Vote straight R? Tell Us Why?

     While everyone is certainly entitled to supply their opinion to the masses, some are better instated than others.  These well sounded opinions can be seen as well-grounded arguments offering an informed view; those lacking in quality are brushed to the side as an un-educated rants.  David Jennings’ article, “Early voting starts today in Texas – vote straight R,” posted in Big Jolly Politics, is an attempt to persuade voters to lean right as they head to the polls this year.
   
      Jennings clearly establishes his conservative view point as he wishes to end the “four year nightmare known as the Obama administration,” with this year’s elections.  There are many individuals, especially Texans, looking to do their part to return power to Republicans on the national level and need no push, rhyme, or reason to do so.  However, many other (presumably more educated) voters would prefer to see some substantiating evidence before making any such decision.  Critical details as to why the Obama administration has been a “four year nightmare” are completely lacking.  Jennings presents no statistics, numbers, or failures of the Obama administration that are required to effectively sway the voting mass.  Even a simple sentence regarding an issue, such as the current unemployment level, would provide Jennings a foothold for his audience to get on.  The argument against the current administration lack logical persuasion, relying solely on ethos present in Jennings’ audience.
   
     On the other end is the argument in favor of voting Republican.  Jennings makes an attempt to back the Republican effort by stating Texas’ economy has thrived under conservative control.  Once again, however, there are no numbers or anecdotal examples supporting this claimed success.  Heavy reliance is placed on the emotions of the reader, using phrases such as “winning team” to create a positive psychological attachment to the Republican party.

     Jennings further attempts to distract his readers from the lack of empirical data by placing focus on the inability of the standard voter to make an informed decision on every elected position.  It is, undeniably, difficult for the average voter to be well versed in every candidate’s campaign, but resources are available to more quickly inform constituents on candidates primary philosophies and general stand point on issues.  The ability and willingness of individuals to take action in order to submit an informed vote should never be underestimated.

     Jennings does do the audience the favor of listing dates and times for voting as well as providing a link for voting locations; all critical information to the voting populous.  In general though, it seems Jennings is simply pushing for Republican votes without providing a firm argument in his favor.
 
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Publically Elected Equates to Publically Open

     When constituents elect an official to office, it is assumed that individual has been selected due to their ability to best represent their people.  With this implication comes the expectancy of the elected officials to be honest and open in all that they do.  One can not expect to be elected and then conduct business behind closed doors.  Results of such action are many, few of which are for the better.  Certainly, there are certain issues that are best kept out of public ear shot; military funding being a good example.  With that said, more often than not it is in the best interest of the officials and the public to maintain open doors on a given issue.

Even at the municipal level elected officials have a level of power that much succeeds that of the average citizen.  Decisions they make can heavily influence business, criminal law, and even reach the federal level when issues escalate to the level of the Supreme Court.  For example; if officials meet in private to discuss the acquisition of land to create a new landfill, those that own the surrounding land are sure to be effected in their decision.  By ensuring that elected officials must present these topics to the public produces the opportunity for those with owning this theoretical land to object and make an effort to maintain their property value or receive proper compensation from the government.   

       Six years ago fifteen Texas officials were convicted of conducting business in private, and attempted to evade charges stating that it was a violation of the First Amendment to force covered issues to be available to the public.  The case made its way to the Supreme Court where the argument of the officials was said to be "nonsensical."  I, along with the article from the Houston Chronicle, agree with this decision.  It is absurd to believe that it is an infringement on anyone's First Amendment's rights to make any communication public.  Following the intent of the First Amendment leads one to believe that, if anything, it pushes for openness in government meetings.  Of further distraught to all should be the fact that, being public officials, taxpayers have been footing the bill for this case for the past six years.  The Houston Chronicle has done an excellent job in bringing this issue into the public's eye and properly addressing it.

    It appears the threat of a $500 fine and six weeks imprisonment is not enough to prevent officials from attempting to meet in private and govern Texas.  It is now on the shoulders of the constituents to take action against closed door politics by looking for some honest officials in future elections, and much credit is due to the Houston Chronicle for bringing such travesty to the attention of all.         

Read the original article here.