I agree with the general idea of this piece and I have to say Ben, that picture is fucking hilarious

Overall, I agree with your idea that the two party system is no good and that it’s actually a one party system in disguise. A common question I ask current politicians is: how are you going to open up the political process to more than just Republicans and Democrats? Many of them fail to answer the question.

The mentioning of communism in relation to political parties isn’t completely accurate because communism is an economic system that can also be democratic. The two party republic of the United States exists within a capitalist economic system, or as some might realize, a class-based socialist economic system (the rich enjoy the true benefits of government assistance while the poor work to support that government assistance). This is simplified, obviously, and I’m sure some of the wise economic scholars out there can explain this better.

“The main explanation of lack of voters is that the younger populations do not agree with either party, period. The Democrats are way too liberal for most people liking. In addition, they have this profound inability to make decisions on certain issues. On the other hand, you have the Republicans. They are beholders of conservatism and mass corruption. They have the ability to make decisions it is just that their decisions make them rich and the rest of the American population suffer.”

This is an interesting view that I do not share but can understand others believing. Thanks for writing it this way.

I rated this piece that I “Dislike It” because of the following sentence:

”...making our government very similar to the one party system that Communist enact when they hold power, the only difference is the addition to one more party.”

To me, anytime we negatively discuss communism in a general sense without citing historical references, I feel we’re shooting ourselves. It’s true that some communist regimes throughout history have been far from ideal. But it’s also true that the possibility exists for the positive ideas within communism (i.e. worker-ownership of the means of production, eliminating oppressive and exploitative living and working conditions, giving a voice to the people who need a voice, etc…) to successfully exist within a democratic system. Jumping on the typical U.S. disgust for anything socialist or communist without historical citation only supports the current status-quo and makes the work of climate change activists, labor activists, and revolutionaries, radicals, and activists of all types that much more difficult.

I’ve met certain people calling themselves communists and interacted with certain so-called communist groups in the United States that I have many disagreements with. So, I’m not suggesting that everything written should be pro-communist no matter what. I’m only suggesting that we be as specific as possible so we don’t accidentally lump the good ideas in with the bad. And like I wrote above, I agree with the overall idea of the piece and very much appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Keep sharing!

i think this is an issue that many people in other countries with multiple party systems have recognized about the american ‘democratic’ system. hopefully more people will become aware of this ‘two sides of the same coin’ system but will choose to become involved in a solution, rather than remaining indifferent.

This is a thoughtful and well-put article about what’s wrong with the American party system. It does seem as though voting within the parties preserves the status quo rather than effecting any actual change. Still, what I’d like to see is the ‘what we can do about it’. I am about to be of voting age and I would like, very much, to vote in such a way as to be able to make change.

(A side-note in response to Akeeba: Stating that America’s system is similar to the one-party system in Communist countries is perfectly alright and not insulting to any actual communists—the difference is in the capital letter. Communists are differentiated from communists in that one is the party (often the only party) of a country, while the other is an ideology. I’m not sure I explained that correctly, but that is how it is in my understanding.)

government is corrupted to the core on a global level. rights and laws need a total revision and a more enlightened way must be created!!!!!!!

That the American government is in deep trouble is obvious. But this is a government of the people by the people and for the people.

Unfortunately the people are far too busy watching MTV, buying SUVs, and gossiping about movie stars to take control of their government, hold their elected representatives accountable, and actively participate in their local governments.

I watch high school graduates enter the world of adulthood without any understanding of the tools of change that are built in to the American political system. Public meetings by elected officials are woefully unattended, corruption is followed only by a few haggarded understaffed martyrs who have committed themselves to keeping a watchful eye on the guys we put in office.
Although Bush had an abysmal record as Governor of Texas and this was pointed out in the media Hundreds of thousands went to the polls, to vote for a man with a questionable background and cheered, “Bush for President!!!”
I’m sorry my friend, the blame goes not to those in power but rather to the poorly informed, apathetic, follow the leader masses who are too lazy to do their own research and who are not willing to hold their government accountable. The tool of recall and pressure that can be laid against local officials to vote on their constituents behalf goes virtually unused time and time again.

There is a statement that says “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” As long as the people give elected officials absolute power and spend their hours at the water cooler whinning about things then things will go on as usual.
Politicians seek power, and we give it to them. As long as we give them the ability to act without accountability, then my friend I fear we are left to sleep in the bed we have made for ourselves.

SOLUTIONS; American government classes in Junior High and High School that actually call for students to become INVOLVED in the political process at a local level at least 5 times during the school year. Writing letters, attending city council meetings, reading about critical issues that affect their community and brainstorming sessions to look for solutions to community problems and then ACTING ON THEM. Teaching them how to use the government and hold leaders accountable.

Parents discussing the political process to their kids in a way that it becomes important to them. What effect does your mayor have on your life, what is he doing to help you , what is he doing that will hurt you? How is your tax money being spent. Who is getting your tax money and why? What are changes you want to see in your city..how can you put pressure on to see that those things happen?Todays youth are simply looking at their parents behaviour and following suit. Mom does nothing …I’ll do nothing.

Greater information needs to go out to the public that details their strength and power as part of the government. When people unite they become even more powerful than any government, and can institute infinite changes. The power of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and even Hitler and George W. Bush are not powers in a vacuum those powers were given to these leaders by people, from small grass roots home meetings to massive industry wide strikes. The issue here is not Democrat or Republican or even democracy. It is a nation so enamored with their lifestyle and heady feeling of global superiority that they can’t be bothered with facing the huge responsibility of participating in the political process. We need a brave constituency! We need informed voters and pre-voters, we need active voters and soon to be voters, we need voters willing to assert THEIR power at the polls, we need a nation charged with values and ethics and positive action. Changing the system of 2 party system to communist, socialist, or any other framework will have exactly the same results if the people of the nation continue to believe they are just pawns in a game. It is when the people take control of how democracy is played out that true change is possible. It does not happen over night,

<pre><code>Gandi struggled for years but in the end he rose victorious over the nation so big and powerful that the sun never set on the empire. He struggled with poor illiterate farmers and peasents, Marie Antoinette lost her head to the poor and oppressed, but it doesn't have to come to that. If every voter would get up, get dressed and head to the polls the way the Afgani women did ....and press for change..change will come. But it doesn't stop at the polls...leaders need to be held accountable and they should always feel someone is looking over their shoulder and is willing to remove them from office if they dont deliver.</code></pre>