Flip Flops are Comfortable Shoes

In the modern era of political discourse, a new and heavily covered aspect of the American political theater is the notion of the change of perspective of political figures. Flip-Flopping is a new buzz word, indicating more than a change in positions. It implies, somehow, a weakness of the mind- an inconsistency in the political will of a person. To flip-flop is to not have conviction, to exhibit a lack of fortitude, a tentative heart- qualities not wanted in leadership in these states, united.

Flip-flopping, or at least the accusation of it, gives to the voter a sense of a weakness in a candidate. A portrait of double-mindedness, where the weighty decisions of the elected official are squandered, due to an inherent character flaw in the candidate.

Straight talk is what is wanted, no “waffle-ing”, plain talk, a common sense approach.

The Great Communicator, embodied by President Ronald Reagan, was revered for his ability to take complex issues and boil it down to its critical elements: Freedom, Family, Fortitude.

So now people seeking office are somewhat skeptical of the changing of minds; being seen as a political chameleon, a person with a shifting perspective. Woe to the politician that changes their position!

The emergence of the 24 hour news cycle and the constant stream of information has made it challenging to have the complete set of facts, so that a confidence level can be established quickly. Yet this same force makes it challenging to wait for the facts, as people want a responsive government,one that is better at problem solving than in years past.
Thus the dilemma- is there really change that is not a symptomatic of feeble mind?
Leadership is a funny business, as it people are evaluated by two overriding standards: Did they get it right? And did they get it right in the right way?

Sound decisions require time, and profound policy changes require time and space. These fundamental truths are pillars of the American political process and have been for some time. The rush to judgement mentality that fills the air time on cable news diminishes the movement for good public policy. It is entirely possible to deal with a set of facts one day, and get contradictory information the next.

We should reward our aspriants for political office for their preparedness, their ability to rationalize and sort through the facts, and propose solutions. And when appropriate, we should also reward them for a change in position, especially if it ultimately benefits the people of our nation. Course correction has saved this union more than once.

If the heart is in the right place, a change of mind does not equal a change of heart; lets not confuse the two in our daily banterings on the state of the nation. Flip Flops are comfortable shoes for the summer; changes in perspective in policy matters are another thing altogether.