An Alternative Endorsement
The problem with the American political system is the monopoly that exists between the Democratic and Republican parties. Internally, the debate is fierce and the insults fly. However, it is a game that has the reward of security in power and so, the two parties have effectivly structured the system to eliminate, or at least minimalize, viable third parties.
It’s like 9/11. Americans criticze and cut at each other in the name of politics and one-upmanship, but when an outside force comes to bear to influence the American way of life, the nation unifies in righteouss indignation and shuts those outside forces down.
Similarly, we have seen numerous third parties in the United States in recent years. Libertarians, Greens, Constituionalists, Socialists. The problem is is that election rules have been formulated by a committee that is controlled by party activists for the Republicans and the Democrats. The system is structured in such a way to DIScourge alternative parties. Some may call this beneficial. I call it censorship.
In most states, if a third part recieves only one percent of the popular vote, they are automatically included on the ballot the next time around. Currently, there are 39 “safe” states and 11 states “in play”, or Battleground.
If you are a voter in one of the 39 non-Battleground states, it benefits you to vote for a third party candidate. Your vote is not being wasted as the presidency, as far as your state is concerned, is secured. However, if your state votes 1% to a third party candidate, that party is guaranteed a seat next time around.
Think about it. Instead of wasting millions of dollarsto get enough signatures on a petition to get on the ballot, and any subsequent court challenges, they can put their limited resources into other campaign-related activities. This will not necessarily win the White House, but it will give a good start in the direction of a viable third party alternative.
I recommend Michael Badnarik, of the Libertarian party, as a viable alternative to Bush or Kerry.
Here are a summary of positions based on his website:
Iraq – Iraq was a failure of leadership and we must get out. Plans to withdraw American troops from 130 nations in promtion of national defense instead of international offense.
Civil Liberties – Repeal Patriot Act.
Economy – Eliminate outsourcing by eliminating government regulation and promoting a truee free market.
Crime – Institute a policy of restitution in conjunction with punishment of the criminal.
Health Care – Eliminate regulation on Pharmaceutical companies which would lead to cheaper medication and health care.
Immigration – Elimination of Border patrol. Treating our borders as a national defense issue, including armed military units. Supports peaceful entry of legal immigrants..
Minorities – Against special treatment but eliminating some of the roadblocks to opportunities such as high costs of licensing, etc.
Gay Rights – Gay marriage is an issue of individuals and not legal entities such as government.
War on Drugs – The war on drugs is a war that is unwinnable and costs too much national resources. Supports the end of the war on drugs and drug prohibition altogether.
Gun Control – An armed society is a free society.
Pick up your copy of the WordPress Bible, a wildly popular resource for beginners and experts alike.
Written by Aaron Brazell on November 1, 2004
Popularity: 1% [?]
Aaron Brazell
Steven Fisher
Ray Capece
Carlos Granier-Phelps
Andrew Feinberg
Mike Dougherty
Chris Bachmann
Leslie Poston
Jerald Sheets
Scott Goldblatt
Mykel Nahorniak
Peter Corbett
Jonathan Dingman
Geoff Livingston
Jeremy Toeman
Rachel James
Chris Parandian
Warren Sukernek
Joseph Hauckes
Shana Glickfield
Vinnie Garcia
David Nick
Duncan Riley
Carol Ott
Darren McLaughlin
Mike Oliver
Rico Masterson
Lou P. Nuts
Sorry, REd. I always get to your blog by clicking on my blogroll, not by typing your URL. ;)
Sorry, REd. I always get to your blog by clicking on my blogroll, not by typing your URL. ;)
Sorry, REd. I always get to your blog by clicking on my blogroll, not by typing your URL. ;)
PC "Tsunami"
From Aaron Brazell from Techno Sailor:
“Tsunami
PC "Tsunami"
From Aaron Brazell from Techno Sailor:
“Tsunami
PC "Tsunami"
From Aaron Brazell from Techno Sailor:
“Tsunami
I love Vertigo — it’s on constant rotation here, along with some older U2.
I love Vertigo — it’s on constant rotation here, along with some older U2.
I love Vertigo — it’s on constant rotation here, along with some older U2.
Sheeet… Forget McCain. How about the PResident? Biggest spender since LBJ. If that is Compassionate Conservatism, I think we migh call it normal liberalism.
Sheeet… Forget McCain. How about the PResident? Biggest spender since LBJ. If that is Compassionate Conservatism, I think we migh call it normal liberalism.
Sheeet… Forget McCain. How about the PResident? Biggest spender since LBJ. If that is Compassionate Conservatism, I think we migh call it normal liberalism.
Yeah, I do laugh at the fact that this time around the Dems are the ones talking about smaller government and the Reps have the financial crazyman. :D
Yeah, I do laugh at the fact that this time around the Dems are the ones talking about smaller government and the Reps have the financial crazyman. :D
Yeah, I do laugh at the fact that this time around the Dems are the ones talking about smaller government and the Reps have the financial crazyman. :D
I was looking at one of the Related Entries — the one about a guest blogger. You specify that the person has to be a US citizen — why? It’s interesting sometimes to get the views of non-citizens, especially on our politics here in the US. Just a thought…
I was looking at one of the Related Entries — the one about a guest blogger. You specify that the person has to be a US citizen — why? It’s interesting sometimes to get the views of non-citizens, especially on our politics here in the US. Just a thought…
I was looking at one of the Related Entries — the one about a guest blogger. You specify that the person has to be a US citizen — why? It’s interesting sometimes to get the views of non-citizens, especially on our politics here in the US. Just a thought…