Can There Be A Successful Third Party?

WILL THERE BE A THIRD PARTY IN 2008?



The short answer is YES! Why? There is an increase of people who call themselves independents and that could assist the founding of a viable 3rd party. On the down side, those same independents could by pass the 3rd party and just vote across party lines and ignore any 3rd party in the running.

What will it take to form a successful 3rd party? Again, the short answer is hard work and grssroots organizing. The problem is the system in the US is geared to two parties and not open for a third party participation. When there is more than the two parties; coalitions must be formed to govern successfully. In the system we have now, that cannot be done. Why? No one wants to relinguish control to someone else. Another problem is that most of the minor parites in the US are mostly one issue platforms, whether that be environment or immigration or whatever is the subject du jours.

Another problem with a third party, is when it is successful, the weaker of the other two will collapse and fall away, bring us back to a two party system. And the process begins again, looking for that third party that can be successful.

The questions that should be asked are, what can we do or change that would guarantee real participation of third parties? Can a multi-issue third party be found? Will the American people support a good third party?

Keep in mind that the American electoral system places very real obstacles in the path of any third party's bid to establish political strength. Also, that most third parties in the US are critics of the major parties and unfortunately is their only strength.

In my opinion, American politics would be a lot more democratic the more political parties that were part of the process.


You thoughts on the subject will be appreciated.


CHUQ

31/12/06