[C. Edmund Wright]

Party over principles is a red herring. That is not the question. The article adds to the confusion by confusing single issue voters with litmus test voters, and the two concepts are different, something apparently lost in this rather poorly structured article.

The notion of candidates being able to articulate their own positions versus signing pledges designed to bring attention to specific organizations is another idea lost by this piece.

Many single issue voters are intellectually and politically incoherent and inconsistent overall. I think this article does nothing to clear this up.

[philman_36]

Party over principles is a red herring.
Could you explain why you believe it's a red herring?

That is not the question.
Then in your mind what is the question?

[loveliberty2]

Dedication to the enduring principles underlying the Declaration of Independence and U. S. Constitution are the principles by which candidates should be measured. Issues-oriented arguments are diversions.

Several years ago, James R. Evans published a list of questions which are helpful in examining current legislation and/or ideas to determine how closely the align with the founding principle of individual liberty. Perhaps that listing might be helpful here:

"1. Does this legislation or idea increase, or decrease, individual freedom and creativity?

"2. Does this legislation or idea increase, or decrease, the power of some citizens over other citizens?

"3. Does this legislation or idea recognize that the persons who will exercise the power are themselves imperfect human beings?

"4. Does this legislation or idea recognize that government is incapable of creating wealth?

"5. Does this legislation or idea authorize taking from some what belongs to them, and giving it to others to whom it does not belong?
If 'thou shalt not steal' is a valid commandment, can we assume that it is meant to apply only to individuals and not to government (which is made up of individuals), even if those persons in power pass laws which sanction such redistribution of the wealth of others?'

"6. Does this legislation or idea encourage, or discourage, the very highest level of morality and responsibility from the individual?
. . .when government makes actions 'legal' by some citizens at the expense of other citizens, the result may be behavior which would not be considered possible by individuals acting alone.

"7. Does this legislation or idea propose that the 'government' do something which the individual cannot do without committing a crime?"**

**7 principles drawn from James R. Evans book, "America's Choice," and reprinted in a Stedman Corporation (Asheboro, NC) booklet entitled "I'm Only One, What Can I Do?"

"The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time: the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them."

[Glenn]

Many single issue voters are intellectually and politically incoherent and inconsistent overall.

Thanks for your input. It tells me a great deal about you.