On Voting and Change

Last night Republican Scott Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley in what many consider the most significant political upset in recent history. Independent and Republican voters are euphoric today at the ramifications. I share partly in this joy because I think it sends a clear message to politicians that the mode of operation over the past year, and before, is unacceptable. We take a lot from politicians and often times let them get away with far too much but the spirit of liberty was manifest in the voice of the Massachusetts voters last night. However, I fear that what many see as a positive change may only be a change. It is not enough to say "not this way", we must find the best way. We have to really understand what liberty means and how it is achieved instead of trying any plan that promises change and then waiting to see if it works.
Only time will tell what kind of leader Scott Brown is though. I fear that we vote too often against a candidate or policy. Brown's win was more a referendum on the president and the Democrats and a vote of "No" against Martha Coakley than it was a vote of confidence in Scott Brown. When we can move beyond a contest of two parties and vote for the better of two candidates (rather than the lesser of two evils) then we will truly have our voice.