Not Another Party Puppet

By Chad M. Condit

I became an independent because my party left me. I became an independent because I saw from the inside how corrosive partisanship has become. I became an independent because both parties treat voters with contempt and treat corporate bosses, labor bosses, and party bosses with mindless deference.

But, the paper got one thing right: the race for Congress is a three-way race. In 2010 I worked to help bring the new open primary to California because the open primary brings to every voter the freedom to vote for any candidate regardless of party.

Obviously, I respectfully disagree with the paper's unusual decision to endorse two politicians with totally opposite positions on almost every issue. But, I am pleased that the Bee disclosed its motive:

"We want to see a November election with a clear choice."

This way of looking at politics is precisely what is wrong with our country. Dumbing down every issue to "Red" vs. "Blue" has turned Washington into a bitter partisan debating society.

Government should be serious business. It is not enough for those at the table to have strong ideas. They also have to listen well enough to understand what other peoples' ideas are, and skilled enough to bring people from "contrasting viewpoints" together.

Washington has a surplus of smart, partisan politicians who can debate until the cows come home. Picking another partisan Republican or partisan Democrat will make no difference whatsoever.

The Bee might prefer the "choice" of extreme partisans, but our valley and our country loses.

I became an independent because my party left me. I became an independent because I saw from the inside how corrosive partisanship has become. I became an independent because both parties treat voters with contempt and treat corporate bosses, labor bosses, and party bosses with mindless deference.

For those of you who are tired of the game and want some real contrast after the election, I hope you will consider voting for Chad Condit, Independent.