TWO FACED TIMSubmitted to Shelton Blog by Tom Davis Mason County Progressive
As a long-time member of the "independent party", I choose to forge my political opinions around the merits of an issue, rather than blindly follow any party line. But even the most independent of thinkers would think twice before turning against their own party.
By joining with Republicans in an arcane “Ninth Order” process aimed at hijacking Senate control from Democrats, Senator Tim Sheldon, a registered Democrat, may have stepped off a political cliff and dragged the entire 35th District along with him. To be clear, there’s a world of difference between reaching across party lines to work with the “other side”, and joining in an attack against your own side.
If Sheldon seeks to take advantage of the current political winds, he should declare himself for what his actions indicate: not a “maverick” Democrat, but as an Independent, unencumbered by party loyalty.
That’s not to say Sheldon has no loyalties -- a laundry list of corporate supporters attests to his unwavering allegiance to special interests. Unfortunately, those loyalties do little to benefit the ordinary citizen.
I would argue that Sheldon’s recent behavior may not be what voters in the 35th District had in mind when they sent him to Olympia. Indeed, in the eyes of the body politic, it is reasonable to assume some will look unfavorably when the time comes to award grants or create public sector jobs. So the question begs: was it wise to build an economy so dependent on government largess, and then gamble away all your political good will on a single capricious act? Time will tell.
One thing is for certain: by engaging in high fashion antics against his own party, Tim Sheldon has put the economic future of the 35th District at risk.
And the timing couldn’t be worse.
Graphic: clipart.com
As a long-time member of the "independent party", I choose to forge my political opinions around the merits of an issue, rather than blindly follow any party line. But even the most independent of thinkers would think twice before turning against their own party.
By joining with Republicans in an arcane “Ninth Order” process aimed at hijacking Senate control from Democrats, Senator Tim Sheldon, a registered Democrat, may have stepped off a political cliff and dragged the entire 35th District along with him. To be clear, there’s a world of difference between reaching across party lines to work with the “other side”, and joining in an attack against your own side.
If Sheldon seeks to take advantage of the current political winds, he should declare himself for what his actions indicate: not a “maverick” Democrat, but as an Independent, unencumbered by party loyalty.
That’s not to say Sheldon has no loyalties -- a laundry list of corporate supporters attests to his unwavering allegiance to special interests. Unfortunately, those loyalties do little to benefit the ordinary citizen.
I would argue that Sheldon’s recent behavior may not be what voters in the 35th District had in mind when they sent him to Olympia. Indeed, in the eyes of the body politic, it is reasonable to assume some will look unfavorably when the time comes to award grants or create public sector jobs. So the question begs: was it wise to build an economy so dependent on government largess, and then gamble away all your political good will on a single capricious act? Time will tell.
One thing is for certain: by engaging in high fashion antics against his own party, Tim Sheldon has put the economic future of the 35th District at risk.
And the timing couldn’t be worse.
Graphic: clipart.com
Tim Sheldon for Congress: The candidate who defies labeling!
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