Brilliant.

Below is an article that I believe deserves wide circulation. It is an incredibly insightful articulation of the dangers inherent to the politics of personality, which is core to the independent voter ethos. It is a strong argument for knowing your own values and understanding the true nature of the American political system in post-9/11 and pre-post-Bush America.


Against Independent Voters by Stanly Fish

We're in that season now when we hear the same things being said over and over again, and nothing is said more often by political pundits than this election (it doesn't matter which one) will be decided by independent voters. Accompanying this announcement is the judgment – sometimes implicit, sometimes explicit – that this state of affairs is to be welcomed, even encouraged: it's good that the independent voters are making themselves heard and forcing candidates to think outside their partisan boxes. And this judgment itself implies another: independent voters are better, in the sense of being more reflective and less ideological, than voters who identify themselves strongly with one or the other of the two major parties. The assumption is that if we were all independent voters, the political process would be in much better shape.

This seems to me to be a dubious proposition, especially if the word "political" in the phrase "political process" is taken seriously. Those who yearn for government without politics always invoke abstract truths and moral visions (the good life, the fair society, the just commonwealth) with which no one is likely to disagree because they have no content. But sooner rather than later someone gives these abstractions content, and when that happens, definitional disputes break out immediately, and after definitional disputes come real disputes, the taking of sides, the applying of labels (both the self-identifying kind and the accusing kind) and, pretty soon, the demonization of the other. In short, politics, which is what independent voters hate.

They tend to agree with (and quote) George Washington. In his farewell address (1796), Washington spoke of the "baneful effects of the spirit of party," which includes "ill founded jealousies and false alarms," "the animosity of one part against another" and the propagation of the "belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views." Parties, he concluded, "make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted…projects of faction rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests."

Consistent, wholesome, common vs. conflicted, divided, factional. Mutual interests – interest that are shared – are what we want rather than special interests. This is the rhetoric and vocabulary of the independent voter, for whom it is an article of faith that differences are inessential and that what unites us is larger and more important than what divides us. Why can't we all just get along?

Washington himself knows why. The spirit of party, he says, "unfortunately is inseparable from our nature," from our tendency, that is, to identify our passions with what is right and true. Factionalism is not a deviation from ordinary human behavior; it is ordinary human behavior. (That is why checks and balances figure so prominently in The Federalist Papers.) Human beings are situated creatures; they see things not from a God's-eye point of view, but from the point of view of the beliefs, allegiances, aspirations and fears they bring with them into the ballot box.

Floating independently above the fray and inhabiting the marketplace of ideas as if were a shopping bazaar rather than a battlefield is an unnatural condition. The natural condition is to be political. To be political is to believe something, and to believe something is to believe that those who believe something else are wrong, and after all you don't want people who believe (and would do) the wrong things running your government. So you organize with other like-minded folks and smite the enemy (verbally) hip and thigh. You join a party.

What do independent voters do? Well, most of all, they talk about the virtue of being an independent voter. When they are asked to explain what that means, they say, "I can't stand the partisan atmosphere that has infected our politics" (forgetting that politics is partisan by definition); or "we like to make up our own minds and don't want anyone telling us what to do (as if Democrats and Republicans were sheep eager to go over whatever cliff the leadership brings them to) or (and this was a favorite of those interviewed in Iowa and New Hampshire), "We vote the person rather than the party."

Now, voting the person rather than the party is about the dumbest thing you can do for a reason I elaborated in an earlier column ("Parties Matter"). The party affiliation of a candidate tells you what kind of appointments he or she is likely to make. Do you think that regulations of industry stifle productivity and damage the economy, or do you think that unregulated industries endanger the environment? Do you think that illegal immigrants are just that – illegal – and therefore should be deported when detected, or do you think that we should figure out a way to legitimize their status and make the best of what has already happened? Do you think that Iran poses a threat that must be countered before it is too late, or do you think that military action should be resorted to only after every avenue of diplomacy has been exhausted, even if it takes years or decades?

If you feel strongly about these and other matters, it is incumbent upon you to take into consideration the positions of the two major parties, for the successful candidate can be counted on to appoint to the offices responsible for answering these questions men and women whose views reflect the party's platform. Voting the person, however attractive or impressive he or she may be, could very well get you four years of policies you detest. In other words, policy differences are party differences, and it is hard to see how you could be a responsible voter if you held your nose at a whiff of party politics. If you are really interested in the way things should go in the country, come off the high pedestal and join the rest of us in the nurturing (and, yes, dirty) soil of the partisan free-for-all.

To this an independent voter might reply that the two-party structure is the problem, and if we could only elect an independent candidate, he or she wouldn't be beholden to any party and could make appointments on the basis of merit. But even if this miracle were to occur, the parties would still be in control of federal and state legislative bodies, and in order to do anything at all, an independent president would have to negotiate with the very political forces he or she beat up on in the course of getting elected. (There goes independence.) And what leverage would a president in that position have?

In the end, there is nothing to be said for independent voters and a lot to be said against them. Remember, a bunch of them voted for Ralph Nader. Case closed.




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Children of Men, the
By P. D. James
Release date: June, 1999

The Best Films of 2007

Last year was one of the best years in recent cinematic history, and while there were few films that will probably be rendered classic the overall quality of the films listed here is impressive. It was the first year in memory that I genuinely had a difficult time in ranking the films outside of my top three. So without further ado I present my list of the best films of 2007…as if you care. There are several films that I have not yet seen: Persepolis, 3:10 To Yuma, Once, The Savages and Walk Hard and a few others, but I decided to post this now and include any of these in next year's list if they merit inclusion.


1. After the Wedding – A gorgeous, textured, and deeply beautiful drama featuring some of the finest performances of the year. The script and direction are spot-on and the ending is one of the most honest in recent memory.

2. Away From Her – Sarah Polley's little film that could features a masterclass performance by the still transcendently beautiful Julie Christie. I literally watched this film three times in a row: Stunning.

3. The Italian – A richly evocative tapestry of the human condition interwoven with threads of Dickens, Italian neo-realism, and even Frank Capra. It is a bleek, melancholy, yet always lyrical film about the power of determination in the face of staggering impossibilities. The performances and cinematography make for essential viewing. While this film was technically produced in 2005 it is included here because it was not released stateside until 2007.

4. No End In Sight – Searing and powerful, this is by far the best documentary yet on the war and far and away the most powerful documentary of the year. To say what has already been said over and over about this film: You owe it to yourself and your country to see this.

5. Michael Clayton - If you still doubt George Clooney is the real deal then see his turn here as a caustic corporate lawyer and carefully rethink your position.

6. Zodiac – Fincher's Zodiac is the smartest thriller in years and absolutely drips with intensity. This film is worth the almost three-hour investment just to witness Robert Downey Jr's impassioned and stunning performance. I hope the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences takes note of this amazing and profoundly American film. Hands down the best writing of the year.

7. The Simpsons Movie - Not half as good as it might have been, but still cleverer than any handful of Hollywood films. Homer and Co. arrived on the big screen with verve and a classic bit (Spider Pig) that will still be funny fifty years on.

8. The Host - Terrifying, hilarious, and gorgeous. If you are not a fan of the horror genre or have not yet been introduced to the mastery of Japanese cinema then this is one pill to cure both ills.

9. This Is England – Raw, funny, and politically determined and this is a rare gem of a film that deserved a wider American audience.

10. Avenue Montaigne - One of several brilliant French films that made this year's list. It is a bright and flagrantly optimistic film that is one part fable and one part daydream.

11. Gone Baby Gone - Ben Affleck's directorial debut is almost as good as his screenwriting debut (Good Will Hunting) and proves once again that the much maligned man is much more intelligent and talented than most give him credit for. This film did for Casey Affleck what last year's "Half Nelson" did for Ryan Gosling--and rightly so--it is a spectacular performance inside of a very, very good film.

12. Private Fears In Public Places – Unexpectedly moving, this examination of life and love after forty is extraordinary.

13. The Wind That Shakes The Barley - I was far more impressed with this film than I initially believed I would be. Cillian Murphy turns in his best performance to date.

14. God Grew Tired Of Us - Deeply moving, often funny, and almost always unsettling this documentary is a vivid illustration of how far we have to go as a nation with respect to race and community.

15. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - No two-hour adaptation of a 900 page book will satisfy everyone, but this is one of my favorite Harry outings to date.

16. No Country For Old Men - The newest Coen Brothers offering is not nearly as good as some people are letting on, nor is it as good as many of their other works, but it is still a damn fine film. Look for big wins come Oscar© time.

17. The Assassination of Jesse James - Casey Affleck rides again. Oh, and Brad Pitt is pretty damn good as well.

18. The Bourne Ultimatum - The third and final chapter in the series is not the best, but it doesn't have to be to still be better than your average bear.

19. Enchanted - Disney's ode to itself is a rollicking and moving tribute fueled by stellar performances and even great writing. The requisite musical numbers are all spot on--with all tongues planted firmly in cheek.

20. Atonement – Sublime and gorgeously refined the film manages to mine far more gold from McEwan's spectacular novel than I would have thought possible.

21. The Dead Girl - The best movie this year that almost no one else saw.

22. La Vie En Rose - At turns brilliant and benign, this French biopic of the legendary Edith Piaf is at least as good as and often times better than any of Hollywood's similar takes on its own American music legends.

23. Knocked Up - Oddly reminiscent of classic Hollywood's tales of old, with writing worthy of, say, Hepburn and Tracy. Heigl's is the stand out performance in a film full of solid star-making roles.

24. Day Night Day Night - Tense, powerful and inexplicably bewildering this film dares to discuss the very act of terrorism minus all the why-fors and what-nots, replete with a level of existential detail that many will find unnecessary but I found terribly moving.

25. There Will Be Fire - Everything you have heard about Daniel Day Lewis's apocalyptic turn in this psycho of a movie is true and while the whole is not equal to the part it is a must see for anyone interested in the pure magic of performance.

26. Paris, Je T'aime - Quite literally a love letter to both love and Paris this film is a collection of seemingly unconnected vignettes by various directors that nonetheless form, in the end, a beautiful little cinematic postcard with an unexpected level of cohesion and emotional resonance.

27. Into The Wild – Sean Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's "Into The Wild" tells the story of the author's journey out of civilization and into the wilds of Alaska. It is oftentimes breathtaking, sometimes overpowering, and is fueled by the quiet intensity of Emile Hirsch's star-making performance. Eddie Vedder also provides one of the best soundtracks of the year.

28. The Dog Problem – Starring the amazing Giovanni Ribisi this film is somewhat farcical in tone and always adorable. Nothing too deep here, but definitely not too bad a way to pass ninety minutes—and the dog is just plain freaking cute!

29. I'm Not There – Untraditional Dylan biopic featuring a masterclass performance by Australia's greatest artistic export: Cate Blanchett.

30. Sicko – Michael Moore's war continues and his newest enemy could be his most wretched yet: The health insurance industry.

31. Lust, Caution – Ang Lee's jaw-dropping NC-17 follow-up to Brokeback Mountain is a sensual feast. Set in wartime Shanghai this film did not receive nearly the critical attention it deserved, which given Lee's history is rather surprising.

32. Lars and the Real Girl – Ryan Gosling follows up last year's Half Nelson with an unlikely, but hilarious, comedy about a man and his, um, doll. The first time I watched this film I almost pissed myself— very, very funny.

33. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – Astonishing and sumptuous. This film should probably be a lot higher on this list…not sure why it is not…hmm…

34. Black Snake Moan – I liked this exploitation piece far more than I should have. Indie queen Cristina Ricci is absolutely phenomenal and Samuel L. Jackson gives his best performance ever. Mr. Justin Timberlake puts in a more than respectable performance as well.

35. My Kid Could Paint That – A complex portrait of art and genius in America.

36. Hot Fuzz – A brilliant satire taking on the myriad inanities of the action film genre.

37. Eastern Promises – David Cronenberg meets the Russian mafia with spectacular results. His reteaming with Viggo Mortenson is highly successful and, yes, you do get to see Viggo's dick…

38. Hairspray – Way freaking better than I would have thought and, yes, John Travolta is, quite frankly, very good.

39. Juno – Unfortunately, I went to see this film recently and because of my back I was unable to sit through the entire film and exited about mid-way through. What I saw, however, was terribly moving and very funny. Even without having seen the film in its entirety it still makes the cut…the first half was that good.

40. 12:08 East of Bucharest – Funny if somewhat self-indulgent.