PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Let Them In, And Embrace Them
by Sudhama Ranganathan Monday, Nov. 09, 2009 at 7:32 PM
uconnharassment@gmail.com

The phenomena of The Conservative Party's breakout candidate for the US House of Representatives from New York's 23rd district is one of the more compelling aspects of 2009's election season. Nationally numerous candidates ran for a whole host of different positions. Only two of those races were meant to fill seats in the US House of Representatives. Both went Democrat.

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But that, while surprising to some and not to others was but a mere portion of the story. To be honest, though a reversal from what some claimed most Americans wanted, that paled in comparison to the excitement of a new leaf in the post-Bush era black and white, either or politics. Nationally, it was a fresh shade in the increasingly colorful, and dynamic political scene we find ourselves in as a country.

A seriously debilitated economy, global image and raging dual wars to juggle meant attempts at recovery required more than just two perspectives with immediate yays or nays for a fast solution. Though a Democrat, President Obama stood for something new as a candidate not only through his words and deeds, but also for what he symbolized. A message of hope and change inspired a nation whether one voted for or against him.

This year, Doug Hoffman ran as the candidate for the Conservative Party's bid for 23rd district of New York's Congressional Representative. He ran as a very true to form modern conservative apart from the neocon brand that have so dominated conservative politics for so many years. The new brand of conservatives holds forth essentially the same platform as the neocons, with one major caveat - they are much less likely or willing to compromise on their major concerns.

Hoffman had a platform reflecting today's back to roots conservatives who either run for or serve in office especially those on the far right. Among other things he stands for don't ask don't tell regarding gays in the military. He is strongly in favor of protections regarding 2nd amendment freedoms. He supports a robust and expansive pursuit regarding the war against terror. He is in favor of serious tort reform. He wants a flat tax enacted believing the current more targeted tax system encourages corruption. He opposes what he refers to as "Obama-care" and strongly opposes a public option.(http://doughoffmanforcongress.com/files/Scorecard.pdf / http://www.doughoffmanforcongress.com/issues.html)

We've heard this from many conservatives. The difference is a strong no room for compromise stance he symbolizes. He is different in that way as a member of a new party wanting their beliefs for conservatism to have a voice in congress. The inspiring part of his candidacy was not the platform as there are many independent third parties with candidates nationwide annually. What's so interesting is how well he did and the demonstration of what a political party apart from the two major parties could do when supporters come out and campaign hard.

It showed tangible prospects for another party. It said those representing the Libertarian Party could too find such success if they got the vote out. It showed the Green party could raise such a ruckus if folks who supported them cast their votes with their true beliefs concentrated at the tip of their fingers on election day. It showed family values parties could campaign and have their voices heard without having to compromise their ethics or beliefs in favor of other interests.

It said the room and space for more parties in US politics is there and the ground is fertile for growth. It demonstrated there can be many voices saying "if you want our vote on your bill you must listen to our concerns." I am an independent in spirit and registered as such, and though my views may differ from many of Mr. Hoffman's I still have a great respect for his accomplishment this election cycle.

I find it inspiring and a sign of hope for the future that one day we may have three, four even five parties. The framers never specified how many parties we must have. Perhaps it's time to open the doors and allow the new voices. Bigger parties shouldn't be afraid but instead embrace these organizations as representative of a new direction for our country. We like to call ourselves the great melting pot. Let's take down more of the barriers. After all that's the American tradition.

To read about my inspiration for this article go to www.lawsuitagainstuconn.com.

www.lawsuitagainstuconn.com

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