[rlemert]

<p>  A local NPR talk show had an episode earlier this week in which they talked about the growing number of independent voters and the problems with the current "two-party" system.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>  I don't know if they addressed this (I didn't hear most of the show), but it occurs to me that the current two-party system is a major factor leading to the polarization of America. It's clearest right now with the Republicans - but probably only because they're actually running a primary election campaign. Most of the candidates are trying to "cozy up" to the party's conservative contingent (some would say "radically" conservative), and the latter is in turn ensuring that the more radically conservative candidates pass through to the general election.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>  Posit a similar trend in the Democrats but toward the more liberal wing in the party, and you have the two parties evolving to produce "either/or" candidates (you're either for 'em or agin 'em, no middle ground) that are so focused on ideology that they've lost the ability to discuss issues and compromise. And in the end, those of us in the center continue to get screwed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>  Comments?</p>

 

[satfix]

<p>Unfortunately, our two party system is un-breakable. It's because the two parties control the power of the election process and it does neither of them any benefit to allow a third party.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I for one am for grid-lock. I like having two parties who can never agree in power. This way, it minimizes the laws they make and when something DOES get passed, it's probably the best thing for the country and the people. Screw the Democrats when they have full power (legislative and executive branches) and screw the Republicans when they do. Because in both cases- we are screwed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A third party will weaken the grid-lock and I would rather have it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[Tech Tee]

Not sure if the Dems, as a party in whole are leaning way liberal or not. Oh sure, there are some more vocal ones out there that are.<br><br>
Case in point, Clinton's shift to the middle, and now Obama's shift to the middle.<br><br>
It may indeed be just because they want (ed) to get re-elected. Or, maybe not. If the former, that really pisses me off. The biggest thing that bugs me about them is that they attach themselves to any self-interest group that comes along, just to get the votes.<br><br>
I think the Dems have a lot of ex-Republicans. Not sure how much the other way around.<br><br>
I myself refuse to align myself with one party or another because I can't stand either of them. I almost always split my ticket, but with regard to Presidential elections, I have not voted for a Republican since Dole (and, guess what, he was a moderate, which I am also).<br><br>
Before that, I was Republicans all the time. Oh wait, I did vote for Clinton. The first time. Not the second.<br><br>
Somewhere around the Nixon-Ford-Carter era, the Republicans, IMO, of course, started to go nuts.<br><br>
I blame Lee Atwater for executing it. As for who planned it? I don't know. Was Rove around back then? Certainly that idiot Ed Meese was.<br><br>
Even Cheney, as Secretary of Defense was palatable back then.

 

[wherestheportojohn]

I read the thread title as:<br>
A Case For "Underpants"<br><img alt="cool.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/cool.gif"><br>
Really?<br><br>
Yes, they're necessary in a two potty system. <img alt="rolleyes.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/rolleyes.gif"><br>
Nevermind<br>
Carry on<br>

 

[Tech Tee]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/t/76230/a-case-for-independents#post_2027109" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>wherestheportojohn</strong> <a href="/t/76230/a-case-for-independents#post_2027109"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif"></a><br><br>
I read the thread title as:<br>
A Case For "Underpants"<br><img alt="cool.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/cool.gif"><br>
Really?<br>
Yes, they're necessary in a two potty system. <img alt="rolleyes.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/rolleyes.gif"><br>
Nevermind<br>
Carry on</div>
</div>
<br>
Possibly the most useful idea in decades. Both parties are, of course, full of shit.

 

[GaReb770]

<p>I favor the way they do elections in Europe that permit several parties rather than just two.  However, I think we are stuck with the current system for the foreseeable future.  And most of the so-called independents in these parts are Republicans who just want to call themselves independent.</p>