Let's All Start Picking Our Next President

As of Sunday, September 19, 2010

In an ideal society, Election Day should be the date when we choose between candidates. It should not matter whether they call themselves Whigs or Tories, Labor or Conservative, Democrat or Republican.

We have never had that ideal a society. Parties count as they have ever since our Founding Fathers came up with Federalists under Alexander Hamilton and Republicans under James Madison. (Interestingly, Madison’s Republicans eventually evolved into today’s Democrats.)

The two principal parties in America have become as huge and as bloated as the government itself. “Behemoth” and “Leviathan” come to mind to describe either party. And, although there have been occasions when an independent has won an election (Joe Lieberman is one example), most attempts to buck the system result in splitting the vote and allowing the opposition to slide into victory. That is regrettable but nonetheless a fact.

I recall a friend who stood up for his conscience and voted for Libertarian Ron Paul in the last presidential election. That was tantamount to a vote for Barack Obama — the last thing my friend intended.

Another friend was convinced that neither the Republican nor the Democrat in 1992 warranted his vote; he cast his ballot for Ross Perot. Perot won 19 percent of the popular vote but did not win any electoral votes. Many feel he tipped the scale toward Bill Clinton. More proof of the power of the major political parties.

The key to winning most elections is money. Millions of dollars are needed to buy the broadcast time or space in newspapers that get your message across. Therein lies the muscle behind Republicans and Democrats. Each is a giant money-gathering machine. For a third party to upend them is nearly impossible. This has led to eliminating some very fine people from public office, but it remains the aforementioned regrettable fact.

What then can be done to oust the bad guys and put in the good guys? The tea party has demonstrated that moving from the grassroots to center stage can still be done. As such, the tea party movement is one to contend with. It has proved that “we the people” still have a strong voice and that, when roused, tea partiers can be a major force in elections.

The danger with this knowledge is that it can lead to thinking that the tea party should field its own candidates This could prove to be a major mistake. Think of the consequences of the Ross Perot syndrome.

A far better approach would be for the libertarians, conservatives and tea partiers to take control of the powerful Republican Party and help it defeat the totally out-of-control Democrats. That they are totally out of control is evidenced by their rush toward the abyss of ruin with power-mad ploys aimed at running our lives.

Face it: The current administration came into office with no experience in running anything. And thus far, their efforts have borne no fruit of recovery. These finger-pointers have done little to overcome unemployment in the private sector (gargantuan hiring in government does not count), have demeaned this nation in the eyes of the world and plunged us into a mountain of unsustainable debt. We must halt them before it is too late.

More and more, the litmus paper of politics forecasts a Republican sweep in November. If that happens, it is only the beginning. We must begin now to find and groom and promote the next president of the United States.

Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past and try to start a dynasty or nominate someone because it’s that person’s turn. We need a real leader — a true American with integrity and honor and a genuine acceptance of responsibility. A daunting assignment, but doable. Leaders are out there. They come in many colors and genders, religions and sizes, but they are findable.

Forty-four days until we vote the good guys in and the bad guys out. Just don’t split the ticket.

Allan Jefferys, a former New York theater critic and newsman, lives in Pinehurst. Contact him at oldjeff@nc.rr.com.

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JER 1 year, 8 months ago

In other words, we Republicans really have enjoyed all you Tea Party folks doing all our heavy lifting on the Obama bashing but now it's time for you to step aside and let the real professionals handle it from here. New York theater critics are so astute.

Easygoing 1 year, 8 months ago

Allan, when I started reading your editorial I thought you were on track as I also believe our political parties have not served their constituents well and we need to elect leaders and members of congress who care about the country's future. Leaders who will come together to propose and implement real workable solutions regardless of party affiliation.
Then I realized in the second half of your column it was just another bitter ranting about the current administration without any real substance or solutions. Although you begin your editorial with a call to elect individuals without regard to party you end up calling for a Republican "sweep" and "Just don’t split the ticket." Ultimate hypocrisy. Suggest you stick to reviewing theatre.

nothingspecial 1 year, 8 months ago

You all can't understand what Allan is talking about so you attempt to dismiss him or turn folks like the TEA folks against him.

Others understand him loud and clear and see him outline a clear cut strategy for the Tea Party movement to build upon a success that is scaring Democrats because it transcends what both Democrats and Republicans have come up with so far (but especially Democrats).

OldSpook 1 year, 8 months ago

Nice piece Mr. Jefferys. I will agree with your views of our current political environment, we have allowed ourselves to be misled for a fair number of years now. I do not believe the TEA party is against the Democrats in totality anymore than I, or the TEA party, believe the Republicans have all of the answers. The TEA party is however shaking up the incumbents who just happen to be Democrats at this time. I believe if the Republicans return to their prior activities the TEA party would also speak out against them rather vehemently.

We have a chance this November to balance political powers and perhaps elect some statesmen/stateswomen to office. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a turnaround in our National leadership.

moonchild7 1 year, 8 months ago

Mr. Jeffrey's, Who in your mind is a TRUE American? Where do you see the lack of INTEGRITY and HONOR coming from? Can you please DEFINE those words for me? You say that this Administration has DEMEANED this nation in the eyes of the world and plunged it into unsustainable debt. Where Mr. Jeffery's do you get your info? FOX NEWS perhaps?

In the eyes of the world Mr. Jeffery's and according to the NYT, our current President, Barack Obama has REDEEMED a lot of the damage that the previous Prez(cannot even print his name anymore)did to our NATION. He is thought more highly of throughout the world. When will those on the RIGHT gulp this one down? EVER? That unsustainable debt was rolling down the hill long before President Obama was even considering to run for the Senate! The gears are back to moving somewhat but after you run an engine without any oil in it for as long as that previous Prez did...well, the OVERHAULED motor takes awhile to get going as well it should. The oil hasn't quite "mixed well enough" with the gasoline.

Mr. Jeffery's, I think you're a racist.

OldSpook 1 year, 8 months ago

Thus rings the battle cry of the far left. Disagree with anything Mr. Obama says, thinks or does and you’re automatically labeled a racist. Okay then, I am a racist because I do not like the way the Obama administration has worked behind closed doors and rammed an unread health plan down America’s throat. But I am in good company as 46 percent of American is now considered racist while 47 percent are considered enlightened by the left. (Gallop-Obama's daily approval rating.) Thank goodness November is coming and we might be able to rebalance the political agenda. Who knows, maybe the average Joe might even get a voice for other than name calling.

moonchild7 1 year, 8 months ago

Mr. Jeffery's: "They come in many colors and genders, religions and sizes, but they are findable." Sounds rather racist and sexist to me. Whenever someone gives us the "Coat of many colors speech" it's time to push the panic button.

Well, Mr. Jeffery's, not to burst your "All-Inclusive Bubble" but we found him and he's been our President for almost two yrs now. Why aren't you supporting him?

The election of our first African-American President has been a wonderful thing for us and the world. The economy started tanking before he got into office. It's been a MAJOR undertaking to get it going again and it will probably take a lot more time and COOPERATION. The GREEDY REAL ESTATE market which started things off going downhill will NEVER recover anytime soon. The DEMOCRATS supported our previous Prez(can't type his name anymore)with EVERYTHING he wanted.

Why won't the Rebuplicans do the same NOW when it's most needed? WHY? Think about it

nothingspecial 1 year, 8 months ago

A certain someone here I think would make a very entertaining lead in a MRS. Austin Powers movie.

All your old causes like racism and the horrid, evil MAN/Bush (that amidst all your peace and love you'd like to strangle) are still alive and well in your world.

JK 1 year, 8 months ago

Moonchild7, First, I ask that you review the policy regarding comments...”Please be courteous. Don't post comments that are abusive, defamatory, illegal, libelous or obscene. It is possible to debate without engaging in personal attacks.” I think hanging the racist moniker on Mr. Jefferys is way over the line and in fact has become the term of convenience when trying to avoid healthy debate over Obama policies. Really unsure why a responsible publication like The Pilot has allowed the post to stay up this long. Second, you have really lost me with your comment that “The election of our first African-American President has been a wonderful thing for us and the world.” The fact that this administration has force fed the American public a health care plan that is unrealistic and unwanted, appointed over 40 “Czars” that circumvent congressional oversight, and show absolutely no signs of executive leadership capability have nothing to do with being African-American...it just shows he and his team were/are lacking ability and not up to the task of leading this nation.

moonchild7 1 year, 8 months ago

I do not believe my statement about Mr. Jeffery's violated THE PILOT'S policy regarding comments since I made it clear that it was just my "thought" and NOT an accusation. The term "RACIST" also does NOT come close to many other horrible words that are in the "URBAN DICTIONARY" that I could have used....and could have gotten me thrown out. Some slang is okay and some really crosses the line...but I do believe in FREE speech(even BAD words should be heard)if a person wants to use them. I prefer NOT to use them. The statement that Mr. Jeffery's used in regards to "finding" a leader more acceptable to him was quite "off-putting" to me and inappropriate since the message he was trying to convey, conveyed "hints" of racism. To say that "They come in many colors and genders(I think there are but two of those, maybe three)......has such terrible connotations. THEY, as in.....dogs, cats, crickets...? Why use such a word unless it's to be used in a demeaning way? and COLORS?! Speaks for itself....Blue, Purple, NUBIAN?

Mr. Jeffery's wants to find a LEADER as in HUMAN BEING who isn't as "BLACK" maybe as President Obama? I don't know what Mr. Jeffery's was trying to get at. Only he knows what a TRUE AMERICAN LEADER looks like. To me, President Obama looks just fine and is doing as good a job as could be expected of any LEADER in these times. Actually, even more so.