Recent headlines have featured various politicians involved in one scandal or another. We see members of Congress being investigated for one ethical issue or another. We read about Governors who allegedly did some questionable deed or some improper act. There is talk about bribery taking place in both the Senate and the House — and even the President himself has been accused of trying to sway key votes with promises of political and monetary favors to those who will sell themselves.

Interestingly, all of these news items and discussions will invariably lead to the announcement of the party affiliation of the politician involved. While this is certainly a fact that should be included in the report, it often becomes the sole focus of the story rather than the misdeed itself.

For people who have a moral sense of right and wrong, it is the misdeed itself that is discussed and investigated. For people who have legal knowledge, it is the alleged violation that must be looked into and perhaps condemned. But for people who treat politics as just another spectator sport, we find that it is often all reduced to mere rooting for your team.

Being neither a Democrat or a Republican, the only team that I have to root for is a moral and legal United States of America. It is of no interest to me what “team” a politician plays for. It is my own personal sense of right and wrong that judges the actions of people who have become elected officials. I may agree or disagree with particular positions and policies of politicians, but a forum exists in our country in which we can discuss and debate our differences. This can and should lead to analysis and critical thinking on an issue where both sides can learn, grow, understand — and possibly even have one’s opinion changed in light of the discussion.

Sadly, such interesting logical exchanges seldom occur. If a Democrat politician is accused of something, it is quite likely that a Democrat friend of yours will point out some Republican politician who has done the same thing or something worse. If you disagree with a policy of a Democrat President, your helpful friend will supply you with “facts” that prove that some Republican President did the same thing in the past.

YOU: “I think that it is wrong for President Obama to spend taxpayer (my) money to bail out failing businesses.”
YOUR FRIEND: “So? Bush did the same exact thing!”

Your friend has unfortunately missed the point that you were trying to make. Or perhaps he sees your point but has nothing to add toward what could have been an interesting discussion about economics and personal responsibility. Let’s talk about the issue of a President wasting my money!Even more puzzling though is the question as to the logical path that your friend has chosen to go down. What possible response does he expect back from you with his line of reasoning?

YOU: “Really? I did not know that. I suppose that it is okay to waste my money then if Republicans do it too.”

Another example of this “Go Team” sort of logic that is so prevalent:

YOU: “I am appalled that secret backroom deals are being made where Congressmen and Senators are being bribed with taxpayer (my) money in order to vote a certain way.”
YOUR FRIEND: “You didn’t say anything about that when Republicans did the same thing in the past.”

It is interesting here to note that your friend naturally assumed that you were talking about Democrat politicians but you may also point out that he has no idea what you may have said if and when any Republicans did the same thing in the past.

Regular visitors to the wesite will know that one of the pet peeves of critical thinkers is avoiding an issue by the use of slogans and bumper stickers. It is vital to continue to have a sense of right and wrong and to defend your position. Remember, we may agree to disagree but at least we explored the issue objectively and logically.