Politics 2008: Looking Beyond the Mainstream Parties

There is no doubt that this election year is perhaps one of the most potentially historic ones in anyone's recent memory. On the Republican side, a noted war hero, and a survivor of a prison war camp, John McCain has risen to the top as their presidential candidate. On the democratic side, the battle for the general election still rages on between two fierce and qualified candidates by the name of Hilary and Obama.

For a growing majority of American's, however, the speeches and sound bites of both the Republican and Democratic parties are beginning to sound extremely similar, and somewhat hollow. Many people are beginning to look outside and beyond the mainstream political parties. If you or someone you know is looking for a truly alternative choice in this charged political landscape, be sure to check out these strong third parties.

The Green Party

First established in the early 1970's the Green Party of the United States is a federation of state Green Parties that hold to a set of 10 key ideals. As a rule, they are committed to environmental causes, non-violence, social justice, and the organization power of the local and grassroots level. For the most part, their financial donations consist of private or small non-corporate donors, and they pride themselves on the idea of taking back the democracy of America one vote at a time.

The Green Party of the United States is also partnered with the European Federation of Green Parties, as well as the Federation of Green Parties of the Americas. While not officially on the ballot in all 50 states, the far left and liberal message of the party is quickly reaching out to and winning over many that feel that the Democratic Party has become to accommodating to the conservative right wing. As of right now, a presidential candidate has not been decided, but one will be chosen during their national convention through a delegation held in Denver Colorado. Past Green Party presidential candidates have included Ralph Nader and David Cobb.

The Libertarian Party

The Libertarian party claims to be the third largest political party in the United States, and the statistics certainly support those claims. First formed in 1971, the Libertarian party boosts elected officials in just about every state in the continental US, either at the state or local municipal levels of government.

Libertarians do not consider themselves conservative or liberal, but focus more on maintaining and encouraging not only personal freedoms, but also personal responsibility, with as little government involvement as possible. They have been known to gleam what they feel are the best aspects from both the conservative and liberal sides of the political spectrum. Libertarians generally support lowered or the elimination of taxes, tolerance of other beliefs and political views, and the reduction of governmental involvement in areas of economic and personal regulation. Libertarian members of congress and local municipalities have been known to lead and take active roles in both non-partisan and cross-partisan endeavors.

The Constitution Party

There is, of course a third choice of political parties if one is considering the alternatives to either the Republican or Democratic Party ticket. If your political and social views lean more toward the conservative side of the spectrum, you might want to consider looking at the Constitutional Party.

The Constitutional Party was founded on the idea that the current political parties have squandered the legacy and have ignored the original intent of the founding fathers of the United States as reflected in the Constitution. The Constitution Party believes in several common conservative ideals including the elimination of abortion and the death penalty, the preservation of marriage between one man and one woman, the right of property ownership, the preservation state rights, and the sovernity of the United States.

The Choice is Up to You

In this historical year, the importance of every choice and every vote cannot be overstated. Each political party is vying for your attention and more specifically your vote. If the Democratic or Republican parties have left you wanting something more, be sure to take a look at a few of the alternatives. Many of the third parties will hold their conventions in early May, and year by year they are becoming more prevalent on the politcal scene. Perhaps someday soon, the politcal choices will match up with the desires of all Americans.