When I first got started in politics, there were many things I did not understand. I needed to figure out what kind of politics I wanted to support. I read a lot of books to figure it out, and I wanted to share what I have learned.
A tale of two factions
Politics tends to have two primary factions: Conservatives and Progressives.
Conservatives respect tradition, enforce the rule of law, and tend to like things the way they are, preferring gradual change over sweeping reforms. Progressives seek justice, expand liberty, and tend to want to make immediate change.
This goes all the way back to ancient Greece. We can look at the Spartans and their conservative aristocratic and oligarchical government, and we can look at the Athenians and their revolutionary democracy. One society resisted change, one society embraced it. Both societies were successful. Both societies had their strengths and flaws. Sparta’s rigidity ensured order but stifled adaptability; Athens’ openness fostered innovation but also instability.
That's why, the American Republic, by extending the sphere of power, invited both the anti-federalists and federalists into the sphere. By allowing both conservatives and progressives to compete, debate their ideas, and make necessary progress, the virtue of humanity can rise.
A politician will typically fall into a conservative or progressive category. They either want to make small incremental change, or they want to hit a home run. They may have different interests. They may be on different sides of the political aisle.
For example, there are progressive Republicans and Democrats. Progressive Republicans, often called populist Republicans, emphasize populism and nationalism, seeking to reform institutions and strengthen national identity. Progressive Democrats often emphasize economic and social reforms, with some leaning toward democratic socialism. Both approaches tend to expand the government’s role, though in different ways.
Current alignment around reform.
Right now, some intellectuals from the left and right want sweeping reforms leading to a new Constitution. And there are conservatives on both sides who tend to like things kind of the way they are. They know there are problems, but they understand the consequences of dramatic change.
We face the greatest representation crisis in over a century. Those who follow Politics and Parenting know the House has been capped at 435 since 1929. Change is not optional—it’s part of life and it’s time. The question is whether we will guide it or let it guide us.
Now is a time for conservatives and progressives to put aside their interests. Come together and manage the change as effectively as possible to ensure America's stability, everyone's stability, remains intact. Ultimately, something like this will make us stronger.
Freedom and Responsibility
Freedom is a topic frequently discussed in politics to drive voter engagement. But what exactly is freedom? There are two types of freedom: freedom of responsibility and freedom from responsibility. Some people want the freedom to decide, to have a voice, to participate. Some people want the freedom to opt out.
But most Americans carry responsibility daily. They're well-educated and enjoy getting along with their neighbors, which builds stronger communities. And a lot of what turns everyday Americans away from politics is the fight and the stigma. Not the unwillingness to participate, but the way politicians make participation difficult with their behavior.
Time to Reflect
Conservatives and progressives are like oil and vinegar; if you try to put them together, they separate. However, if you blend the right amount, you get a delicious dressing.
So, you have to ask yourself, what do you want? Do you want to work together with your fellow man? If change is inevitable, do you want to build on the foundation that we have, or do you want to rip it apart and start over?
Do you want the change to happen slowly, over time, so you're comfortable, or all at once? Do you want to dip your toe in the water? Or jump in the deep end, even though you might not be ready to swim.
And then you have to ask yourself, what type of freedom do you want? Do you want the freedom to decide, to have a voice, to participate? Or do you want the freedom to opt out?
And if you want to have a voice, go to www.why435.org and sign our declaration for representation.
Peace, Love, and Representation,
Jeff Mayhugh