Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Suppose you didn't vote "for the lesser of two evils"


Suppose "not voting" for the lesser of two evils, responsible citizens could vote NO to the candidates presented by the parties?


On JULY 4, 1776 The thirteen united States of America made a declaration.
This declaration began with these words.

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

If you extract some of the more salient phrases from the remainder of the document you can understand some of the motivation which should now motivate the American people. We should revolt against the current two party system which dictates our representatives in government for the same reasons we chose to revolt against King George.

Here are some:

...Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...

...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends [ie. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness], it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it...

...has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

There are more items of concern which might apply to this subject in the Declaration of Independence from King George and the British Empire. Remember, this commentary is aimed towards revolt against the Democratic and Republican parties. To whit and paraphrase the conclusion of the 1776 document:

We declare to be absolved from all allegiance to the existing political parties and that all political connection between them and the American public is and ought to be totally dissolved.

Remember, our constitution established three branches of government (with the intent to instill checks and balances). Neither the Republican party, nor the Democratic party, are established or defined in our constitution.

Should there be political parties to foster public service? Yes. Should these parties effectively prevent independent political candidates, voters or administration? No.

The reality, with historical support, is that in the past century allegiance to one of two political parties and it's methodology in selecting candidates for office has become mandatory. Candidates must adhere to the objectives of party insiders in order to be elected...a ruling class not ordained by our constitution. Our elected officials follow the wishes of their party more than the expectations for the good of the public...the governed from whom powers are derived. The parties manipulate, shape, focus and directs public opinion...it doesn't go from the bottom up.

We can't do that! Some will suggest. The two parties are so ingrained in our system that there would be chaos if they were completely abandoned. Not completely true but worthy of consideration.

Here is my revolting idea. Have another party...call it the independent party, the people's party or even the unaligned party. This party would have a simple platform. It would not select a candidate nor provide funding/support for a candidate. It would be comprised of independent citizens seeking alternatives to the existing parties. They would create caucuses and primaries via internet which would become a popular vote view; BUT the party itself would create only a phantom candidate. Suppose neither existing party could gain a plurality of the popular vote, but the popular vote was so great against their candidates that the phantom candidate (not representing either existing party) received a plurality.


Suppose "not voting" for the lesser of two evils, responsible citizens could vote NO to the candidates presented by the parties?

The constitution's requirements for president indicate only that the person be a native citizen, over 35 years of age and have resided in this country for 14 years. No where does it require the person be alive...George Washington or Thomas Jefferson meet the requirement.

If the public favored a phantom or a dead George Washington over the candidates being proposed by Republicans, Democrats, Green Party or whatever...might that influence the quality of the candidates? Might a candidate favor the interests of "the people's party" or whatever name is chosen over a political party? Would candidates "suck up" to the public more than to party fat cats?

For the first time ever, the average Joe or Jill, not only has access to information but the ability to voice himself to everyone who might be interested regardless of their location, financial status etc. via the internet. The internet is the most democratic tool available...and that is why some countries have implemented restricted access for their citizens.

Some of the framers of our constitution felt the citizenry too beholden to local interests, too easily duped by promises or shenanigans, or simply because a national election, in the time of oil lamps and quill pens, was just impractical...and the Electoral College was the compromise reached. Today a national election by popular vote is not impractical. And the citizenry is still too easily duped by promises or shenanigans...which is an effect of the competition between only two parties without recourse.


Imagine the impact of an Internet Party with no allegiance to anyone except to those citizens who are not satisfied with the candidates proposed by existing parties. Citizens who can and will vote - but not for their candidate.


Well, the Declaration of Independence, did not include the answer to all questions and this proposed declaration doesn't either. What it did do is voice opposition to an existing political system and intent to alter it.

As for me, during the early days of our political parties' process I would have joined the Internet Party as a primary/caucus to tell Republicans and Democrats to present better candidates. Look at what they have presented in the last fifty years. Is this the best we can do?