Two-Party Bondage

To illustrate my point better, I put together this Simpsons clip.  Enjoy it, then read the rest and pass it on.


In my last political rant, I ended referring to the current crop of presidential hopefuls (Hillary terminated her campaign that same day) as “very different shades of the same color.”  I wish to expound on that.  I am constantly bewildered by the argument that there are no good candidates to choose from, and I do not wish to lump myself into that category.  By that I mean that I do not wish to be one of the complainers.  If we lack any candidates of integrity, then it is a result of our own pride, apathy and cynicism in previous elections.  I believe, and King Mosiah of the Book of Mormon tells us, that our leaders are a reflection of the peoples’ moral standing.  (At least initially.  Remember that after an unrighteous people allow evil men to come to power, they are stuck under their heel in bondage even after the people repent.  At that point, only by God’s mercy and intervention is a nation delivered.)  It is from this perspective that I urge for a moral revolution.  Such a change cannot grow from a two party system once both parties are corrupted. 

 

Again, in that last political rant I referred to Classic Liberalism.  I referred to the choice that we must make between Globalism and Independence.  I feel that the current leadership within the Libertarian Party most closely matches my philosophy of independence and the liberalism of the Founding Fathers.  No, I’m not referring to Ron Paul (who has withdrawn from the race).  I’m referring to Bob Barr and Wayne Allen Root.  I’ve been watching them for a while now and I feel a ring or truth in their words and common sense in their policies.  I am no expert on all their policies and cannot speak to their character other than what the media has afforded me.  But in an election where so many people are voting for “hope” and “change” and “getting away from the politics of the past” and “finding common ground” I cannot understand why the masses have not paid more attention to Bob Barr.  

I am bothered by those who are afraid to “throw their vote away” on a 3rd party candidate.  I can think of nothing more patriotic and in line with the Founding Fathers than to do away with the two-party mentality.  The rules of the parties are not made by the voice of the people.  They are not beholden to the Constitution and thus are an opening to bondage.  Democrats should understand this better than anyone given the recent disputes of Michigan and Florida and the ominous superdelegates.  

To shine a different light on it, many conservatives feel a need to begrudgingly pull the lever for John McCain without agreeing with the majority of his policies.   Unless you are a one-issue-voter, and that issue is either the War on Terrorism or Supreme Court Judges (ignoring the fact that the incoming Democratic Congress will stonewall any conservative nominations), I cannot understand how in good conscience you vote for McCain.   “But a vote for a 3rd party is a vote for Obama…”  No.  There are a great many Democrats who feel disenchanted with Obama after his war with Hillary.  They need to be taught that a 3rd party like the Libertarians is not another wing of Republican ideals.  I am not advocating the watering-down of ideals and principles in order to widen the political tent.  I simply urge Democrats to consider what issues are of highest priority and then use their God-given gift of discernment to judge whether Obama, McCain, or a third party candidate such as Bob Barr will advance those issues.  Simply put, a vote for McCain is a vote for McCain; one for Obama, Obama’s.  Vote your conscience and speak your mind; for this is the only course of action with any lasting promise.  

I understand that in democratic society one must often compromise some points in order to achieve a greater good.  But it is my belief that we have overstepped the line from compromise and goodwill into the territory of appeasement and apathy.  To continue the two-party system is treason to our values.