Flip-Flopping

So, during the last presidential election (2004), I was woefully politically unaware. I didn't even bother to vote, though in my younger self's defense, I was not in the country during the election. However, things have changed around here (in my brain, I mean). Now I have opinions, and goshdarnit I mean to share them!

Here's the deal. Last election, John Kerry (who, sadly, seemed to stand for nothing), was tarred blacker than black with the "Flip-flopper" brush. Buying into the hype, I jeered at him along with the rest as someone who just couldn't make up his political mind. Unlike Bush, you know, who ALWAYS knows what he wants.

Moving right along to 2008, this idea of "flip-flopping" has been slung gleefully at both McCain and Obama. I mean, they both (gasp!) changed their positions on Iraq, right?

So, someone explain to me please what's so bad about changing your mind! Doesn't it make a lot more sense to change your position on something when you are confronted with new and illuminating information? Isn't it bordering on insane not to change your position when new information comes to light?

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather have a president who is willing to change his mind now and then if he discovers the facts are different than he previously believed. That sounds a lot more sane than hunkering down on your platform and doggedly clinging to it, no matter the consequences, no matter the reality (War in Iraq, anyone?).

Of course, it would be a problem if politicians went around changing their minds only when it was advantageous to their advancement. Promoting a position you disagree with is not only dirty politics. It's downright nutty. Prove to me that Obama and/or McCain only change their minds when it's convenient, and then I'll ridicule them with you. Other than that, I'll call "flip-flopping" what it is: thinking.