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?
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?
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.
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?