Two-Party Political System Threatens Real Democracy

Many people of color look at me and assume me to be a Democrat, and when I open my mouth and speak of my faith in God through Jesus Christ, I'm then labeled as a Republican. But the truth of the matter is that I am neither. In fact, I'm not Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or of the Natural Law or Green Party. No, instead I've decided to join the ranks of independent thinkers who declare no party affiliation and I am very proud and sure of my decision.

Although I made this decision many years ago, it was just this past month that I felt compelled to make it "official". I wrote the party that I was once affiliated with (doesn't seem to help I'm still getting phone calls 3-4 times per day) and unfortunately I now seem to be on their e-mail list. What a joke! It's obvious they didn't read my e-mail declaring my allegiance to "independent thinking" and my decision to vote for whomever I believe will be the best candidate for the job no matter their party affiliation.

I know that some of you are saying, I'm a member or supporter of the ______ party and I still vote for who I want to. I for years did that as well, but the majority of my ballot pointed toward my support of that party. Now I truly take the time to study the candidates and each issue based upon what I truly think and I am not swayed by stances taken by a particular party or group of individuals.

Why am I so adamant about being an independent? I truly believe that this countries two party system is detrimental to the concept of democracy. Democracy is defined by Webster's as "rule by the people". This means a government that is led, guided or controlled by "the people" of this country. Now I don't know about you, but I surely don't feel, nor have I ever felt in control of anything pertaining to the administration or governing of this country. Now surely I understand that with a population of close to 300 million people, there is no way possible that every voice in America could be heard. I am not naïve enough to believe this to be even feasible. However, can we really say that today's two party system speaks for all or even most Americans? In fact, lately I see the politicians as ruling over and guiding the people instead of the people ruling over and/or guiding the politicians. If the truth be told, "spin doctors" have misled and influenced us all at one time or other. With every issue the Democrats take one position, and the Republicans just the opposite and vice versa. Although it happens periodically, how many times do you hear of a Republican agreeing with the position of a Democrat? Are they really that different or in opposition to one another? I really don't think so. What they've done is ensured their employment by holding strong to the "so-called" beliefs and values of their party. Further, they hire "spin doctors" (who are really Public Relations professionals) to help them look good and to develop ad campaigns that insult and bring up "dirt" on their opponent. It has become downright ugly, disgusting and quite frankly insulting to my intelligence and I refuse to play the game any longer.

Recently there was a debate for the Gubernatorial race here in Michigan. Although there are a total of five candidates running for Governor, only two candidates were invited to participate in the debate - of course it was the Democratic candidate and the Republican candidate. Does no one realize that there are candidates running from the Green, Libertarian and U.S. Taxpayer parties, or is it that everyone realizes that it is probably close or near to impossible for them to win? It is time that the citizens of America speak up concerning what is happening in Washington and even in state and local governments. No longer should we accept the status quo of a "two-party" system that governs us and pretty much controls society. Lets get back to "democracy" - a government set-up "by the people, and for the people", not a government set-up to employ and empower a few.

What do you think?