Word: backbencher
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...legendary 19th century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli once snapped at a backbench MP, agonizing over whether to vote to support the government, “damn your principles; stick to your party.” He was eloquently but utterly wrong. Developing one’s own principles and ideals is infinitely more important than supporting rigid party allegiances whose sole purpose is getting individuals elected who share one’s outlook. That the Harvard Democrats currently stand prepared to campaign for anyone who pins a donkey button to their lapel is, appropriately enough, asinine...