Mass. Makeover

Last night, for the first time since 1972, the people of the State of Massachusetts went to the polls to elect a Republican senator. The pundits are obviously out in force with varied slants, analysis and commentary. The political parties likewise are spinning mightily on both sides of the aisle, simply trying to definitively and persuasively answer that eternal, philosophical question that plagues all mankind: "What does it mean?"

Frankly, I'm not sure the pundits or the political class are capable of answering the question. They'll talk, they'll spin, and we'll watch, listen or read what they say. But fundamentally, the choice made yesterday by the people of Massachusetts can only be understood by listening to the people themselves. Each individual has their reasons for casting the votes the way they do. The mistake the political and pundit classes too often make is to read a single election or vote as some sort of proxy for the mood of the entire electorate. One election, regardless of result, does not a movement make. Republicans are obviously delighted today, but they shouldn't be. Democrats are obviously deflated today, and yet they shouldn't be.

Voters are duly influenced by what the government does and the methods by which it does it. It is both a matter of policy and process. Perhaps the American electorate actually cares just as much about the WAY things are done in Washington as they do about the policies themselves. (Of course, now I'm falling into the trap of "what it all means.")

One thing does seem certain: the mood of the electorate is darkening, and the people are paying attention. The political class remains too busy "ruling" over the American public to truly stop and listen. Is the Massachusetts Makeover the proverbial "wake-up call"? It's way too soon to tell. Neither party is in good standing right now, and neither should pretend otherwise. As I read the "tea leaves," dissatisfaction with the elitism of the political class (and pundit class for that matter) is on the rise. The next few years should be fascinating.

On the matter of Senator-elect Brown. Below is an excerpt of his victory speech (h/t: The Corner). These are just words, of course. It remains to be seen whether he has the character to live up to them. They are populist in tone (which is not always a negative, by the way), but they do seem to resonate (emphasis mine):

I will work in the Senate to defend our nation’s interests and to keep our military second to none. As a lieutenant colonel and 30-year member of the Army National Guard, I will keep faith with all who serve, and get our veterans all the benefits they deserve.

And let me say this, with respect to those who wish to harm us, I believe that our Constitution and laws exist to protect this nation - they do not grant rights and privileges to enemies in wartime. In dealing with terrorists, our tax dollars should pay for weapons to stop them, not lawyers to defend them.

Raising taxes, taking over our health care, and giving new rights to terrorists is the wrong agenda for our country. What I've heard again and again on the campaign trail, is that our political leaders have grown aloof from the people, impatient with dissent, and comfortable in the back room making deals. And we can do better.

They thought you were on board with all of their ambitions. They thought they owned your vote. They thought they couldn’t lose. But tonight, you and you and you have set them straight.

...

Fellow citizens, what happened in this election can happen all over America. We are witnesses, you and I, to the truth that ideals, hard work, and strength of heart can overcome any political machine. We ran a campaign never to be forgotten, and led a cause that deserved and received all that we could give it.

And now, because of your independence, and your trust, I will hold for a time the seat once filled by patriots from John Quincy Adams to John F. Kennedy and his brother Ted. As I proudly take up the duty you have given me, I promise to do my best for Massachusetts and America every time the roll is called.

I go to Washington as the representative of no faction or interest, answering only to my conscience and to the people. I’ve got a lot to learn in the Senate, but I know who I am and I know who I serve.

I’m Scott Brown,

I'm from Wrentham,

I drive a truck, and I am nobody’s senator but yours.

Representative government requires an informed citizenry and elected representatives that actually adhere to this idea that they serve not their party, but the people who put them in office. The role of government is an endless debate, but it must be a debate and not imposed by diktat. That is yet another fascinating and unique aspect of America: the relationship between the people and its government. It is a relationship that must be preserved for America to remain what the Founders envisioned it to be.