January 29th, 2014
About This Story
The Independent Candidate is a fictional story about what Texas might look like 12 years in the future.
Inspired by current events and directed by audience feedback, The Independent Candidate is an opportunity to consider and discuss the policy issues we’re likely to deal with in the years ahead.
Our government’s powers, and its responsibilities, are many. And the people we elect can dramatically impact our basic liberties and needs, including the right to bear arms and women’s health. Sometimes our government provides roads and sewers, and helps educate our children. Other times, our government puts people in cages for non-violent crimes – like addiction-related substance abuse.
It is wise to look closely at what our government is doing, consider alternative courses of action, and get involved to help shape our future for the better. After all, this is a republic, and our representatives tend to dance with the ones who brung ‘em.
In my opinion, most of the problems with our government spring not from malice or greed, but from differences of opinion. As my grandfather used to say, “most elected officials want to do good; the problem is that everyone’s definition of ‘good’ is different.”
It is likely that, for the next twenty years, or so, the Baby Boomers will wield more influence over our politics and government than any other subset of our population (other than the 1%), and it is likely that they will continue to vote Republican or Democrat.
But the Millenials, and the current generation of children (who will come-of-age well into the 21st Century), are so accustomed to being offered custom-tailored choices, they are likely to have trouble with the idea that you either pick Red or Blue, or no soup for you. If and when they partner with older voters who are frustrated with partisan politics, they will have the opportunity to be a significant political force, if they choose to be.
This story is for you – the undecided voters. If you don’t like the story, change it by contributing comments or voting in our polls. This is your state, and you can lead it wherever you want it to go.
As you read, share and comment, please be aware that the Independent Candidate is a work of fiction. The current events and other real media linked herein are meant to establish within this fictional story an artificial reality upon which to build our imaginings of the future – nothing more. None of the characters are real, nor are our characters intended to resemble anyone living or dead.
Welcome! Please participate, share and enjoy.
Josh Meeks
Founding Partner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hJsRfRKFkg
