Author:
Kris (Landover, MD)
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Date Posted: 18:27:33 11/03/02 Sun
In reply to:
Jung!
's message, "Forum Launch!" on 12:59:14 10/26/02 Sat
The problem with emerging "third parties" is that they hold differing views on topics that have not motivated a large number of people. Therefore, they get less exposure, and few people identify with their causes, or are willing to publicly acknowledge that they have more idelogical similarities to said third party than either of the 2 mainstream political parties.
I believe it's irresponsible and lazy for someone to vote strictly party-line on all issues, but I also realize that the best way to change thinking is to do it from within. That's exactly the reason we have moderates, and extremists. Moderate Republicans don't necessarily agree with what the Christian Right says (in fact, they are often embarrased by them). Similarily with Democrats. The reason that you don't see more disassociation with established parties within governing bodies is that people want to advance the causes they believe in. This may seem a little cryptic, but it all comes down to agenda-setting. An example: The Democrats control the Senate, so they get to decide what bills are discussed and voted on for that day. The Republicans can voice strong, organized, opposition to the agenda, and push for certain issues to come to debate. Jim Jeffords, the only independant, doesn't really get to say squat.
Okay, say I'm from Vermont. As much as I admire Jim Jeffords for his intestinal fortitude (and I surely do), I'm not going to vote for him because he cannot effectively bring my issues to public forum. Now informed people know that Senator Jeffords is not entirely powerless, but the public sees a man without a country as their senator.
Now, I know that Mr. Jung will retort by saying that many issues that matter aren't brought to debate due to agenda setting in congress. This is true, but the alternative would be multiple smaller groups fighting for control of a legislative body that serves almost 300 million people (presumably, all with different ideas on which issues should be debated).
The Liberatarian Party (and other third parties) doesn't get my vote, not because I disagree with their economic policy (I don't) or their social policies (I generally do), but because they are unwilling to work within the existing framework. Look, we do the best we can. If the world has to be changed, we have to do it from the inside of established institutions.
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