The Sloan Rule #1 Of Flip Flopping

Many Americans – myself included – have used the term flip-flopping far too many times. It has been justified in some cases, but it is something we enjoy doing in these political times.

It is time to eliminate it, or at least curb it. Adaption is an important part for the survival of the human race. It can be applied to politics as well. Facts change, and when those change, opinions can change. If you are a perfectly healthy human being without disease, you probably would not think twice about eating chocolate. If you have diabetes however, it is likely you would change that opinion.

So let throw out my first criteria in terms of when to use the term flip flop.

On any issue, if facts cannot change and one changes opinion, it is pandering or flip flopping.

For me, the one hot bed issue this occurs with is abortion. And not to pick on anyone here, but let just point to Mitt Romney. When running for Governor of Massachusetts, the guy did not emphasize his pro-life values and was friendly to the pro-choice opinion. However, when he ran for president, this changed. It also changed when he ran hard against gay rights and gay marriage.

Under this definition, it is flip flopping. Abortion has been abortion for years, along with the debate over gay rights. The presidential candidate was different than the gubernatorial candidate.

An example of what flip flopping is not to me is wanting to drill for oil now and find other sources of energy in light of high gas prices. Many were outraged when McCain came out in favor of off-shore drilling. But when he was against it, gas was $2.50 a gallon, not great, but sounds great now. It should also be noted he has not declared his support for drilling in ANWR.

I accused him of flip-flopping on some issues, most notably taxes. However, on oil drilling, it is unfair to do so. Gas prices are at an all-time high and something must change.

Assuming he stays with his new opinion, I think it is unfair to criticize Obama on Iraq. With things improving, why should that not affect anyone's opinion?