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Editorial
January 30, 1896
Daily Capital Journal
Salem, Marion County, Oregon
What is this article about?
The editorial critiques the mistaken theory that all legislators are equally good or bad, arguing against party-based generalizations and whitewashing, advocating for individual accountability.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
MISTAKEN THEORY.
The theory that all members of a legislature are equally good or equally bad, is a mistake. Such a sweeping statement is either unjust flattery or unjust detraction. Such statements are often resorted to for the purpose of helping out a political party. But it does not help. As well say that all members of a church are equally good-man or woman. As well say that all soldiers of an army are equally brave and true. What is the true theory of legislative responsibility? Shall every member stand on his own record, or shall the party whitewash brush be used to make all appear equally acceptable? We fear the latter plan would not work. The people would see through the whitewash.
The theory that all members of a legislature are equally good or equally bad, is a mistake. Such a sweeping statement is either unjust flattery or unjust detraction. Such statements are often resorted to for the purpose of helping out a political party. But it does not help. As well say that all members of a church are equally good-man or woman. As well say that all soldiers of an army are equally brave and true. What is the true theory of legislative responsibility? Shall every member stand on his own record, or shall the party whitewash brush be used to make all appear equally acceptable? We fear the latter plan would not work. The people would see through the whitewash.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Legislative Responsibility
Political Parties
Whitewash
Individual Accountability
Party Flattery
What entities or persons were involved?
Legislature
Political Party
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Mistaken Theory Of Equal Legislative Quality
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Party Whitewashing
Key Figures
Legislature
Political Party
Key Arguments
All Members Of A Legislature Are Not Equally Good Or Bad
Sweeping Statements Are Unjust Flattery Or Detraction
Such Statements Aid Political Parties But Do Not Help
Analogy To Church Members Not All Equally Good
Analogy To Soldiers Not All Equally Brave
True Theory Requires Individual Records Over Party Whitewash
People Would See Through Party Whitewashing