The Two-Party System
Posted by Ashish on 12.31.1969
Why it sucks, and also, why it sucks even more than it sucked the first time...
We need to dissolve the two-party system, and we need to do it now. For too long our leaders have sat around and played things based on party lines, and personal benefits, as opposed to what is in the public interest. I have always thought this, but even more so recently with former President Bill Clinton, as well as former Vice President Dick Cheney's comment.
You see, both of these men have recently come out supporting rights of same-sex couples. This wouldn't be an issue, but neither of them used to favor same-sex marriages. It seems odd to me that halfway through your life, you just instantly have a revelation and change how you think. It's odd because it doesn't work like that most of the time.
Both of these men were influenced by the game they were playing, and believe me, politics is a game. It is no longer considered or called "government affairs" by anybody, because that is a lie, something that our politicians like to do all the time. They do this because if they do not play the game, they may be kicked to the curb by their party or their constituents. I can't blame them, but without a political party hovering over your head, decisions may be made based on how a politician feels, and not what is best for his family or party.
Now it may sound bad. Why wouldn't you do your job to benefit your family? Well this is true, but when taking public office you have to realize that it isn't about you, but the general public, which may be why politicians do what they do in the first place. Maybe they really do act in what they believe is the public's best interest, but I don't believe it.
George Washington warned us against the two party political system, because that is what corrupted England. He didn't want us to form these great alliances that were all encompassing of our leaders. Now, can anybody really argue against Mr. Washington? He is on the stripper-dollar bill.
The problem I have is when I sit here and listen to certain politicians publicly address things such as members of their party having affairs. Instead of saying yes, it is a bad thing nobody should ever do it, they try to sugar coat it. They try and say things such as,
I do not necessarily disagree with your argument, but saying things like "We need to dissolve the two-party system, and we need to do it now" is kind of silly and pointless because its not happening anytime soon. An alternative idea may be to discuss ways in which independent parties in this country could be at least strengthened. I know of many people, Republican and Democrat, that only voted for one candidate out of disgust for the other. Obama's popularity is dropping yet people as a whole still aren't quite ready to hand the ball back to the Republicans. This could be a good time to at least have a discussion on what independents may possibly offer.
Posted By: Josh (Guest) on July 17, 2009 at 01:20 PM
"we are one party away from a dictatorship" - heard jesse ventura say that once in an interview and he is correct.
I agree but the question is, how to get a viable 3rd party that people would vote for and not feel like they are "wasting" their vote as they are often told. the media controls the debates, the 2 party campaign machines are such that trying to get a spending limit past on what you can spend would die a swift death, and no 3rd party can spend what the democrats and republicans can.
It so entrenched not sure what can be done about it in this day and age.
Posted By: benny (Guest) on July 17, 2009 at 01:26 PM
STAY CURRENT