Why so much unwavering loyalty to a system that has failed?

Question

We are in a mental civil war. The Blue and the Grey. Or rather the Blue and the Red. How can either side swear blind allegiance to a political party when neither can no longer represent us as a nation?
Why is independent such a bad word when it comes to politics but not when it comes to an individual's thinking?
What good does 'my party vs. your party' do when nothing is done for EVERYONE?

Answer 1

It does no good. Especially since both of those parties have become so polarized, and so radical, that they have lost support of the moderates....


It's time of a change. Think independently. Vote Libertarian.

Answer 2

I agree that 'independent' is not a bad word, that's how I've always registered to vote. The problem however, is that roughly 1/3 of the voters are loyal Democrats and 1/3 are loyal Republicans. These people tend to vote straight party tickets. That doesn't leave much room for 'independent' or Libertarian candidates to get elected. Unfortunately, the way our election system is set up, it favors a two party system. So, a vote for a third party tends to be an in-kind vote for either Republicans or Democrats - like what happened in the 2000 election with the number of people who voted for Nader. While that tactic can be a way to force changes in either of the two major parties, it's a pis*-poor way to do it. The only way to shake things up politically would be to change the election system in a way so it's makes more sense for true independents to vote for someone other than a Republican or Democrat. And that would require a constitutional amendment.

Answer 3

Probably for much the same sort of reasoning that sees the unwavering hatred between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland. There is no sensible answer!
How can you possibly hate someone you have never met and how can you feel loyalty to a system that has so patently failed to serve the interests of ordinary people.
If political parties were banned and all MP's were Independants government would probably be improved and if the practising of all religions was outlawed then the world would probably be in a much better state.

Answer 4

I don't think Independent is a bad word. Unfortunately, it takes money and power to win an election. The two well established parties have a great deal of both. Most people are afraid of "wasting" their vote by voting for a third party. Change from this system (as any established system) would take a major upheaval. I consider myself an independent. I vote for individuals, not parties.

Answer 5

Civil War, you obviously have no consept of what war really is- the relentless bickering on both side keeps both in check so non can gain too much power- it is a very good thing that they argue all of the tiem- as for saying that all of them do not support this nation- i doubt that I think there are a lot of Frauds in DC but not all of them. Things do happen it just takes time- if YOU really want it to happen you have to contact your local representative and be active or no they will never listen to you. the sqeaky wheel gets the greese.

Answer 6

independent is not a bad word. what's with you people? just say what you believe and defend it... don't come crying when someone else says its silly or stupid, you run that risk when you let your opinions come leaking out of your brain.

i am not a libertarian. the name doesn't fool me... i'm a fan of public facilities. some of us who support a party do so honestly... but there is nothing fantastic about being an "independent" if you use it as a crutch to avoid reading all the candidate's platforms in each election. they are all still individuals. there is no mental civil war. that myth is driven by our irresponsible media who enthusiastically drive any wedge they can to create controversy so we'll continue to tune in.

george washington's exit speech covers this brilliantly. pass it on!

Answer 7

you can bash the two party system all day but in the end at least around 50% of the population is happy or at least content. if we go to a three party system only 33% will be happy and so on and so forth. this also answers your independent question

as for following a party blindly you should realize conservative and liberal are sentiments not parties yet in modern speech they can be interchanged; this is because the american people are more in touch with ideals than parties.
we followed more blindly in the 1950s and before.

the only time something is done for everyone is called COMMUNISM, sorry but i prefer freedom of opportunity where my destiny is in my hands and not my governments

Answer 8

One party has been hijacked to and by the the extreme right. Evangelical Christians and war profiteers along with people who are frightened of terrorists are pulling the nation out of kilter. The sway is so great that it is not possible for the other party to balance. Out of favor are notions of separation of church and state, keeping the government out of personal business of citizens, and rights to privacy.

Playing the FEAR card seems to work very well for those in power. People must be feeling vulnerable since so many are willing to trust leaders who haven't demonstrated that they have a great track record. The leaders do sound so sure of themselves and seem so decisive. But, it's theatre. Hopefully the last act is soon.

Answer 9

Blind allegiance? Sworn by whom? A system that is dead? Who said so? Our system is so alive and well other nations copy it constantly. Your opposition is neither well founded or well thought out.

Nothing is done for everyone. Well, Skippy, that is so ludicrous. So many wonderful things are done for so many everyday. Stop being delusional and parroting what you have hear. Learn to think on your own, as you are so fond of advocating.

Answer 10

Winston Churchill hit this one out of the park when he said that democracy is the worst possible form of government the world has ever known . . . except for all the others that have been tried.