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Showing Original Post only (View all)Does the two-Party system help or hurt our country ?? [View all]
It seems to me that the two-Party system has evolved to the point where it is nothing more than a way to divide people into camps, without regard to what is best for our country. It doesn't matter if one Party is right and one Party is wrong, the gridlock makes it impossible to accomplish anything for the people, no matter how much it is needed.
The majority of this nation would probably support Social Security and Medicare for our seniors. Also, they would probably support a reasonable and rational defense budget. And they would support helping our young people with their education. Just as they would support raising taxes and spending money on keeping our roads, bridges, and infrastructure in good shape.
But there are a lot of expenditures that they would not support with a wide consensus. These are areas for debate and cuts, if necessary.
However, it has now reached a point of partisan politics where it is difficult to get money for any type of program, including Social Security and Medicare. One Party is against all forms of taxes, no matter what they might be needed for. And they have the political power to gridlock the system and to create hardship for all of America. This is our present two-Party system.
Unless something is done, we are on the road to ruin. Somewhere, somehow, someone has to compromise.
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Duverger's Law would tend to work against a third viable party from emerging here.
Selatius
Apr 2012
#20
The electoral college is the most important problem facing multiparty advocates.
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#21
Even when the people dont like what is happening, I dont believe they recognize
rhett o rick
Apr 2012
#54
The US simply lacks publicly funded elections. That's why we always choose rich people.
Selatius
Apr 2012
#6
I agree and in addition, until we get a huge majority of the population willing to vote to change it
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#9
It hurts badly because at this stage the debate is so damn phony but ever more partisan
TheKentuckian
Apr 2012
#18
It hurts, but it can be fixed with instant run-off voting like the Aussies do it. n/t
Cleita
Apr 2012
#19
I think the electoral college is an insurmountable obstacle to third parties. It has to go first.
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#22
My point is, if a party can't make a credible bid for the White House, getting support for it
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#29
And in that we are in agreement, it is not set up for a Presidential bid, therefore the electoral
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#33
Winning a national campaign would still entail getting support from the same voters. Therefore...
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#40
The GOP changed radically with Reagan. All of the progressive legislation you mentioned is preReagan
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#50
Nope, no specifics. I meant just what I said. You will have frequent centrist coalitions. The issues
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#32
I don't think so. I think the Republicans have successfully brainwashed their folks to the point
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#41
Has nothing to do with Party label. They have thrown out Republicans who voted for these things too
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#44
Which people? Chomsky? Kucinich? Klein? Obama? Clinton? Gravel? Sanders? They are already speaking
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#49
NGU, however we must realize that voting and sending emails isnt enough. nm
rhett o rick
Apr 2012
#66
If you want me to believe that there is hope, you will have to convince me that
rhett o rick
Apr 2012
#53
The "two party system" helps maintain the illusion of democracy in a capitalist state.
Tierra_y_Libertad
Apr 2012
#47