Notes From D.R. | Random Thoughts on the Passing Scene

I wholeheartedly endorse Kerry Healey for Governor of Massachusetts and Jack Robinson for U.S. Congress.

I’ve always found it deeply strange that those who support "diversity" in our institutions never seem to emphasize the need for ideological diversity. We often hear about the need for increased racial, ethnic, and sexual diversity in business and politics, but rarely do we hear about the need for the most important form of diversity in existence–diversity of ideas.

If Healey’s opponent, Deval Patrick, is elected, it would represent a tremendous step backward in terms of ideological diversity in Massachusetts. The combination of a liberal Democrat in the Corner Office and a liberal Democrat-dominated State Legislature would not only be fertile ground for corruption, it would also represent the complete silence of any opposing views on Beacon Hill. If you feel that one-party dominion hasn’t worked out well in Washington, D. C., why would you want to replicate such a scenario in the Bay State?

Speaking of Washington, D. C., it seems that rumors of the Republican Party’s impending demise are greatly exaggerated. As Robinson himself has noted, it makes far more sense to have an independent-minded Republican representing the Ninth District than it would to have a politically inscrutable, and provably ineffective, Democrat like incumbent Stephen Lynch in that role. Residents of the District have spent five years waiting for Rep. Lynch to bring home the bacon; if he couldn’t get the job done between 2001 and 2006, why should we trust him to get the job done between 2007 and 2009?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts would be poorly served by having one party dominate the executive and legislative branches. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is poorly served by having an all-Democrat Congressional delegation. Why not forestall the former scenario, and bring an end to the latter?

I have criticized Patrick and Lynch over the past several months, but they are not dishonorable men. Both came from adverse circumstances to become figures of prominence. Both are living testaments to the value of hard work. Both men are shrewd, personable, and passionate in their beliefs.

Patrick and Lynch aren’t evil. They are, however, more of the same.

To cast a vote for Healey and Robinson is to strike a blow for ideological diversity–the ideological diversity that keeps our electorate engaged, that keeps our democracy vibrant, that keeps our Commonwealth whole.

Healey for Governor. Robinson for Congress.

Together, they can.

UPDATE: WHDH-TV on Robinson vs. Lynch.