Our Forefathers on the effects of Political Parties

"I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular influence to the founding of them on geographical discrimination.  Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally."- George Washington - Farewell Address, 1796                                              This was the dire warning prophesied by our founding fathers regarding the role political parties would play in our elections and their potential for destructive effects.  Combine an uninformed public with a blind devotion to a party and as our forefathers rightly predicted, you have a recipe for disaster.  Having run for office, I have encountered this blind allegiance to a politically party.  I have seen voters seek out a political party line and then proceed to vote every candidate on that party line.  Many of these voters have no idea who or what they are getting for their vote.  However, they are very cognizant that they are a registered Democrat or Republican and must vote accordingly.  I can't tell you how many people have told me, I like what you stand for but I can't vote for you because I am not in your party.Unfortunately, this myth is fostered by political party leaders and perpetrated on an uninformed public.  You can vote your conscience.  The only time your political party affiliation precludes you from voting is during a primary.  If your party is not partaking in a primary, then and only then you are not allowed to vote in that particular election.  A primary election, is also the only type of election in which you can only vote your party line.  During this past election, referred to as a general election, any registered voter could vote, for any candidate on any line running for any government position.We have become so blinded by parties as our forefathers have predicted.  If you look at the local election results, they are consistent with the political make-up of the community.  This should not be!  You as a voter have a civic responsibility to not only vote, but to become informed as to the candidates and the issues.  You have no obligation to vote for any of the candidates your party may endorse.  You have every right to vote for the candidates you feel will best serve your interests and your community.  Unfortunately, currently there is really no way to successfully run for government office without a connection or endorsement from a major party, unless you run as a write-in or independent, which offers a very slim chance of winning.I ask that you keep this warning in mind for the next election.  Remember, you do not have to vote along party lines.  Vote for whomever you feel will do the best job and who is most qualified to do the job.  If you do not, you must accept the consequences of your actions and quite possibly their "baneful effects."