The words "nonpartisan" and "partisan" are two of the most misused, misunderstood and exploited words in English language. There are many politicians, political groups, and institutions, such as the media, who "sell" their partisan agendas under the guise of the "nonpartisan" label to deceive the unsuspecting public and/or further their own agenda.
A good example is the St. Paul Pioneer Press whose editorial board labels its own agenda as "nonpartisan", when in fact, they endorse primarily Democrat candidates and support issues that are real, politically charged issues deserving of thorough debate. (see Jan 2005 article)
In this article, their editorial board shamelessly suggests that the legislature (as a first order of business) should pass a "nonpartisan" stadium deal even though
the citizens of St. Paul have twice rejected a stadium proposal.When you consider the benefits a new stadium would provide for their sports section and thus advertising revenues, it becomes quite clear that the editorial board has taken a position
partisan to its shareholders and placed their own financial interests ahead of the interests of the people.There are also those who criticize others for engaging in "partisan" politics and "partisanship" as if to portray themselves as someone who has risen above the flaws of human nature. In reality, this is merely a strategy used to further a partisan agenda and/or to increase the chances of getting elected.
Whether a person or group supports a political party, a candidate for elective office, or an issue, they are, by definition, taking a partisan position and can not justifiably stake the claim to being nonpartisan!
The fact is, the Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, political groups and politicians alike do a disservice to those they purport to serve by stamping the "nonpartisan" label on their partisan agendas.
Ironically, these same people who denounce "partisan" politics are usually the first to claim "bi-partisanship", when convenient. Furthermore, we SHOULD EXPECT an officeholder to be partisan to the general principles of the party in which he/she campaigned and was elected.
The next time you hear or see the word nonpartisan, take a closer look at the person or persons involved and you just might discover a partisan agenda behind their "Nonpartisan Mask."
Food for thought: It stands to reason that for bipartisanship to occur, both sides would first have to be "partisan"???
