Politics. Politics, politics, politics. It's a source of hope, conflict, compromise, progress, and cynicism. When I turned 18 a few months ago, I immediately registered to vote, but was faced with a political predicament: with which party to register. In the US, you don't get much of a choice, as we're all aware. My problem with our two party system is that it leaves no room whatsoever for different political perspectives. The Democrats and the GOP have a stranglehold on American politics, and leave little room for disagreement with their policies. Just look at what happened to Joe Lieberman when he went against his party. He had to quit the Democrats and go Independent. The two party system we have is just too rigid and resistant to change.
So anyway, my predicament: what party was I supposed to join? I see myself as socially conservative, fiscally moderate, and usually liberal in foreign affairs. So what was I supposed to do? My political views are comprised of random little bits from both Republican and Democratic political platforms. For example, I oppose abortion, like most Republicans, and I oppose capital punishment, like most Democrats. This two party system makes it impossible to enroll in a party that truly reflects your own personal views.
Anyway, I eventually checked the "Republican" box on the voter registration form, but lately I've been gaining interest in the Libertarian Party after reading Ron Paul's recent book, The Revolution. Ron Paul is currently a Republican, but used to be a Libertarian, and it shows in his political opinions. The Libertarians are a tiny political minority, but actually comprise the third largest party in the US, after the two main parties. That goes to show how much control the two super-parties have over American politics.
The Libertarians have some views which agree with my own, but some of their policies (like their drug policy) are totally ludicrous to me. Basically, what they want to do is legalize all illicit drugs, such as cocaine, in order to free up law enforcement and funding for more important causes. Bizarre politics aside, the central tenet of the party is, appropriately, liberty. Check them out for yourself on their website if you want.
So, I was thinking about switching my party allegiance, though maybe the appeal of Libertarians for me is just in their novelty and nothing of substance. Also, I feel like my opinions and my voice won't be heard in the sea of American politics because they're such a minor party. In any case, Libertarians don't fit me perfectly either, so I'm just going to have to compromise and prioritize my issues and find a good party for me. And as a side note, becoming an Independent is not an option... I feel like Independents have no voice in this country, and, since they're not really a political party, they have no central guiding principles or issues.
PS, while exploring the Libertarian website, I found a pretty cool political quiz.... part of the beauty of it is that it's really short. It's interesting just to see what your political leanings supposedly are... It's not scientific or anything, just mostly mildly fun.
Any thoughts on the restrictions of the two party system we have? About minor parties? And anyone care to share the results of their quiz?
Your links are broken.
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You are the Voice of the Childwen of the Revowution! [Toulouse, Moulin Rouge]
Oops, thanks for pointing that out. Fixed them.
While I am DEFINATELY not a fan of Ron Paul, I do agree that there is no actual party for a Conservative. The RNC has seen fit to put up a liberal Republican as their man. Which is fine, they're free to do as they wish and we are not required to vote for them.
In the same way, the DNC has leaped to the left, putting up a socialist and a marxist. They are free to do as they wish and we are not required to vote for them.
I would put a correction up though: Lieberman did not have policy issues with the Democrats and, after the election, came back and said that he would side with the democrats on everything. He was 'booted' from the party for suggesting that trashing a sitting president during a war is "done at America's peril" .... and for that the DNC threw him under the bus.
Frankly, he is on par with McCain. Some have hinted that they're such good friends and so close politically that McCain might ask Liberman to be his running mate. I don't see that happening, but it does show how liberal McCain is.
I don't see the difference in what the two of us see as the reason Lieberman got the hook. He went against the mainstream belief in his party, and the Democrats, not liking that type of free-thinking and independence, were quick to punish him.
I think McCain's liberal and moderate views are evidence that he does not fit the mold of the politicians I railed against in my blog. By going against his party, he demonstrates true independence, and is not a party lackey. We need individuals, not political parties, controlling the presidency.
While McCain and Lieberman seem like political pals, I'd agree that there's little chance of Lieberman becoming his VP choice. Isn't the war the only thing they agree on? Since McCain is so moderate, he'd probably pick a much more conservative candidate as his VP so as to not lose the GOP conservative base.