Who Isn't A 'Values Voter'?
By George F. Will (Thursday, May 18, 2006)
An aggressively annoying new phrase in America's political lexicon is "values voters." It is used proudly by social conservatives, and carelessly by the media to denote such conservatives. This phrase diminishes our understanding of politics. It also is arrogant on the part of social conservatives and insulting to everyone else because it implies that only social conservatives vote to advance their values and everyone else votes to . . . well, it is unclear what they supposedly think they are doing with their ballots.
While I agree with George that many people are interested in and vote their values I also recognize that many many vote their political party and let that party identify what their values are. The good news is that, I think, more voters these days are independently informed about values and have the potential to vote their values. It will be interesting to see which values we embrace when we vote next year.
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Great post! I value unborn babies. I value the sanctity of marriage. I value honest wages for the poor. I value the environment. So where does that leave me if I'm to vote for my values? (Especially if the final two candidates are both pro-abortion, a likely outcome)...
ReplyDeleteGeorge Will is an outdated crabby old poop.
ReplyDeleteIt's also arrogant for the social liberals to say that they alone value "diversity" or favor "tolerance."
I used to vote for the candidate's character. I still do, but I try and look at the fruits of their character, as measured by respect for life, which drives most legislation.
I agree with your take on diversity and about voting character TZ ... I might add respect for their marriage vows and compassion for the poor to your list.
ReplyDeleteThose ARE life issues. That is what I was trying to say.
ReplyDeleteOn that you and I agree TZ. Unfortuately many people cannot see past the abortion issue and won't vote for someone like Romney because he isn't pro-life enough.
ReplyDelete