January 14, 2008 - PPM - Flip Flop Flunkies

This week’s PET PEEVE MONDAY is about the phrase, “FLIP FLOP.”

Politicians and political pundits banter about this term any time a candidate changes their position on an issue.

Mind you, it may have been their position 35 years ago. My take is that I do not want a President, Senator, Congressman, Sheriff, or Dog Catcher that has NOT changed or evolved based upon changing conditions, new technologies, or experiences.

Those that REFUSE to CHANGE are ARROGANT AND IGNORANT.

People used to believe the World Was Flat.

Ken Olson, founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, told the World Future Society in 1977, “There is no reason for an individual to have a computer is his home.”

More recently, in 1997, 38 members of the Heaven's Gate, religious cult in San Diego, committed suicide. They were convinced that their souls could take a ride on a spaceship that they believed was hiding behind the Comet Hale Bopp, that was carrying Jesus.

How did these positions work out? I bet some people would have liked to have seen a little “FLIP FLOPPING.”

Candidates that espouse or decree that they have held a position the longest, doesn’t make them correct, it’s makes them stubborn.

I do not believe people PANDER when they CHANGE and ADAPT based upon new information.

Every Republican candidate wants to be the next Ronald Reagan. Remember, Ronald Reagan was a Democrat until 1962.

He was quoted on at least one occasion as saying "I didn't leave the Democratic Party; my party left me."

Based upon today’s rhetoric, Ronald Reagan would be branded a FLIP FLOPPER and would have NO CHANCE to be elected.