We need another option

[lameassdude]

I'm so tired of all the Republicians and Democrates, we need something thats in the middle, looking out for the middle class. Its not as if we can vote for independents because its pretty much is a wasted vote, even though "every vote counts" do you really think a Independent is going to win? Not likely.

Well anyway thats just my opinion, dicuss(sp?) if you like.

[tiger army]

That would be awsome, but instead of having half of the country pissed off, now we are going to have two thirds of the country pissed off. Its very unrealistic. viceroy can tell you about how it is in UK where they got numerous parties.

[lameassdude]

I know its very unlikey, but still a nice thought. We should be more like the UK, like you can purchase beer when your 18, gee wiz that id be great. And its seems as if not as bad as stuff happens around there like it does here in teh US

[tiger army]

wow i didn't know that was the issue you were talking about, I just get family to get me beer. yeah i fuckin hate hypicritical babyboomers. They are the reason why america is so shitty nowadays.

[lameassdude]

Thats not why i posted it, i have people to get me beer anyway. anywho yah the system is pretty fucked up.

[Big D]

I agree...there are some political systems with 3 , 4, or even up to 8 viable candidates each election.

Having more choice would be better for this country...instead of having two parties that are almost completely opposed on many major issues, and having to pick the lesser of two evils, we could have a chance to vote for a candidate that more closely resembled our true positions on important issues.

Unfortunately, the U.S. system has a system in place that makes even a third candidates chances very bleak...and it is this way on purpose. They want to keep third parties out.

Even worse, the mentality that a vote for a third party is a wasted vote has succesfully sunk in to the point that many will not vote their hearts come election day. It is a shame...

This is a government for the people, and by the people...we simply need the populace to believe that a third candidate could win, and then actually vote...I always vote for a third party candidate even if I know the candidate won't win.

At the very least, if a third party candidate ever captures 6% of the electoral vote, they become eligible for public funding to run their campaign during the next election. Republicans and Democrats always qualify...and the third party candidate never do...even this 6% mark would be a huge first victory in this day and age.

So what if other countries have political systems that are better?...the U.S. has never been any good at swallowing its pride, and admitting that they are not the best at something...and the people of this country larglely do not realize this.

[puppyroach]

The system of having as many political parties as you want, is something that I do believe the people respect, and would applaud. We have a 4% margin for when a party can come into the parliament. This means that the peoples voice can be heard, even by really small parties. By these measures, an independent, liberal party with 6% would easily come into the parliament.

Do you think that maybe the parliament construction you have, basically is a product of it´s time, a time when people needed to make more clear-cut decisions, taking sides, compared to today, when it is more of following your personal beliefs?

[tiger army]

partisanship is a huge pain in the ass. Its because of partisanship that the little patriotic period post 9/11 died by dec. wasn't it nice everyone agreeing on shit for a change. People were actually proud to be americans. I was confused why all of a sudden because of the circumstances. But i knew that the Flag from your car window was just bullshit, how many cars with flags hanging from them do you see? People are either black or white, yes or no. there is no happy inbetween. Thats why every election seems like a class war. Poor people blaming rich people and vice-versa. No one steps back to see the big picture. no one is willing to sacrifice a little for the well being of many. America is too rooted in greed. its just sickening at times. Politicians tear a country apart to make a buck.

Edit: Aww lameassdude, i liked your old avatar, now it looks like you passed out while snortin too much coke. Your old one look like the chick from that 80's show

[limaksti]

I know its very unlikey, but still a nice thought. We should be more like the UK, like you can purchase beer when your 18, gee wiz that id be great. And its seems as if not as bad as stuff happens around there like it does here in teh US

To be honest the in the US 18 year olds are way too immature to be able to buy alcohol. I mean I figure that if you can die for your country you should be able to go out and buy a beer. But then I look at the dumbass 18 year olds around me and then realize how that would be a BAD idea. I'm 19 btw and from NJ.

[lameassdude]

Yes i can identify with 18 year olds being too young. They dont understand the requital drinking can bring.

[MGselwonK]

i live in southern california and ive never met a 13 year old who couldnt get a drink, the law is pointless

[Viceroy]

If there were multiple political parties, say four, each with an equal share of committed voters then the country would be ungovernable. You'd never get any leader elected with a large proportion of the votes. Basically no President would ever have much more than 25% of the country behind him.

Also you'd never get any legislation passed. Every once in a while the government party in Parliament wins the election without having a majority of seats in Parliament. When this happens the governing party finds it very hard to run the country because no legislation they put forward gets enough support.

Politics naturally gives way to a small number of parties because that's the way it works best. Just a very basic example, if there were four parties and only one was in power, the other three would probably unite under a common cause to defeat the elected party. Then you've only got two parties.

[Chewy]

We have multi party systems here in Canada and I think it works quite well. I like having options. Our major parties are quite different from each other. Our Liberal Party is similar to your Republican Party, our conservative is similar to the Democrat party. The New Democratic Party is socialist and the Bloc is a Québécois sovereignties party. Canadian Politics is quite interesting, is very similar to the British, and a lot less drama than the US system. We also have a number of fringe parties like the communist parties and the Marijuana party. We had our election in June, here is some the parties we had to choose from.


link (http://dawn.thot.net/election2004/pp.htm)

[puppyroach]

We have seven parties in the parliament at the moment, and it works fine. Three of the partis has joined together to get the majority, but at some times, one of the parties have had upwards to 50%, therefore having sole majority.

IMO it´s better when you have several parties leading the country, because they all have some key issues, that can be brought forward, and that would otherwise be forgotten.