Politics or principles – a simple choice

After being quite heavily involved in local DA politics prior to the 2009 general elections, and at various other times in my life, I have recently taken the decision to withdraw from active involvement in political parties. This article lays out the reasons clearly on paper for my own satisfaction, both to assure myself that I have made the right decision, and to save me making the wrong decision again in the future.

Reasons

1. I am a libertarian, not a politician.

I have adopted, and contributed to, the philosophy of libertarianism, since 1985. I am active in libertarian circles, maintaining the main contact database, running the website, organiser of many past conferences and meetings. Libertarians seek to minimise the role of government in civil society, confining government to just 3 roles – internal defence, external defence, and the judiciary. I am in fundamental philosophical conflict with most of the positions held by most politicians, including DA politicians.

I accept that the Libertarian position is impractical in the current SA, and utopian.

I disagree with some fundamental aspects of DA policy, such as their position on right to life, taxation, economic policy, democratic process.

2. Politics divides local communities, rather than uniting them

I am more interested in contributing to my local community than in attaining power and influence within it. I understand that South Africa is very badly managed by the ANC incumbents, and that a DA victories in the local elections would be the best thing for the country. However, political differences appear to make useful cooperation at many levels difficult.

Many useful initiatives do not depend on politics – religious charities, sports, neighbourhood watches, community organisations, and, in theory, ward committees.

3. Much of the DA membership consists of ex-National Party supporters.

Although I can’t be certain, many DA members do not appear to be long time supporters of the DA/DP/PFP/PP brand. Opinions expressed in discussions and at meetings tend to be quite conservative. Although definitely not for all, I believe that for many the DA is merely a flag of convenience.

I have spent most of my adult life actively campaigning against the tragedies perpetrated by the National Party on South Africa. I regard the party, its policies and its supporters as negative. I would rather continue to live with the narrow-minded, racist, socialist bigots in the ANC, than return to a country run by the narrow-minded, racist, socialist bigots in the National party.

4. Effective use of my energies

Working for a political party involves a lot of hard graft of only dubious value to the local community. Door-to-door canvassing of the already converted, erecting posters with dubious impact, carefully ignoring the real issues to avoid causing offence – this is not what I want to do.

Using sport to bridge social gaps. Directly addressing the problem of crime. Dealing with the real issues in our marginal communities. This is how I prefer to spend my energy.

Politics is no place for a man of principle.