Published: November 07, 2009 11:03 pm         

FLASHPOINT: Independent voice needed to bridge gap between parties

A wise man once warned, “The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.”

— George Washington, Founding Father, USA



Washington despised the idea of political associations, formed in such a way as to pit one group of citizens against another (i.e. Democrat vs. Republican).

As he neared his resignation, George Washington wrote a letter to the nation. He warned of the danger of political parties and how they would turn the government from a group of independent, free, people interested in their nation’s future, to a rambling mob of power hungry professional politicians. In short, he opposed political parties because of their potential to bring harm and even destruction.

Each person in this county, state and country, as a natural born citizen, is an American. Yet, I am grieved to see the inability to separate party affiliations in friendships, work places, church memberships and other relations. It seems we have forgotten that each person is a fellow citizen and instead, associate one another as Republican or Democrat. I have repeatedly witnessed people getting along in a healthy, happy relationship until there is a mention of political preference. Then a subtle distrust begins to permeate the relationship and people begin to view one another with contempt. Friends, this should not be.

I have talked to several people on both sides of the fence regarding political affiliations, and it disturbs me to see families, friends and neighbors pitted against one another because of the person they voted for. Voting is a right, a privilege and a private treaty, which should be respected by all. I, myself, am a product of this divisive repression Washington wrote about, based on my previous primary vote. In lieu of my desire to run a transparent candidacy, for which I can be proud to walk with integrity before the District 8 constituents, I choose to share this private information … that having voted for Clinton in May and McCain in November of ‘08, (in a state where Indiana law does not permit a person to indicate their party affiliation, if any, as part of their registration record) … I am being disallowed to run on a mainstream party ticket. This is to me, a poor depiction of the freedom of intimate and expressive associations our First Amendment of the constitution lends to each American. Technically, my vote is not private, nor free. However, in hindsight, I see this as a great opportunity and a situation that may turn out for the best, rather than the worst. Having family, friends, and acquaintances in both political mainstream parties, I see the ability to reach each sect as a repairer of the breach; a breach that has been caused by years of polarizing arguments and corrupted agendas. Regardless of party affiliation, all elected officials should be representing the citizens of America, instead of the affiliated party, which is exactly the goal set before me … to be a voice for all people and to return the ownership of government to the people.

The federal government has evolved into a game of chess with carefully manipulated and calculated moves taking place. Sadly, the American people are the ones caught in check as elected officials ignore the voice of We The People in order to pursue the best strategic move in winning their party’s “game.” There are good officials and bad officials on both sides, but most all officials have lost touch with the reality that they are to be servants to the people and reflective voice in government, not lone vigilantes. We, Americans, should work toward the good of the nation, not a particular party’s platform.

In view of these disturbing facts, I have elected to run Independent with an objective hope of bridging the gap that divides Republicans and Democrats, in an effort to unite District 8 under the voice of We The People, not the voice of, We the Democrats, or, We the Republicans. My desire is to give District 8 a candidate who cares for the people, is concerned for the people’s future, and who is willing to be a spokeswoman on behalf of all the people in the District 8 counties. Washington needs to hear our voice.

Friends and family have asked me, “How can you run, it takes millions of dollars?”

To which I reply, “No, it only takes millions of dollars if you are not willing to get out amongst the people, if you don’t want to take time to talk to people on the phone and if you want to rely solely on TV and newspaper ads.” I cannot justify accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in order to convince you to vote for me, while people are struggling with layoffs, heating bills or feeding their families. I will campaign the old-fashioned way, hand-to-hand and door-to-door. While it will take some funding, I do not believe it takes the projected estimations. In addition, when I am elected, you can rest assured that a great deal of the money allotted to the position of representative will be coming back into District 8. That is a personal promise because I am not in this for myself; I am in this race for the future of Hoosiers and the American people abroad.

All District 8 Hoosiers (Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or independent) deserve a fair and equal representation in Washington, a goal I am devoted to.

— Kristi Risk

Spencer