David Brin on Talking to Republicans | by Ben
I've been slack about writing things for the Lone Star Democracy Builders blog over the last few months. However, that doesn't mean that I've not been reading some excellent writing about the upcoming election. The 2006 mid-terms are very important; if the Democrats can regain Congress, we'll have a chance at containing the power of the autocratic executive branch.
One of the most interesting writers talking about the election is the Science Fiction author David Brin. He's pro-science, and while he's got a libertarian streak, its one that's contrary with the Libertarian orthodoxy. He sees a huge value in community, personal responsibility, and progress and doesn't just want to consolidate gains for people like him.
Starting back during the summer, he made a series of posts on his blog Contrary Brin about the importance of the elections and listed some arguments that might convince rational Republicans to vote against their party this cycle. Three good articles to start reading are Time to Get to Work, Cracks are Appearing All Over and Arguments for your Obstinate Uncle, but there are more interesting ones in his archive. In the first article, he makes an interesting gambit:
But don’t just make this a one sided attack! There is one thing you Dems and Libs can offer in return. (And you had better offer something; people do not give concessions without something in return.) Please gather your own sense of honesty and courage and nonpartisan decency, to say:"If Democrats ever have this much power in the future, and seem similarly reckless or partisan, or awash in secret deals, or as determined to lie and cheat their way into perpetually unaccountable power, I promise that you can turn this around on me. I will open my eyes, and I will listen."
Make that vow, and you might achieve the miraculous. Budge the unbudgeable. Move the un-movable. Persuade some of the millions of decent (but obstinate) American conservatives to meet you - to meet their country - halfway.
I love that sentiment. I'm a Democrat, but I'd be glad to go on the record that if the Dems become as corrupt as the current Republicans, I'll withdraw my support and work to achieve a balanced government again.