Fighting for survival in the belly of the beast -

  American Thinker   "Did you ever feel that the two major political parties are involved in a personal vendetta, similar to turf wars between organized crime syndicates?  Republicans and Democrats seem to be fighting their own private wars, mostly to gain political points for each party, while the masses of people they supposedly represent are merely insignificant pawns in a power-hungry chess game between omnipotent oligarchs.  Keep in mind that those elected officials almost never disagree with the party-line policies they embraced when running for office.  That's because they want support when it comes time for their reelection.  Therefore, even if Congressman A has changed his mind on a policy being promoted by his party, he is reluctant to oppose it, even if it may be detrimental to the country.

"That's how political parties keep their members in line.  You're one of them until your opinion changes on an issue they advocate.  What does that do to the independent-minded leader who used to reason things out and make his own decisions?  He either falls in line or suddenly sees his future in politics ebbing.  Maybe he thinks it's morally perverse to allow transgender drag shows for children.  However, if his party has the strong backing of radicals who are in favor of such an abomination, does he go against his deeply held convictions by agreeing with them?

"Is an influential position so important that it will change a good man into an evil one?  Such moral dilemmas are integrity tests that we face as a nation.  If a leader from an opposing party submits an idea that would benefit most Americans, should it be rejected on the grounds that your party didn't come up with it first?  There was a time when bipartisan agreement could be reached on some of the important issues up for debate.  Not anymore!  This is especially true if it's an issue supported by former president Donald Trump.  Whether you're a fan of Trump or not, if you're honest, you must agree that he had many important accomplishments during his first term." . . .