The Lone Reason: A Dangerous Trap

[Pacifist Patriot]

Constructive analysis is typically complex, especially in the political arena. There are no single causes for any particular outcome. No two situations are exactly alike although they may have similarities enabling a degree of comparison.

Kerry didn't lose the election because of election fraud.
Kerry didn't lose the election because he ran a terrible campaign.
Kerry didn't lose the election because more American voters are idiots.
Kerry didn't lose the election because of talented Republican operatives.
Kerry didn't lose the election because of the fundamentalist Christians.
Kerry didn't lose the election because of a pitiful response to the Swift Boat liars.


Hackett didn't lose the election because of election fraud.
Hackett didn't lose the election because he couldn't possibly have won in a Republican dominated district.
Hackett didn't lose the election because more OH2 voters are idiots.
Hackett didn't lose the election because he was too much like the Republicans.
Hackett didn't lose the election because he was too dissimilar from the Republicans.
Hackett didn't lose the election because his opponent was a lying bitch.

Kerry and Hackett lost because of a combination of these things. We must be prepared to rationally examine ALL of these reasons. Fixing a flawed election system won't make a bit of difference if we lose our message, run wishy-washy campaigns, and field weak candidates. Running kick ass candidates in slick campaigns won't make a bit of difference if we have a flawed election system with record lows in voter confidence.

I haven't even listed everything here. If we're too succeed we have to be able to multi-task, perform complex analysis, organize to coordinate and support the efforts of people who are focusing in different areas.

One person cannot tackle every single issue, but we can all certainly respect those who are putting their time, energy and resources into the area they feel the most passion. If you are not as concerned with the threat of election fraud and think the campaigns are crappy, go make your voice heard in that arena. If you think the candidates were just fine and are kept up at night by the thought of vote tampering, go advocate for fair and open elections. We can work together without tearing each other apart.

Our democracy is a work in progress, let's not vandalize the construction site.