as politics can get these days with all the democrats and republicans insisting on being extremists in order to gather votes. Personally, I miss Jim Matheson. I wish he would run for governor. He was the most moderate politician in this state since I moved here 22 years ago.
Same problem I have always had with the Libertarian party: their definition of liberty.
I read the letter, and as cute as it is it’s a whole lot of words on a page that doesn’t say anything–doesn’t have it’s own opinion or view on anything–it’s essentially useless and reads like something that was written by a politician. Decent writing and lack of content forgivable for a 17 year old tho
FUN BAG is right on this one. This isn’t a bad essay so far as high school goes (there’s more though there than you would expect) but when you’ve said that, you’ve said it all. Good effort.
It’s a great letter. The writer is not required to give her political opinion on any issue. Besides that, she is saying something. Too many people on all sides pick canidates simply because they run on the Democrat or Republican ticket, their bishop told them to or because they like their stance on one particular issue. I think she is saying that practice needs to stop and I agree with that. On another issue, this is a nice change from the “Opinions” (Honestly, they read more like advertisements for Mormon, Inc) that we usually get from people her age around here.
She makes a point when she says people need to pay attention to real facts and not just vote along party lines. Mormons are trained from birth to do the exact opposite, so she does have a valid point there…
I’m voting Tupperware party.
Even stale ideas seem to stay fresh over there.?
O Great. Here come the advertisements. Mary Kay Cosmetics up next. Followed by a few words from Ralph Nader. (just kidding)
Young Bronson wasn’t putting forward a solution to our inabilities to listen. Just a picture on how we sometimes don’t even listen.
Has your brain ever had a conversation with your heart before? When they finally agree on something, the body as a whole, usually prospers.
Kayleigh, I have another assignment for you: research the Fairness Doctrine.
Why was it implemented?
Who gutted it and why did it benefit them?
How did our political discourse change?
THAT would be a worthy effort!
Have You Seen These 7 Reasons to Join the Libertarian Party Now?
1. The Libertarian Party is working to dramatically reduce Big Government spending, taxes, debt, regulations, bureaucracies, foreign meddling, and invasions of our personal freedoms.
Not “reform” them. Not “replace” them. Certainly not add to them. That’s what Democrats and Republicans do.
The Libertarian Party and its candidates are working to repeal laws and shrink Big Government. What will this leave? Individual liberty and a small, constitutional government that is limited to defending our lives, liberty and property.
2. The Libertarian Party walks the talk. We actively work to reduce Big Government.
Not just analyze what’s wrong with Big Government. Not just report on abuses and expansions of Big Government. Our party and our candidates take direct action to make government smaller than it is today through elections. We’re serious about changing government policy in America.
3. The Libertarian Party is consistent and principled.
Libertarians work for everyday taxpayers, workers and voters. Not for Special Interests. Not to be part of the machinery of Big Government. Not to get government jobs. Not to grab “our share” of the goodies.
We exist to make government small, allow free markets to thrive, uphold and expand personal liberties and keep our nation at peace.
4. Libertarian candidates take liberty all the way to the General Election.
Both Republicans and Democrats work against and defeat their own liberty candidates in primary elections.
This was on display at the 2012 Republican national convention where party operatives bent the rules to deny Ron Paul delegates their hard-earned right to nominate their candidate from the floor.
In contrast, the Libertarian Party recruits and encourages candidates who will work to advance liberty. As a result, most Libertarian candidates win their primaries and go on to challenge Big Government in the general election – when voters are listening.
5. Without the Libertarian Party, the pro-freedom activists in the two old parties stand no chance.
The Libertarian Party gives liberty lovers working within the Democratic and Republican Parties the competitive force they need to effect change. Neither of the two old parties will budge without the threat of a small-government competitor.
6. The Libertarian Party is the greatest liberty recruiter and educator in America. Every election year.
The Libertarian Party is the premiere political organization in America for going well beyond “preaching to the choir” and awakening ordinary Americans to the blessings of liberty.
Libertarian candidates reach everyday voters and taxpayers. We show them how low taxes, dramatically reduced government spending and much less government authority will make life better.
Polls show that Libertarians attract voters who don’t usualy vote. In 2012, over 15 million votes were cast for Libertarian candidates.
7. The Libertarian Party is the best-leveraged liberty investment in America.
In addition to providing all the above benefits at a bargain price, the Libertarian Party is the most efficient and effective alternative party to the Democrat and Republicans.
Ballot access is the key to legitimacy in elections and to challenging the Big Government status quo. For decades, the Libertarian Party has jumped through hoops to place more candidates on the ballot in more states and at the lowest average cost of any political party in America. Highly cost-effective activism for liberty.
Iz, it’s very impolite to post copy/pastes into the comments. You’re gettin’ lazy, boy!