Welcome to the Baskin Robbins of government

What flavor of tyranny would you like today?

Most people in America think of politics much like young children think of ice cream in sort of a vanilla vs. chocolate sort of way. If you consider kids, they typically either love vanilla and hate chocolate, or vice versa. There are some who will eat either, but they definitely have a preference. Likewise, Americans typically either love Democrat politicians and hate Republicans, or the converse is true. Some might occasionally cross lines when they vote, but most stick with their favorite flavor.

What is interesting with the different flavors is that the competition between the two provides companies opportunity to sell more ice cream. Sure, each company advertises their flavor as the best; then it’s up to the consumer to choose. Politics is much the same. The Democrat party sells their platform as caring for the middle class, protecting people’s “rights,” and preserving the planet, often at the expense of those evil rich men running large, evil corporations and making their money off the backs of the people. The Republicans position themselves as the ones who value personal liberty (to an extent), who want to conserve the Constitution, and are in favor of smaller government. Despite these drastically differing positions, the outcome of either seems to be more government control. This is why I analogize this to vanilla ice cream vs chocolate.

When people eat ice cream, they see the differences in color and taste the difference in flavor, but rarely do they consider the ingredients. Vanilla has vanilla extract or vanilla bean which has a fragrant, somewhat flowery aroma and delicate flavor, while chocolate contains cacao giving it a rich, dark color and taste. However, at their core, they are both made from milk, cream, and sugar. Aside from some vegan or allergy-free alternatives, this is true of all flavors of ice cream: rum raisin, pistachio, coffee, and what have you. Like the 31 flavors that Baskin Robbins serves, they may have different colorings, fruits, nuts, and other additional ingredients, but they all share the same base. Just like politicians. Even those within the parties, may have their own particular policy preferences, but they remain the same beneath the surface.

Think about the promises each of the parties makes. The Democrats pretty much promise more government, and more government is what you get. They are fairly overt in their policy perspective. Government knows best, and they want to make your decisions for you. Of course, they also make other promises that they have neither intention nor ability to keep, similar to the way some ice cream appears. But contrary to so many claims by “conservatives” when speaking of the Republican party, the GOP really does not differ greatly. They promise smaller government, but when is the last time Republicans did anything to reduce the bureaucracy? Even when they hold the majority in both the House and Senate, the Republicans rarely live up to their advertising claims.

You may end up with a tax break, perhaps a period of improved economy, maybe even have some of your constitutionally-protected rights spared for a short time, but they rarely have much impact on the status quo. It’s almost as if they prefer to hold the minority position so they can blame the Democrats for the way things are and use the status quo as a campaign tool. Then when they have the majority, they capitulate to the Democrats’ demands on many policies and refuse to take actions that they previously promised (think about their vows to undo the Affordable Care Act).

The fact is, there is little difference between the two major parties. Why? Do you think Republicans in Congress don’t reap any of the same non-salary financial benefits as Democrats? Do you think they really want to shrink government or do more to protect your rights than the Democrats? Sure, there is the occasional representative who will take more of a stand than the typical milquetoast Republican, but they are rarely effective except in making a show or potentially exposing some of the underbelly of the beast. Otherwise, government continues to grow, and Republicans approve just as much spending and other unconstitutional activity as Democrats.

Don’t get me wrong, in general the Republicans are not as overtly evil (yes, evil - I’m not talking about most rank and file voters, I’m talking about the party and elected officials) as the Democrats, but the majority of them are evil nonetheless. It seems to be a product of politics, or at least, a symptom of those who seek a lifelong career in politics. Whether it is that politics attracts a particular type of personality, or being involved in politics produces changes in those people, anyone making a career of politics tends to become corrupted. Thus, regardless of the party who holds the majority, we end up suffering under some form of tyranny, whether the obsessively controlling tyranny of the left, or the soft tyranny of the right.

Regardless of which party wins us over at election time, our rights continue to be trampled further under foot. Daily they chip away at our freedom of speech, freedom to exercise our religion, our right to keep and bear arms, our right to the fruits of our own labor, our right to decide what goes into our bodies, our freedom of movement, and for what? To enrich themselves, to perpetuate their own position and power. C’mon man, when is enough enough? Mitch, Nancy, Dianne…it’s time to retire! But they won’t, because they believe it is their right, their duty, to rule over you.

There is a problem, however, with seeking out another flavor of ice cream. Even when a new grassroots flavor springs up, like rocky road or mint chocolate chip, it either soon becomes just as paltry as the rest, or those who might prefer a new taste are cajoled into selecting vanilla or chocolate as if the others don’t exist, because everyone else is already so addicted to these two options. The Tea Party and the Libertarian Party are two delectable examples.

Flavors aside, everyone knows that a child cannot eat ice cream all the time. It is both unwise and unhealthy to do so. Having it once in a while for dessert is ok, but constantly feasting on it will lead to demise. It is sweet, and creamy, and very enjoyable, but it is also fattening and lacks nutritional value. Unfortunately, this is how most people vote. They have their preferred flavor, and they want that sugar high that they expect from voting for those who promise much; but those who promise much usually deliver little. It’s time for us to set aside dessert and have a steak (sorry vegans, not sorry), something that stands to nourish us and vote for people of substance regardless of party. This continued gorging on empty promises is making our country sicker by the day; we need to discard our favorite flavor of ice cream and instead dine on some meat and vegetables, not including the one currently occupying the oval office.