Politics

Conversation is bountiful regarding recent election results around the nation and the alleged impact of the aforementioned. As the decades pass, it is fundamentally clear that the American populace is cheated and hoodwinked by the presence of only two political parties and an occasional cameo appearance by a fledgling or renegate independent candidate and/or party. The efficacy of the independent candidate and or party is historically weak, maligned and sometimes comical.

Prior entries into the independent arena have included the likes of Lyndon Larouche, Ross Perot and Ralf Nader. The viabilty, effectiveness and advocacy of these individuals is flawed out of the gate, as their cause ultimately represents only skewing election results in favor of the the two Goliath political entities known as the Republican Party and the Democratic Party.

Recent discussion is focused on the Obama Presidency and whether the President and the Majority Party are losing their stranglehold on power and influence among the electorate. Such conversation emanates from recent victories in the gubernatorial races of New Jersey and Virginia by Republicans. Some view these accomplishents as an epithany for the resurrection of the Republican Party.

Republican or Democrat? Does it really matter? As an example we have enjoyed unprecented growth in government during the recent Bush Presidency. Following Bush, President Obama is certainly not a disciple of small government. Herein, lies the lesson for the astute and caring citizen.
What choices do we really have?

Pay close attention to history. Is the mindset of Speaker Pelosi that much different from that of Speaker Gingrich or Speaker O'Neill? These folks occupy a unique club where egos abound, lobbyists flourish and the average American remains politically impotent. Classic, "he who has the gold makes the rules" philosophy is most applicable within this scheme.

Washington is a comfortable club comprised of an elite membership very much interested in preserving the status quo. Behind closed doors, these party members no longer have to wear party labels and affiliations. They can simply bask in the limelight and orgy of attention, privilege and power, both real and perceived. It is an elitist organiztion and welcoming
additional members from the fringes and other side of the tracks would upset the aristocracy -like structure and rhythm of this elite country club.

Hence, the introduction of a viable third and fourth political party in this cvountry would upset the preordained order so meticulously maintained by the ruling elite. Why would these privileged few wish to share the bounty of political junkets, congressional perks and privilege with others?

Yes, we enjoy one of the greatest systems of government in the world, but imagine the richness of debate and ideology if our system entertained real and viable third and fourth political parties that truly countered the good old boy climate of Washington and embraced the real and genuine concerns of the average citizen. Additional parties who were not content with the status quo and good old boy mentality of Washington.

Instead, these third and fourth parties could focus on being the true vanguard of expression and change for the majority of Americans who really lack a meaningful word or presence within our two tiered party structure. This democracy could be stronger and more aligned with the Constitution's, "by the people and for the people." Our forefathers could be proud of such an addition to the preservation of such a still very young democracy.