Most people that I meet have not figured out why our two party's in our current Political System can't get along. It is my hope to give some insight to why there are differences:
Republicanism -In political theory and philosophy, the term ‘republicanism’ is generally used in two different, but closely related, senses. In the first sense, republicanism refers to a loose tradition or family of writers in the history of western political thought, including especially: Machiavelli and his fifteenth-century Italian predecessors; the English republicans Milton, Harrington, Sidney, and others; Montesquieu and Blackstone; the eighteenth-century English commonwealth-men; and many Americans of the founding era such as Jefferson and Madison. The writers in this tradition emphasize many common ideas and concerns, such as the importance of civic virtue and political participation, the dangers of corruption, the benefits of a mixed constitution and the rule of law, etc.; and it is characteristic of their rhetorical style to draw heavily on classical examples—from Cicero and the Latin historians especially—in presenting their arguments. (In light of the last point, this is sometimes referred to as the ‘classical republican’ or ‘neo-roman’ tradition in political thought.)
Republican Economic Theory is based on "Classical Economic Theory" introduced by Adam Smith. This theory is based on the premise that free markets can regulate themselves if left alone, free of any human intervention. Theologically I believe this view is advanced by
Arminianism. This view holds that men, governments, and systems are guided by libertarian free will. This means that our choices are free from the determination or constraints of human nature and free from any predetermination by God. All "free will theists" hold that libertarian freedom is essential for moral responsibility, for if our choice is determined or caused by anything, including our own desires, they reason, it cannot properly be called a free choice. Thus, Free markets can regulate themselves because people can self regulate themselves.
Democratic Values-The democratic party is built around the idea – the philosophical principle – that citizens should be called upon to look beyond their own self-interest and work for a greater common interest. This, historically, is the moral basis of liberal governance – not justice, not equality, not rights, not diversity, not government, and not even prosperity or opportunity. Liberal governance is about demanding of citizens that they balance self-interest with common interest.
Democratic Economic Theory is based on Keynesian economics which advocates a strong mixed economy - predominately private sector, but with a moderate role of government and public sector - and served as the economic model during the later part of the Great Depressian, World War II, and the postwar economic expansion (1945-1973) though it has lost some influence following the stagflation of the 1970's. The advent of the global financial crisis in 2007 has caused a resurgence in Keynesian thought. The basic premise of this theory is that an active government intervention in the marketplace and monetary policy is the best method of ensuring economic growth and stability. I believe that this theory is based in the Theological view advanced in Calvinism's view on the total depravity of humanity.
No longer can our American christians just sit around like "political pundits" choosing candidates based on popularity, government programs or views on church/state issues. If thinking Christians spent time understanding their own theological heritages and the philosophical under pinnings of our country's values we might have a fighting chance to revitalize our political system. I am of the opinion that the Theological views of the Western Church have taken us to new heights of polarization in our political and religious cultures.
My Question as a result of the failure of the two sides to work together - "Is There A Third Way?"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_Party_(United_States)
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