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Man, you're really good!!! It's very clear to me that you've not only thought this through but that you are very adept at expressing your thoughts. I'll try to address your points in order, hopefully with a portion of the clarity you've used to make them.
1. Congressional Peer Pressure: I can't imagine the pressure our representatives must face to fall in line with their party and its leaders. I'm not sure I remember an instant when Senator Hatch has ever questioned anything any republican adminstration, particularly this one, has done. He may have. I hope he has but I'd need a memory jog to recall the occasion. As far as the party platforms you'll have to convince me that they are more than documents of appeasement written by and for the extremists in both parties. Don't national candidates begin by appealing to the most active members of their parties, the ideologues and special interest groupies, first? Then, isn't it rush to the center, wherever that happens to be or projected to be come election day? The center is rather fluid and Utah's center is not the national center. Anyway, I'm fairly certain that republican and democratic leaders alike would rather see someone of their own party not falling into line on every issue than have the congressional seat occupied by someone of the other party.
I reckon, at times, it comes down to a matter of loyalty to personal principles and constituents versus the party and special interests. Does it bother you that Howard Stevenson is a paid lobbyist and a legislator at the same time? Does it bother you that, according to the Herald's poll, Sen. Hatch accepts money from the gaming industry? I'm sure my implications are simplifications and that there are extenuating circumstances, but it grates on me. I've voted for Hatch, scouts honor. Hopefully, whoever is elected to any office will be forthcoming in his or her intentions and will have the strength to echo and reflect the concerns and character of the people s/he represents. Wouldn't it be great if they could be statesmen rather than politicians!
2. Abortion and Same-Sex Marriage: Hot potato. I think they are lightening-rod issues used by both sides to polarize and inflame. Card-carrying Mormons don't have much of a choice on these issues, which is okay. These are moral issues and the holy texts and doctrines of most religions don't leave much wiggle room. But if you were going to compare the LDS official stance on abortion to that of Christian fundamentalists, Mormons come off as liberals. Mitt Romney will have a very difficult time in the southern primaries.
I'm not trying to dodge the issues by blowing smoke in your face, but I wonder if competetent, independent Democrats might have a place in the debate over these issues. What would happen if we somehow were able to elect independent statesmen on both sides of the aisle. Actually, Im not at all dissatisfied with Senator Bennett.
3. Mormons Versus Democrats: I think the battles between secular and spiritual are best resolved in our own hearts. Each person needs to make his peace with his religion and his situation. I'm not sure where I'm going with this one except to say that I think Mormon Democrats emphasize different aspects of Christianity and constitutional ideals. In a way, they are more about equality (Jefferson) whereas their counterparts emphasize freedom (Adams). Both parties have elitist tendencies, especially when they are in control for very long. Democratic leaders and their sponsoring groupies can become more equal than others. Republicans and their contributors sometimes seem to have more freedom than others.
4. Political Naivete: I am naive and not nearly as passionate as you think. I guess that stems from not knowing the answers. I am an idealist when it comes to human nature. I choose to believe that people will do the right thing until they have proven otherwise.
5. Converting Mormons to the Democrats: I think most faithful Mormons are a combination of democratic and republican values. I think the Republican Party has packaged itself better in Utah and has assumed the role of The Only True Party. But the GOP, as in Hegel's dialectic, is sowing the seeds of its decline. Power corrupts. It's inevitable. The GOP will lose its "Mandate of Heaven" and I can only hope there will be enough ethically-grounded statesmen among the Democrats, particularly on the national level, to keep the ship of state afloat.
6. Conclusion: I've been active in both political parties. I'm a registered Republican. I can attend the caucus meetings and the conventions of both parties. I couldn't do so if I were a registered Democrat. I'm sure if the Democrats were in power that they might make similar rules. But before any party affiliation, I am an American. I'm grateful for this and other mediums in a country where freedom of expression is valued.
I'm sure you were not threatened or offended by my original posting (you seem very secure and self-assured) because no offense was intended. The same goes for this response. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me, especially with such eloquence and insight.
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