Why do we need political parties anymore?

[satch919]

First off. Im neither a Democrat nor a Republican. Im a registered Independant.

I've only been seriously following politics and its inner workings for about a few years.

As time goes on and I read more about the current state of this country, one has to at least question the government and our future. There is so much division in this country that its dangerous to the health of our own society.

The big thing now is the all out war being waged between the Liberals and the Conservatives. As this last election showed, things have gotten pretty low and nasty. Why? I believe its because both parties are scared so much at losing power that they are willing to go to all time lows to keep that power. Even if it hurts the nation.

Now my question is: Whats the need for political parties now? All its done in the past is breed hate and intolerance. Both major parties(Dems and Rep.) are to blame for this uneasyness. Whats the deal with having to belong to a party? Why not just vote for what you want without always towing the party line?

I've talked to people that won't vote for the better candidate or policy simply because they don't want a Liberal or Conservative in office, not because they were any less qualified than the other candidate. I vote based on whats best for me and my country, not because some party tells me to vote a certain way. Its really a terrible way to vote if all you do is what you're told.

Some might say that you can't have it both ways. I answer, why not? Why not try to work with everyone? There are good policies from Republicans and Democrats why not take the best from both and run with it.

I am not convinced that these "leaders" want whats best for our country. If they really believed that, they wouldn't stand by any political party.

Republican, Democrat, Independant, etc. In the end, we're all in this together so why not work with eachother to achieve what we've wanted for so long. Tolerance and maybe a bit of peace for once.

I say that a new organization be created to accept all people with good ideas. Maybe a National Peoples Organization. Where, if you have a desire to put aside your political differences to get things done, you're welcome into the party.

If you read it all, thanks. Happy Holidays HL2 fans.

:cheers:

 

[Sprafa]

/me breaks into wild laughter

Parties aren't such a mess when they're more than 2, but you're right.

Partise will never break down because people need(ed) them in the case of representative democracy, so they know exactly what they're voting for. Now it's a matter of pure stupidity.

About your proposed National People's Organization, it reminds me of word.. Parle...Parlament

 

[The Monkey]

You should get more parties, not fewer.

 

[gh0st]

Rarrrghhh learn American history.

 

[Steve]

You're a registered independent. Didn't you read the registration form? Jeez, now you're registered as a member of the Independence party (real party). You should have put "no party". Goofball.

Heh.

 

[satch919]

/me breaks into wild laughter

Parties aren't such a mess when they're more than 2, but you're right.

Partise will never break down because people need(ed) them in the case of representative democracy, so they know exactly what they're voting for. Now it's a matter of pure stupidity. Perhaps I'm asking too much from society?

About your proposed National People's Organization, it reminds me of word.. Parle...Parlament

Thx for replying.

Having only two parties just creates an us/them mentality. Thats not healthy either. IMO this is the state that we're in now.

People nowadays don't seriously look into why they're voting the way that they are. There's a lot of stupidity in that.

If its called Parliament, The National People's Organization, etc, it doesn't bother me as long as it works.

 

[satch919]

You're a registered independent. Didn't you read the registration form? Jeez, now you're registered as a member of the Independence party (real party). You should have put "no party". Goofball.

Heh.

Well, you are correct. I registered as an Independant because, at the time, I shared a lot of their views. Plus I was new to the whole political scene and I picked what my Dad suggested. Its something that Im going to have to change in future elections. I admit though, I was young and dumb and I didn't research everything I did.


I see the irony in my statements though.

Rarrrghhh learn American history.

I did. I've taken a few classes in college. :|

 

[Steve]

Well, you are correct. I registered as an Independant because, at the time, I shared a lot of their views. Plus I was new to the whole political scene and I picked what my Dad suggested. Its something that Im going to have to change in future elections. I admit though, I was young and dumb and I didn't research everything I did.

Oh, okay! I didn't know you intentionally did that. Cool...I've never met a real, live Independant before.


...can I touch you?

 

[satch919]

Oh, okay! I didn't know you intentionally did that. Cool...I've never met a real, live Independant before.


...can I touch you?

Are you being sarcastic? Hard to tell over the net.

 

[Steve]

Are you being sarcastic? Hard to tell over the net.

No, I'm serious. I've never met anyone registered to the Independence party. It's neat.

 

[satch919]

No, I'm serious. I've never met anyone registered to the Independence party. It's neat.

Ok, good. I wasn't sure if you were poking fun at me or what.

 

[Korgoth]

I see what your saying man... This past election was probably one of the dirtiest ones in American history. The great uniter (at least thats what he likes to think) dubya' has split this country nearly in half with his radical policy. And in the case of democrats in this last election there was no grey area what so ever.

The stakes were so high you were (using his words now) either with them or against them... Once the situation settles I think you will see things return to somewhere between chaotic and normal come the next election... You have to take into account that this could have been bush's boot out the door. And lets face facts almost half of this country voted him out in favor of a candidate that no one really supported 100%, and it didn't matter as long as he wasn't in office anymore.

Naturally he was scared, and if you look at his history, he always plays dirty. Just look at what he did to mcain (sp?) back in the 2000 primary. He pretty much called him a nutjob because at one time mcain was a pow. (also we kinda saw the birth of the "527" there...) Then in his race for governor he had teams go outside in church parking lots while members were in service and put pictures of gay men kissing on their cars, and on the back was a picture of the person he was running against, talking about how they had a gay child.

If anything we do need more parties, however, just think how hard it would be to attack 5 or 6 people as compared to 1

 

[KoreBolteR]

You're a registered independent. Didn't you read the registration form? Jeez, now you're registered as a member of the Independence party (real party). You should have put "no party". Goofball.

[jumps off cliff laughing] [/jumps off cliff laughing]

 

[satch919]

Well, you are correct. I registered as an Independant because, at the time, I shared a lot of their views. Plus I was new to the whole political scene and I picked what my Dad suggested. Its something that Im going to have to change in future elections. I admit though, I was young and dumb and I didn't research everything I did.


I see the irony in my statements though.

Quoted to show my actions. :thumbs:

 

[Incitatus]

Actually party loyalty in a presidential system like that in the US is much lower than in a parliamentary system like for instance that in the UK. This is because the members of congress are elected independently of the head of government. You can see this in the actions of Schwarzenegger. The way he contradicts the president would be absolutely impossible in for instance Great Britain or the Netherlands. In fact in the British cabinet there is a specific post to ensure that MP's vote in accord with the cabinet 'the chief whip'.

 

[Parasite]

A two party system definatly simplifies the job of government. With 2 parties noone actually has to address issues, because every issue becomes a matter of 2 viewpoints...yes/no, right/wrong, left/right, liberal/conservative and so on. There is no need to address the middle ground, because the moderates have no representation. Rather than actually finding a balance, we jump from one extreme to another. Instead of making comprimize we throw up roadblocks and legislation to make it harder for the other guy to accomplish his goals.

Currently the two parties tend to define themselves less by who they are and more by who they arent. The parties have become "anti-parties". We focus on our differences to the point of acting out of hatred, instead of recognizing our common principles and acting on them. Both parties have pressured the people to fucus on our fears and not our hopes and aspirations, telling us the things we should be scared of from the other guy, instead of the promise of what they themselves can bring.

The 2 viewpoints are now so focused on those things that differentiate them that they are leaning towards extremist idealogies on both sides. And those on either side who are the most extreme have found an newly eager audience to cater to. The Micheal Moores and Protest Warriors and Jerry Falwells and those who have always represented the most vocal minority agenda, now have the means to spread thier rhetoric to the masses because of the brave new world of extreme politics. 1001 reasons to hate the other guy and not a single reason to beleive in yourself.

Personally I only see it getting worse...to the point of implosion. We need a fresh perspective and fast. I dont even care what, either somenew ideologies that proves to us all that there is something better out there for us to aspire to, and something so much worse, that we realize how truly alike we are despite out differences. Hell, even just some representation for the moderates and independants among us, or all those who dont have anyone representing thier views, and dont want to play the whole extreme politics game.

 

[Incitatus]

Very nice argument parasite indeed, even if I don't agree (don't have time to type out a rebuttal right now

you should study politics, if you don't already

:afro:

 

[Top Secret]

Rarrrghhh learn American history.

:afro:

Washington baby.

*Edit*

And for the record:

I know a lot of you probably won't agree with this/ believe it, but the parties do, in fact, agree on more things than they disagree on.

 

[satch919]

And for the record:

I know a lot of you probably won't agree with this/ believe it, but the parties do, in fact, agree on more things than they disagree on.

You're right, I don't believe you. Can you list the things that they agree on and then the things they don't agree on? (Briefly) Don't say things like world peace, prosperity, and freedom for all because thats so cliche.