On Flip-Flopping Politics

The somewhat smooth road(in relative terms anyway) that used to be the economy, has quickly deteriorated into a jagged, irregular thoroughfare, upon which the vehicles of "change" and "progress" have now deviated from development and travel on towards complete disarray and destitution. With the price of petrol so high, even change and progress are finding the task of driving down the road to the city of the impoverished extremely difficult. Yet, they are on their way, conserving all the capital they can to make the trip a success. Therefore, it is vasty important that the government do something to help out the general populous, however they are hindered from doing so, for if the change their policies in accordance with economic or social stimuli, they are quickly branded as flip-flopping. Here are two accounts of McCains views on offshore oil drilling that clearly show his "spin-slump" in action. ("Flip-Flops" getting old just trying to find another term to replace it…) In 1999, during his presidential campaign, McCain made it clear that he opposed offshore oil drilling, and a year later even promised never to lose his vision of the principles of the issue. However, June 16th 2008 is a completely different story. John McCain now wants to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling, obviously contradicting his views eight years ago. At any rate, McCain does still not agree with drilling in ANWR.

Obama certainly isn't exempt from flip-flopping, and because everyone wants to be so green recently, I figured I would mention the legalization of marijuana first. In 2004 Obama told some college students that he supported the legalization of Marijuana. In 2007, at the presidential campaign in October Obama said He opposed the decriminalization of Pot. Second, in 2004, Obama said He was for ending the embargo with Cuba, but in 2007 changed his mind and said that He would not.

Now if I really had the time to, I am sure I could find several other examples of flip-flopping within the past political experiences of both McCain and Obama. However, due to the McFlurry that is currently calling my name, I have limited time available. My question recently, especially when McCain changed his mind on oil drilling was, can all change in political policy be considered flip flopping as we now have contextually defined it?

First, I would like to say that I don't mind a political figure changing their perspective on important issues, for socially our country is in constant flux concerning all issues. We need our candidates to be sensitive and not ignorant of this. The constant change and fluctuation of the condition of all forms of communal issues, requires this; that our presidential applicant is willing to concede to alter his political standards for the good of the nation if such a situation arises, especially if that situation remains unforeseen. For these reasons I believe that McCain's decision to endorse offshore oil drilling is not a flip flop, merely a shift in decision, due to the more ever present dangers that effect America.....

This term, "flip-flop," however needs to be distinguished from a real relevant change in policy, and one that is completely arbitrary. This is the first factor that should be looked at in defining a true "flipfloppian," viewpoint. Is the change in policy relevant to pressing political or social circumstances? Second, that catalyst which has shifted ones perspective needs to be examined as well. The skyrocketing oil prices, to me at least, are a firm catalyst for one to rethink his political conclusion. Also, one must look at the candidate and his frequency of shifting his or her principles and whether or not a large amount of time has elapsed between the initial decision and the refurbishment of it.