Some very good points, that we should be demanding our elected officials to answer.George Washington is reputed to have pointed out the obvious, namely, that government is not reason but force — like fire, always dangerous, even when under control. But of course regular people are never really in control. On the contrary, they are controlled. The politicians tax us; we don’t tax them. They regulate us; we don’t regulate them. They spend our money; we don’t spend theirs. So much for all persons’ being created equal. Jefferson’s moral truth has not often been honored in the observance.
Yes, yes, every two, four, and six years we each may cast one vote to determine who taxes and controls us and spends our money. Is that really such a comforting thought — especially considering that in the end the candidate-selection process is the province of insiders and their news-media allies?
If you reject the idea that we toil under one party with Republican and Democratic denominations, ask yourself why both denominations vehemently oppose opening the system up to third parties. Why do they hamper the formation of alternatives at every turn? Is two such a magic number. Or is the magic number really one?
If you still have doubts, observe what is happening with the Iraq war. Nearly everyone agreed that the election was a referendum on the war. The polls support this view and show that most people think the war was a mistake and want to see the troops withdrawn. President Bush has staked too much on his blunder to do anything but increase the number of troops. “Surge” sounds temporary. The administration estimates an 18-month operation, but we know that will be an underestimation.
So what do the triumphant Democrats promise? Hearings, and that’s it. They promise not to cut the war money or attach conditions. Yet the leaders say they oppose the surge.
So where does that leave them? No surge and no withdrawal. In other words, stay the course! That’s the Democrats’ alternative. Is that what the majority of Americans voted for? I’m so glad we got to go the polls.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Two-Party System Flawed
Sheldon Richman has a great commentary over at the Future of Freedom Foundation, where he strongly points out the flaw of a two-party system, why the surge won't be temporary, and why the legislative branch is basically useless in preventing us from changing course in Iraq.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Hey there! Yes a two-party system has many drawbacks but in here in Belgium for example we have a multi multi party system which has flaws of it own because even when the parties get voted in they make coalitions with parties that didn't get the majority of the votes. However perhaps it is better, it would interesting to examine it closer. Hope all is well?
it is less about the drawbacks of the two party system, but rather how difficult or impossible it is for a 3rd party to gain any footing in the current process.
You are either in or out, and if you in the middle or have a significantly different opinion, you are essentially left out in the cold.
Yeah of course and don't you think that also has to do with the culture of a two-party system that has subsisted for so long and only a small revolution will change that?
Sometimes I think there is nothing wrong with a small revolution now and again.
Yes the two party system is flawed but im not sure that having more parties would solve the problem. Maybe getting rid of the parties all together would be better. It seems the party members just vote for what there party thinks is the way to go and that is usually just to vote no for anything the other party votes yes for that isn't helping anyone. But if everyone was independent then they would have to vote for what they thought was the best choice for the country rather than the party. Also i think that excepting money from lobyist should be outlawed because that just creates one more thing for to bias the votes. And it probably would take a revolution to change anything but if could help get this country out of the direction that it is headed in right now im all for it.
Post a Comment