The case for a third party

Congratulations to Barack Obama for winning the presidency. It is good to see the country progressing and moving towards change in the political system. What's most encouraging is seeing the energy young voters have to get involved with the political system and to have their voices heard. With that energy, I wonder how long we have to wait before a third political party rises to challenge the traditional two party system.

How exciting would the campaign season have been if Hillary and Romney were on the presidential ballot as well. Choice has always been priority in the American culture. Companies try to differentiate themselves with different products offering more choice to consumers. When we want to buy a car, there are several brands and models to choose from. It would be horrible if our choices were a Ford F150 and a Toyota Prius. What if I want to drive a Porsche? Why does our political system act in this way?

I would argue that it keeps the parties with power in power. Why would they let someone new into the game? If Hillary were on the ballot, she would surely cannibalize some of Barack's votes. Same if Romney campaigned as an independent. Is that really what is best for the citizen's of this country? The two party system sounds a lot like an oligopoly to me. Competition breeds progress, and that's a fact.

People, and I would argue Politics as well, is much larger than Red or Blue. The majority of people will stereotype and place you in a box if you mention your affiliation with the Democrats or the Republicans. I agree with Democrats on some issues, and I agree with Republicans on other issues. So why can't I have a candidate that represents me? I thought politics were supposed to be about the people, and frankly, I don't agree how the Democrats or Republicans run primaries to see who the strongest candidate will be for that party and stay within party lines. I want to be able to vote for a person, not a party.

If Ann Nixon Cooper(?) had to wait 106 years to see Obama get elected, then maybe I'll have to wait that long before we get more choice with our politicians. I'll end with one last tidbit.

We currently have 2 independent, but caucus with the Democrats, Senators out of 100 which is 2%. The two largest parties in the British Parliament House of Commons comprise 85% of the 644 votes, with several smaller parties making up the rest of 15%. Are the Brits really that much more progressive than the Americans?