-Don Boys, Ph.D.
We are about to see a political tsunami hit on Nov. 2 that will change the political scene for a century as fed-up citizens rush to the polls to express their fear, anxiety, even hatred for a bunch of politicians who never should have been elected in the first place. For too long we have needed a House-cleaning as well as a Senate-cleaning.
Yes, a sweeping change is coming and that’s the good news, but there is also bad news.
The newly elected politicians should keep in mind that their enemy might not be the other party or liberals, or lobbyists, but the party hacks in the back room that run their own party. Some observers have expressed surprise that the Republican Party has refused to support (or given only token support) to Tea Party newcomers. After all, they went through the primary elections, and won so let’s beat the other guys; however, it is more complicated than that–even Machiavellian.
Those lifetime political hacks would rather see a young newcomer lose to the other party than get elected and keep all his or her campaign promises especially if he or she is independent-minded. Both parties run from principled office holders like Dracula ran from the sunlight. So, Republican hacks would prefer to see a Democrat win in November than have a principled Republican that they cannot control in the state house or in Washington. Many party hacks are aghast that someone would seriously consider keeping all his or her campaign promises! Moreover, they detest a politician who is independent as a hog on ice and could care less about being reelected.
For those genuine conservatives who are elected Nov. 2, they must be careful when they get into office and always watch their backs even when they are with their own crowd. Remember a good “friend” knifed Julius Caesar. Those party leaders are forced by circumstances to put up with the good guys but will dump them if possible at the next turn of the election wheel.
Moreover, citizens must understand that politicians cannot be trusted. Many get elected, move to Washington, and immediately turn left abandoning their strongly spouted “conservative” principles. That is because almost everyone has a price. Sometimes it is money or sex, sometimes it is power, and with others it is to curry favor with the “right” crowd and sometimes it is fear of enemies. Moreover, when the right person offers (or threatens) the right incentive, the new politician caves. Such people must become one-termers. If a “conservative” starts “reaching across the aisle” or is always fearful of gridlock then his constitutes should overwhelm him at his next appearance in the district or before. Then start working on getting another newcomer elected next time, one who does not have a price.
When I was elected as a Reagan Republican to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1976, I made it clear in my first floor speech that I would not automatically, zombie-like, vote with the Republicans or in a knee-jerk reaction, vote against the Democrats. Republican leadership disliked me almost as much as much as the Democrats did. I did not like being disliked and shunned, but I expected it.
Before every vote, I asked myself, “Is this bill constitutional?” “Will it expand government?” “What will it cost and can we afford it?” “If this bill is needed, do we need it now?” “How will this purposed new law affect families?” I promised not to see how many bills I could get passed but how many bad ones I could defeat.
People often are elected to office by comparing DC to a “cesspool” but they end up thinking it is a hot tub. It is easy to forget promises and principles when in the seat of power and position. Before I won the primary, I promised myself, my supporters, and God that my election would not change me. I tried to remember my roots: that of growing up on a WV creek bank in a four-room log cabin with no in-door plumbing. That has a tendency to keep one aware of his commonness.
One can quickly get to like the special treatment from many sources who are too impressed with power and position. I could not be arrested except for a few offenses. Police officers double-parked me in downtown Indianapolis while I had a news conference or spoke to the various political clubs that met “on the circle.”
My wife enjoyed the visits to the Governor’s mansion for social and cultural events with other wives. Moreover, it was a good time to witness to others, without being a bore, about the Christian life. I liked being known as “the most conservative member of the General Assembly,” but always keeping my roots in mind. I also liked having a large group of media at my news conferences where I answered questions regarding my very controversial legislation: creation in the public schools; reinstating sodomy laws; death penalty; expunging the ERA, etc.
We are all privileged be part of a major shift in American politics—state and national. We must not fail to stand true. The time of sunshine patriots is long past, and it’s time for principled people to take control and dump the bad guys and gals—of both parties.
Remember the truth floating around; politicians are like baby diapers that need to be changed from time to time—for the same reason!
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Dr. Don Boys is a former member of the Indiana House of Representatives, author of 13 books, frequent guest on television and radio talk shows, and wrote columns for USA Today for 8 years His most recent book is ISLAM: America’s Trojan Horse! His websites are www.cstnews.com and www.Muslimfact.com.)
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