The groupthink that is the modus operandi of political parties, candidates and elected officials has to end, particularly, when the groupthink is directly related to campaign financing. I do not vote for parties; I vote for individuals. What I expect from those individuals is integrity, honesty and intelligence. Therefore, I expect the individuals to do more than just follow their crowd. In fact, I expect those elected individuals to make decisions and provide leadership that is in the best interest of the community, instead of just the best interest of their political party, campaign financiers or friends. If their votes happen to align with their party, so be it, and if they do not, so what. There are never only two options or solutions to any issue. Typically, the options debated in the public forum indicate that no imagination or serious thought has been given to any particular issue. I expect that individual thought will go into each decision, and that individuals will offer innovative solutions to problems, not just a constant rehash of the same (supposedly only) solution to the problem. And I expect that those opposing a proposal will offer creative and innovative solutions that make the populace think and debate the alternatives. Real innovative solutions would engage the public and foster more participation in public life. Isn’t that what we want?
