This post isn't like the ones that precede it. There's no news topic to write about, or some strong opinion on a current event to argue - this is just a rhetorical stream of consciousness. I enjoy following politics - foreign policy, economics, law, etc. But I'm new to it all and I really don't know much about it compared to many other people. And as my political beliefs continue to mold, one thing I can't seem to figure out, unfortunately, is what party do I belong to? Or should it even matter? In the United States... it usually does.
I am continuously baffled by the two-party system. It seems to cause more problems in politics than solutions. It closes off people's minds to possible centrist, pragmatic beliefs that cater to both ends of the political spectrum. Furthermore, for someone like myself, it leaves people lost in purgatory, with no place to call home, and no support from any party. It shouldn't be a problem for someone to appreciate Obama's stand on gay rights, while also supporting Bush's education legislation, while believing in Romney when he says that we need to focus on the private sector, all while agreeing with Ron Paul when he says he wants to shrink the military. But if I ran on a campaign platform that supported all these, I'd be scrutinized as a flip-flopper, just trying to serve both parties all while being hypocritical.
Why? Because I appreciate aspects of both Democrats AND Republicans? What's so bad about that? If that's what I truly believe in then why can't I run on those policies? Having only two parties that, despite not admitting it, pride themselves on purposely disagreeing with their political opponents causes politicians to not run on what they believe in. Look at someone like Romney for example - priding his time spent as the governor of Massachusetts on passing universal health care, and previously was somewhat accepting to abortion and gay rights. Once he's seen as a possible representative of the Republican party, those go right out the window, because that's not what Republicans want. Busch league... that's what that is. I have written in support of Romney in past posts but this type of conforming to "establishment GOP" is annoying.
The two party system is set in stone; we'll never see it leave American politics. It's unique in it's nature and is not duplicated in any other representative government anywhere else in the world. Perhaps that's why other republics don't have as high disapproval ratings as the United States, Politicians like Ron Paul, who don't toe party lines, are few and far between. Independents don't find that same success as Dems or Reps because they don't have the support. It's unfortunate. But get used to it, because it's here to stay.
No comments:
Post a Comment