The Problem With Third Parties

It happens every election year, and each time, it seems more viable than the time before. People begin to talk about third party candidates and adding yet another major political party to the mix.

Usually, the talk comes about when people start noticing the poor quality of the available candidates on either side. (And believe me, each election we seem to get worse and worse.) It seems that only the least qualified, most corrupt and barely educated individuals in America actually run for President. Then, we're given the absolute worst among these to choose from in the general.

While I can certainly understand the desire to have more (and possibly better) choices, I don't believe that another major party is the answer. The reason why is something I've dubbed the "pond scum effect".

As hard as it may be (Smell that? It's called sarcasm!), imagine that Washington DC is a giant, stagnant pond. It's surface is completely covered with slimy green algae (which obviously represents all the corruption and filth currently in office). Now, if you throw a rock into the middle of the pond (a new party), the first thing that will happen is, all the scum will be pushed aside from the impact. However, after the initial splash, all the filth and stagnation will rush in to fill the void, and you're left with a pond that's just as nasty as it was before.

In other words, we may actually be able to develop a new party (based upon all the ethics and principles we want), and we may even be able to get a candidate we like to run for it. But, it'll only be a matter of time before all the thieves, liars and power-mongers we were trying to avoid, find their way into the new party as well.

Another issue we're facing is, which ideology will this new party follow? Is it going to be based on Left-wing or Right-wing principles? Or, maybe something in between?

Right now, our politicians have us so divided on nearly every issue (and more than a few "non-issues"), that we can't seem to agree on anything. They have us arguing over which bathroom we're supposed to be using, for the love of monkeys!!!

There are already a few third party contenders, on both sides, out there (some more realistic and viable than others).  It seems, no matter what your personal beliefs may be, there's a group to match, everything from the Libertarians on the Right, to the Green Party on the Left. The problem is, these fringe groups tend to be every bit as "all or nothing" in their beliefs, as the two main parties are (sometimes, even worse).

This is why I'm an Independent, and don't really identify with any particular party, or ideology. I will admit that on most issues I tend to be more "Right-leaning", but that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm a Republican, or even a Conservative. I refuse to vote (or even think) along purely partisan or ideological lines. I choose to base my views and beliefs upon my own intelligence and experiences (as we all should).

Which brings me to yet another reason against third parties... It's already become more about the good of the party, over the good of the people. Right now, nearly every time you turn on the news, you'll hear reports about how "the Republicans are imploding", or how "the Democrats need to do this to survive". That's because it's all about the party. Neither side truly cares about their constituents, and there's no reason to believe another will be any different.

As I said before, third parties aren't the answer. They're just another means of dividing us further. The only real solution, is to completely vet anyone wanting to run for public office, and hold every candidate (regardless of ideology or affiliation) to a higher standard. We need to demand better, and stop allowing Washington or the political elite to determine our choices for us.

The Trump Dilemma

I don't really need to tell you that, so far, this has been one strange election year. And, it appears it's only going to get worse before we get to November 8th.

In the last two elections, I had to hold my nose at the ballot box while casting my vote. I didn't like anything about anyone running, and ended up voting against the candidate I disliked the most, rather than for a person I agreed with. It left me feeling dirty, disgusted and a little ashamed (kind of like after watching an episode of the View).

This year, I had hoped it would be a little different, and in some ways it is. After a disappointing primary season (in which everyone I believed in lost or dropped out), we're left with two candidates, and what should have been an easier choice for me.

Given her long history of not really accomplishing anything (as well as her never-ending laundry list of scandals), there is no way in hell I could vote for Hillary Clinton. She's a confirmed liar, who has used corruption to cover blatant illegal activities, and cost the lives of at least four Americans. (Kind of a deal-breaker for me, personally.)

Which should mean Donald Trump by default. But, not so fast...

So far, Trump has spoken about a lot of issues I happen to agree with. He's talked about issues that no one was (or would be) discussing, things that need to be dealt with. And, he's been able to point out the flaws in our current system, as well as who's behind them and why. On the surface, he seems arrogant and gruff, but a lot of people have really appreciated his no b.s. style of straight talk (completely free of the political correctness that's killing this nation).

The problem I (and so many others) have is, every time he gives a decent speech that gives his supporters some kind of hope, he immediately kills the message by saying or doing something completely stupid. The man can't help but shoot himself in his own foot.

I can't even begin to tell you all the times he's had me just about ready to cast my vote for him, and then he says something about the mother of a fallen soldier (granted, he was attacked first, but still it was ignorant to retaliate), or he reorganizes his campaign staff after one of his best speeches (totally killing the news about the speech itself). Often, his words have been twisted and taken completely out of context (to demonize him, and make him sound stupid or racist). But, a lot of times, it's his own doing.

It's like he's deliberately sabotaging his own campaign. Either that, or he thinks being controversial alone is what got him this far.

He's got a long way to go, to prove to me that he deserves my vote, and there isn't much time to get there.

And so, whenever anyone hears me calling myself "undecided", they need to know that I don't mean on who to vote for. To me (at least this year) "undecided" mean on whether or not to vote at all.

The Art of Disagreement

One of my favorite past times (and another reason for this blog), is talking with people about the beliefs and issues of the day. I freely admit that (even in my private life) I am that guy... the one who will gladly discuss the "forbidden" topics (religion and politics) with total strangers.

I don't do it to stir, or create controversy. I do it because I'm genuinely interested in what people think, and why. If you tell me you're a Pagan Communist who believes in human sacrifice and enslavement, I truly want to know how you came to your beliefs. It doesn't mean that I will agree with you, but it also doesn't exclude us from talking to each other.

I have had several friends and acquaintances that were polar opposites from my personal views. In fact, once we got past the emotional defensiveness, most have discovered that we could have some of the most interesting and stimulating conversations of our lives. You get a certain quality of conversation with people you disagree with, that you can't find anywhere else in life (as long as both sides can remain civil, without yelling and name calling). Chances are, both parties will actually learn a few things along the way.

Lately, I find it sad that this point of view seems to be getting rarer and rarer. It just seems to me that we're all missing out, when we surround ourselves only with people who agree with us, and shut out those who don't. You can never truly know the whole story, if all you listen to is one side of things.

Do I get frustrated and passionate about my beliefs? Yes, on occasion. I may not like what others are saying, or feel that they're being ignorant, but I would never deny them the right to express their opinions. Just as, I will never allow anyone to silence mine.

We can disagree, without being disagreeable. In fact, that's one of the things that has always made this country so great... Freedom of Speech, and the willingness to hear all sides of an argument.

I may mock and ridicule certain opposing views (just as I have plenty of mine mocked and ridiculed), but I will never try to stop anyone from stating them.

Just remember the words of 16th century philosopher Voltaire...

"Although I disagree with what you say, I will defend your right to say it with my life."

An American Classified

Wanted: A honest and hardworking, no nonsense candidate with fiscal discipline, a solid moral background and strong ethical convictions. Must be able to maintain a strong military, peaceful and friendly relations with our allies, and a sense of prosperity and equality for all our citizens.

We will provide a competitive salary, vacation time, healthcare for you and your immediate family and free housing and transportation.

Must be able to pass a full background check and drug screening. Experience not necessarily required, but comparable skills are preferred.

This is an Equal Opportunity offer, valid for all non-felon U.S. citizens, 35 years and older. Offer only good for one four year term, with one possible four year extension, and not valid with any other employment offers. See the United States Constitution for details, terms and limits.

To apply, simple fill out a FEC Form 2 with the government, send out petitions to be put on the States' ballots, and announce your candidacy and platform publicly. All serious bids (and a few not so serious ones) will be considered.

Please address all cares, comments or concerns to "We the People", c/o the United States of America.

Good Luck, and looking forward to hearing from you soon...

The Reboot

It's time for a reboot and a fresh start...

After reading through some of my old posts, I decided this blog (much like the country), wasn't going in the direction it should. I was spending entirely too much time making some of the same points over and over, and not enough on other issues I was wanting to discuss.

Often, I would spend half the night writing and rewriting entries, because the issues I was wanting to talk about were just too big, with way too much information, and I wasn't sure where to even begin.

Plus, at times I found myself sounding as robotic as Hillary Clinton addressing the "commoners".

Anyway, the purpose of this blog won't change. It's always been about exposing the truth, educating those who will listen and inflicting my own perspectives on the unsuspecting masses. I may not always be considered "fair" or "non-partisan" on certain topics, but you can bet that I will always be as truthful as O possibly can be (depending on the available information at the time).

I sincerely hope that anyone reading this will genuinely enjoy my commentary, and feel free to comment whether they agree with what I'm saying, or not. All comments (for or against) will be treated civilly, so long as you remain civil yourself. I'm a big boy, I can take disagreements and criticisms with the best of you. All I ask, is that you keep it honest and real.

Now, with that said, it's time to start the show...