The Real Difference Between the Parties: Part 1

Most would automatically assume that the difference between the Republicans and Democrats is ideology. Once upon a time, it was. Yes, there are still ideological differences, but these have been substantially blurred of late. It's becoming more and more difficult to understand what either party stands for anymore. Yes, there remain some recognizable traits, but the whole picture seems out of focus...or has a lack of same.

But that's not tonight's topic. That will be in part 2 of this series.

Then it must be about Liberal versus Conservative. But no, it's not that either which will be covered in part 3.

It also isn't philosophical as in Capitalist or Socialist. That will be in part 4.

It's semantics. One party wants to Govern while the other wants to Rule. One party is about Policy, the other Politics. One believes that it works for the People, the other thinks the people should work for it. For free. And with no benefits. But I digress.

The Governing Party has a legislative agenda, a series of laws and programs that benefit the People that it serves. It is willing to debate these ideas, and respond more effectively to the will of the People by believing polls that ask the People lots of questions while they're trying to eat dinner. But, still, they work from the heart out of concern and compassion.

The Ruling Party has a schematic agenda, a series of technical steps to regain and retain Power. Even when they are not in Power in actual numbers, they control the flow of legislation by creating a system by which they can delay or destroy any legislation the Governing Party presents. They allow some of the Governing Party's legislation through the process, then demonize it to the People. The Ruling Party compromises as long as it is exactly what they want and if it isn't, everyone else is being uncooperative. They work from the brain and the wallet out of greed and avarice.

The Governing Party believes that the People will tell them what collectively it thinks is in their own best interest ,and therefore the interest of others. It was what French writer Alexis de Cocqueville called Enlightened Self-Interest, the idea that what is good for the individual is equally good for the group. It was very popular when you could still trade a chicken for what passed as health care. (Hi Sue Louden!)

The Ruling Party believes that the People will do as they're told. This is accomplished by inspiring mistrust among the People towards each other, a distraction tactic, which allows them the cover they need to destroy what's left of our democracy and position themselves to Rule forever.

The Governing Party is about Policy. The Ruling Party is about Politics. I think we know which one we should all want. I also think that we all know which one we're gonna get... we'll get the one we deserve, to be determined by our determination to get the one we want.

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