Serious question (not trying to bait anyone). What do you make of the rise of Independents?

[SeloverB]

60. From and ex-Dem

I was a Dem for a lotta years, but the moderation and corporate cash of the Dems just makes me angry. I loved Jimmy Carter, but Clinton's moderation just didn't do it for me, and the fact that Repubs have been getting away with the "trickle down" lie since Reagan, without it being countered at all by the Dems makes me sick.
I became a Green after reading Nader's book Crashing the Party. I wanted the Dems to know that I was on their LEFT flank. I voted for Ralph, and have NEVER believed the Dem BS about costing Gore the election. The Dems and Gore lost that election all by themselves. Give me someone I can vote for and I will, but better give me instant runoff voting, and eliminate the stupid two party system that alienates folks like me.
I switched back to the Dems just for the Colorado caucus and supported Bernie, quickly going back to Green afterwards. I voted for Hillary as my next best option. When Colorado went to a primary system, and now lets Independents vote in either the Dem or Repub primary (Yes I got both ballots, and could return the one I wanted), I became an Independent. I can now support the Dems, mess with the Repubs, or do nothing at all (not my option).
I have been waiting since Jimmy for a Dem to stand up to Repubs and stand for the people. Why have the Dems let this "trickle down" crap go on, let the health care system go so out of control, let the two party system alienate folks, let the prison-military-industrial complex go unchallenged? Dems ARE complicit in the madness we face today. My faith in the Dems is limited. My hope is with our younger generation seeing this for what it is.
What shallow hope I can muster is that with Trump, the Repubs can more easily be seen for what they are. I would have preferred Hillary, but maybe we needed a Trump to make things THAT obvious, because the Dems NEVER did!