How do you remain critical and be affiliated at the same time? I don’t think you can but it is an appropriate thing to contemplate as we celebrate the birth of the nation. Regardless of political affiliation, today is a day that can be politics free if the focus is on the revolutionary spirit and the idea on which this country was formed–a new type of government in the modern world with no monarchies or religious influence. We can leave behind how far we have moved away from those ideals in the this difficult era of conservative Christian over-influence and think about pioneering individuals with visions of a new society that had a bit more unity in politics that we do today.

I feel that far too often the average American makes decisions based on a party or “leaning” orientation, rather than on the merits or demerits of the issue itself. Rather than critically thinking about immigration or tax hikes or budgetary items, the instinct is to go with the majority of those with whom one generally agrees. Specially, if I identify as a liberal, I make decisions based on the “liberal” point of view or am more swayed by those arguments. (By liberal, I am using the modern association with the term, not the historic). Likewise the other way round.

I find myself defending my position on issues sometimes because I choose not to get caught up in partisan views. I would rather contemplate the issue and have a careful ignorance of pundits and politicians so that their views are fresh to me. I like to hear balanced arguments (e.g., one for immigration laws and one against). So, sometimes my critical review of the issue finds me at odds with the group towards whom I generally orient.

A friend was telling me that a former interest in politics and activism in certain areas started pushing her thinking and decisions toward a particular interest group/political party. She found it increasingly hard to separate the party from the issues. She ended up leaving behind a potential career in political science to regain her perspective. I found this interesting because I was unsure if my approach to politics was misinformed, immature, or otherwise ignorant. It may be, of course, but I felt a certain amount of validation from my friend’s experience.

I wish everyone would weigh a variety of arguments around an issue, separating as much as possible the fact from partisan projection in order to arrive at a point where a critical assessment of the issue is possible. This would truly be an informed opinion. The hardest part for most would be to take the chance that the final decision might be at odds with one’s normal affiliation.

It isn’t always possible to make a clear decision. I find myself having this problem with the immigration bill that Bush proposed. I see many sides of the argument and while I tend toward opposing it, I do see the value of dealing with the illegal immigrants we currently have in the country who are working hard and contributing to the economy. I worry though that the end result is to institutionalize the exploitation of guest workers. I also worry that an immediate amnesty and residency would be hypocritical and violate the rights of those waiting to enter the country legally (let alone increase the potential for illegal immigration). I think it might create more problems than it would solve the current ones. I only raise the issue because I recently was told that my leanings away from the bill were ‘conservative’ or right wing.

And, that label on my opinion is what worries me. A label on any opinion worries me because humans are social and susceptible because we want to be liked and have a sense of belonging. Part of identity is a political orientation. Once a label is placed on something that conflicts with one’s sense of self and community, it is hard to separate the label from the issue. While I know that some people are always hard right or hard left on all issues, others may be more variable depending on whether the issue is social problems, civil rights, gun control, abortion, and so on.

I don’t like being accused of having an affiliation or orientation when I have carefully considered something free from partisan politics (as free as anything gets). Maybe it is the ignorance of a non-politico and if I were more involved in political blogs and the like, the more my views would be shaped and matured. Then again, in this regard, I think I am happy enough being unshaped, even if I find myself at odds with those close to me from time. to time.