I miss Ross Perot. There I said it. Despite him being a living caricature and his reliance on pie charts I felt he attempted to bring real choice and logic to the political process. He was dismissed as a kook by both parties. Steve Forbes was definitely someone I could get behind. Who better to run the economy than someone who runs a successful business? With employees and a real sense of humanity he was a good choice. He was hit hard for his lack of international politics. I find that humorous since he runs an international business. Again, both parties dismissed him despite a junior senator being elevated to the White house who lacks the same credentials years later.
These two are the only people I can think of in recent history that were even remotely close to being a valid third party candidate. (Please correct me if I am wrong in that.) A wise man once said that a choice between the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil. Unfortunately, our political process has been made impossible for a third party candidate to run. Sure they might be able to make it onto a ticket, but laws pertaining to political funding puts any third party candidate in an untenable position. I blame both parties for this equally. Neither party wants to have a third siphon votes from their candidate. Neither party wants a third to come in and take power. Both parties don’t share well with others, or play nice for that matter.
With the country divided just about down the center I think it’s time reasonable people insist that third party candidates be given the same opportunity as the major parties. The election laws should be changed to make funding for third parties equal to what the major parties are allowed. It is after all a portion of our taxes that go to helping them be elected. Of course the amount of taxes used is limited and tightly controlled. But I don’t think any should be used at all. Third party candidates should be allowed to participate in debates as a mandatory measure. Not simply at the whim of whom ever is hosting the debate. In one state I lived in we were allowed to write in a candidate. I put down my father’s name since I couldn’t bring myself to vote for either of the two candidates at the time. In several of the last elections I have felt the same way.
It’s kind of like the South Park episode where the kids had to vote on a new school mascot. (Here’s where I’ll be making friends in the comments). Since it was deemed the South Park cows were insensitive they had a choice between a “douche” and a “turd sandwich” as their school mascot. Either choice as you can see is not appealing. Simplistic I know, but it drives home the point I am making. The choice between the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil.
So I ask you where the third party candidate of today is. Someone who has not been touched by the corruption of power and greed like a lot. not all, who sit in Washington now. Who is not a career politician intent on keeping that power and position? Who is actually of the people, for the people, and someone the people can fully get behind? Someone who remembers what it means to be a public servant, and not out to get serviced by the public. Where is this person hiding?
Trying to find Waldo yet again.
Consti.
The 2012 Presidential Election is fast approaching
The GOP race is now a field of 4 with only Romney, Gingrich, Paul, & Santorum still standing. Who will be the next candidate to exit the race & who will emerge as the eminent GOP nominee?
Follow us on Twitter & join our 2012 election FaceBook page for updates & new blog articles.
Contact us if you are passionate about politics & want to blog with us.
