Will we learn from the past or do we do as we so often do
Posted on 06/01/2006 2:16:52 AM PDT by neverdem
Something's happening. I have a feeling we're at some new beginning, that a big breakup's coming, and that though it isn't and will not be immediately apparent, we'll someday look back on this era as the time when a shift began.
All my adult life, people have been saying that the two-party system is ending, that the Democrats' and Republicans' control of political power in America is winding down. According to the traditional critique, the two parties no longer offer the people the choice they want and deserve. Sometimes it's said they are too much alike--Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Sometimes it's said they're too polarizing--too red and too blue for a nation in which many see things through purple glasses.
In 1992 Ross Perot looked like the breakthrough, the man who would make third parties a reality. He destabilized the Republicans and then destabilized himself. By the end of his campaign he seemed to be the crazy old aunt in the attic.
The Perot experience seemed to put an end to third-party fever. But I think it's coming back, I think it's going to grow, and I think the force behind it is unique in our history.
This week there was a small boomlet of talk about a new internet entity called Unity '08--a small collection of party veterans including moderate Democrats (former Carter aide Hamilton Jordan) and liberal-leaning Republicans (former Ford hand Doug Bailey) trying to join together with college students and broaden the options in the 2008 election. In terms of composition, Unity seems like the Concord Coalition, the bipartisan group (Warren Rudman, Bob Kerrey) that warns against high spending and deficits.
Unity seems to me to have America's growing desire for more political options right. But I think they've got the description of the problem wrong.
Their idea...
(Excerpt) Read more at opinionjournal.com ...
ping
Holy cow! I hope they're listening. Our current two parties, that is.
I wish we had the luxury of going with a better bunch of leaders but our common enemy, the RATS, are openly allied in a time of WAR with a bunch of truly evil gutless ruthless Islamic thugs. Like the Muslimaniacs the RATS will stoop to any level they feel they have too to acquire power and I for one want to stop them from getting it!
Hamilton Jordan?? Bob Kerrey??? Warren Rudman????? Good grief, Peggy. Have you lost your mind? Rudman is the greasiest ball of slime in the world. He was one of my senators for 12 years and I regret to say I ever voted for the arrogant, condescending, pompous puke.
Will we learn from the past or do we do as we so often do
Sounds like it'll just splinter the Rats.
Any group/party that may arise will not come out of the wishy-washy compromise wing of either side. Peggy has part of it right in that people are polarized. It's going to take somebody with some nads to tap in to people's anger and frustration. It's not going to be some mealymouthed flamer like Rudman.
A third party? OK...Let me think about it. NO.
I suggest that will be the fate of any other 3rd party, unless one of the major parties self-destructs. We do not have any indication that they are going to do so in the way that a new force would require.
Regards, Ivan
L
I think she's right.
I've never been so frustrated voting in a primary.
Republicans were given an historic chance to change things away from big government. Instead they chose to be Democrats lite.
The name of the political party I'm starting is the:
Cold Beer And Barbecue Party
Folks will sign up thinking it's a social event.
I don't know what Condi stands for. I'd vote for a populist party if there were such a thing, but they'd have to stand for something first.
Just standing up for ending anchor babies would be a big step in my book towards the populism necessary.
The idea's insane, but the Democrats will love you and do everything in their power to encourage you. I hope you have an excellent memory if you succeed so you can remember how good it was today compared to what will lie ahead in the future. At least some of us will know who to blame when gas is twice the price it is now, when we're taxed again up to our necks, the borders are WIDE open so the illegals won't have to sneak across, etc., etc., etc.,
I don't know what Condi stands for. I'd vote for a populist party if there were such a thing, but they'd have to stand for something first.
My party stands for cold beer and no fat chicks.
Phenomenal article...if you actually read it, unlike the dip$#!# who abused keywords here. She's saying that America could use a third party option to do what Americans really want, but that there isn't a viable one right now. What conservative could disagree with that?
If you're okay with me drinking cold PBR, I'm standing with you, brother!
in '06!
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