Reply #45: Seen it all before

[Neo-wobbly]

I would love to see massive election reform, but you're asking our legislators to change a system that is biased towards them, and none of them have the foresight to understand that it is in their best interest, in the long run.

That's the other problem: we don't get statesmen anymore, we get mouthpieces. All of our politicians' greatest talent is in getting elected, and very few of them seem to have any idea of the larger effects of their actions. Why aren't the Michigan congressmen screaming for universal health care? Wouldn't it be nice if GM could quit arguing over its' pensioners medical benefits and build some cars?

I'll only say two things about the third parties: First, the Greens at least have the right idea, and someone needs to represent that. Second, you dismiss the Libertarians on fairly weak grounds; their economic agenda is insane (pure Laissez-faire capitalism, essentially), but their platform on civil liberties is more progressive than either the dems or the greens.

If there is political breakdown, it is because the corporations have bought all the politicians, in both parties, and any attempt to throw off the yoke is met with mass media character assassination (witness John Edwards, in part).

My third party support is based on the fact that there is no meaningful difference between any of the candidates; so McCain will appoint corrupt officials? So will Clinton and Obama, and for that matter, so did Bill. We voted this congress in on a platform of opposition to the war, reversal of the Patriot Act and FISA laws, investigation of the administration, and what have they given us? What did they sell out our soldiers, freedoms, and justice for? A minimum wage hike. I mean, I'm not the greatest negotiator in the world, but I'm certain I could have gotten a better deal than that blind-drunk.

If that's enough of a difference for you, more power to you, and no joke. I just think that we're too close to the tipping point for half-measures to save us, now.