Last Friday, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel refused to order the Texas Democratic Party to put Dennis Kucinich on it's primary ballot. The judge said even though the Democrat's loyalty oath was "inartfully worded", the courts should intefere with party rules only very sparingly. Kucinich was denied a place on the ballot because he refused to sign a loyalty oath.
Although I think Kucinich should be put on the primary ballot, I pretty much agree with the judge's decision. I don't think it would be a good thing for judges to start writing party rules. Party rules (regardless of which party) should be made by party members.
But regardless of the judge's decision, Kucinich should be on the Texas primary ballot. Why does the party have a loyalty oath anyway? When I think of a loyalty oath, it brings to mind such undemocratic figures as George Bush, Adolph Hitler and Joe McCarthy -- people to whom loyalty was more important than democratic ideals.
The Democratic Party that I know and love has always prided itself on believing in democracy, equality and fairness. When they fight for these beliefs, they can get the support they need with any oaths. When they don't, no kind of oath will help.
The state party should do whatever they need to do to get rid of this archaic and useless loyalty oath. Call the state committee men and women together and vote this oath out of existence. Then put Kucinich on the ballot, and let the party voters get on with the job of picking a candidate.
A primary is not supposed to be where party leaders decide who's a "good" Democrat and who's not. It's supposed to be held to determine who the voting party members want as a candidate.
It's time for the Texas Democratic Party to live up to its ideals.
Why does the party have a loyalty oath anyway?
ReplyDeleteMy guess would be to avoid giving candidates access to media exposure on the party's dime in order to later launch a third-party bid, thereby taking votes away from the party's nominee.
There are some people who believe that Ron Paul may do just that, despite his protests to the contrary. A third-party run by Dr. Paul certainly wouldn't be unprecedented; he was the Libertarian Party presidential nominee in 1988.
Regarding Dennis Kucinich, there are even some rumors that if Paul goes third-party, Kucinich might be his vice-presidential running mate in what would be the strongest anti-war ticket, taking more votes away from the Democrats than the Republicans.
I know this is all very speculative, but it seems to me that loyalty oaths are about "goin' home with the one what's brung you to the dance."
I can't imagine Kucinich joining up with such a kook, considering that Kucinich does believe that government can work for the people.
ReplyDeleteI was never involved in the party when I was in Texas. I just voted in the primaries. I am not sure how someone gets into the party there as an activist.
People complain about the caucus system, but it does give voice to the people who want to be active within the party even if they don't have the money and the power that seems to be necessary in other states. It is from the caucuses that reforms such as removing loyalty oaths start, at least here in Minnesota. In order to participate in the caucuses a person needs to swear that they agree with the general principles of the party. But, we are basically taking their word for it, there is no further "vetting."
National De-Lurking Week, so I just wanted to say "Hi." Also, congratulatios to a fellow new inductee to the blogroll at "Mike the Mad Biologist."
I am just curious if the candidate is required to sign a loyalty oath to the Texas State Democratic Party or to the DNC in order to get on the primary ballot?
Hi Mike-
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by. I agree that I don't see Kucinich as a third party candidate - especially with Paul.
You don't have to do anything except vote in the primary and be willing to volunteer to work for the party here in Texas. If you're willing to work, then you'rea party activist.
I dropped by your blog. I especially liked your choice of a number one album. I am also a big fan of John Prine.