Fabulous song by Andrew Jackson Jihad and fun little video someone made. Song available for free download by AJJ

Also recently acquired a bunch of old Adbusters at a freecycle event. Loved this picture.

My last post, I admit, was a very pessimistic look at the current American political system as a lose lose situation. But that is definitely what the current situation deserves and I cannot pin my hopes to Mitt or Barack and hope everything will be OK continuing on with the status quo...definition of insanity? This entry aims to be more optimistic and proactive with individuals and ideas that can possibly lead us in right direction.

In a recent Gallop Poll 46% of Americans stated that they believe a 3rd party is needed in our nation's capital. This is opposite of 45% that believe that the Democratic and Republican parties do an ideal job of representing the citizens of the United States. Interesting side note, two yeas ago the numbers were 58/35% with a decisive majority wanting a 3rd party however when presidential elections near voters become more invested in a party. What do you honestly think? Are your authentic concerns and interests represented adequately by one of the two parties that are increasingly dogmatic and divided?

I know for me this is definitely not the case. I am a very liberal individual in most areas but yet in others find myself on the conservative side of the aisle and for that there is definitely not a dominant party or even an individual that represents me. In political typology surveys time and time again the American people demonstrate that they too do not fit into the two party mold. In fact you can take the quiz yourself and see where you fit.

Yet even if this sounds like a good idea you may ask, "Is a multi party system even viable?" or rather like The Simpsons is it just throwing your vote away? Looking beyond our borders it becomes readily apparent that multi-party systems do in fact work. One need only look at the Wiki page on world political parties to see that nearly half of all countries have a multi-party system. Is a two party monopoly in our best interest especially when said parties are so deeply in the pockets of lobbiests and corporations? This is definitely an area that can take a lesson from the free market ideal and competition. Would all of the technology we use and love have been quite so great if it was just up to Microsoft and Apple without innovators like Google, Facebook, Skype, Linux, etc. getting in the ring and shaking things up?

I recently was able to watch the 3rd party debate featuring four candidates excluded from the general debates: Gary   Johnson-Libertarian Party, Virgil Goode-Constitution, Jill Stein-Green Party, and Rocky Anderson-Justice Party. They spoke of issues that actually resonated with me and I believe the average American voter. And I can say in all sincerity that I would take any of the three (omitting Virgil Goode) as my commander and chief over Barack Obama or Mitt Romney. Of course this will never happen with the current setup as the entrenched powers in DC do not want an outsider that speaks as a prophet against the corruption of money and power in Washington. In fact they will not even let their voices be heard in our national debates. The impeccable journalist Walter Cronkite had these scathing words for the current format: 
The debates are part of the unconscionable fraud that our political campaigns have become. Here is a means to present to the American people a rational exposition of the major issues that face the nation, and the alternate approaches to their solution. Yet the candidates participate only with the guarantee of a format that defies meaningful discourse. They should be charged with sabotaging the electoral process.

Systemic change must happen if we want to escape business as usual in Washington...the type of business that is benefiting very few outside of those in power. We can begin the first baby steps toward change this election by casting a vote for Gary Johnson, Virgil Goode, Rocky Anderson or Jill Stein. The sad truth is if your are not in one of the 8 or so swing states your vote is entirely symbolic but a vote for a 3rd party can send a message to Washington. I voted early last week and was proud to punch in Jill Stein for president in support of her platform emphasizing jobs and the environment with a Green New Deal. Not only that but one of the most appealing aspects of her campaign is that they take $0 from corporations compared to millions and millions by the GOP and DEMS. She is not beholden to any person or organization's entrenched interests. I also took a leap of faith and changed my colors from blue to green as I officially left the Democratic party.

How powerful would it be for people of the United States to rise up by the thousands maybe even millions to say "I'm sick of this harmful shit system" and leave the duopoly in support of the Libertarians, Greens, Constitutionalists, and Socialists and then actively support those parties. The entrenched gates of power and corruption would be forced open a crack allowing new innovation, perspective and ideas in a time where they are so desperately needed.



Comments welcome: What do you think? What political typology did you get on the quiz? Who are you supporting this Tuesday? Are you in favor of the duopoly, other ideas how we can change it?