I hope not. However, were about as close as becoming a one party system as any time in the history of our Country. Then the next question would be: Are we already a one party system, and don't know it?
THE SINGLE PARTY, By Joe Sobran
7-27-04
Excerts from this article:
G K Chesterton long ago identified the flaw in a two-party system: "The democracy has the right to answer questions, but it has no right to ask them. It is still the political aristocracy that asks the question. And we shall not be unreasonably cynical if we suppose that the political aristocracy will always be rather careful what questions it asks."
The question our own two major parties always ask is this: Do you prefer Democrats or Republicans? It's a loaded question. The voter isn't allowed to reject the shared premises of the two big-government parties. And George W Bush is completing the transformation of the Republican Party into full partner of the Democrats in making the government as big as possible. The conservative or libertarian voter can no longer enjoy even the illusion that the Republicans offer a principled alternative to limitless government.
The myth of democracy requires the voters to be assured that they are making real choices. It won't do to admit that the choices that count have already been made for them. 'The Single Party' must go on pretending that it's a double.
The surest proof that we don't have two opposing parties (as distinct from two power-hungry factions) is that neither the Democrats nor Republicans ever try to reduce the existing power of the government. The only 'debate' between them is over what new powers shall be added to those already in place. Both promise, at their conventions, to take the country in a new direction; but that direction is never back toward the limited government described by the U.S. Constitution. It's always toward an even bigger, busier government, whether making war, tightening security, providing universal health care, or going to Mars.
If I remember correctly from my high school government class that george washington had said something like "factions in the government will ultimately cause it to fail."? could it posible be that the man who created this government that we cherish forsaw its demize back in the despute between the federalist and anti-ferderalist that gave birth to the democrats vs republican? I do not believe that our government is becoming a single party government it is just becoming disfunctional only able to agree to disagree
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"Speak softly but carry a big stick"
-Teddy Roosevelt
If I remember correctly from my high school government class that george washington had said something like "factions in the government will ultimately cause it to fail."? could it posible be that the man who created this government that we cherish forsaw its demize back in the despute between the federalist and anti-ferderalist that gave birth to the democrats vs republican? I do not believe that our government is becoming a single party government it is just becoming disfunctional only able to agree to disagree
I think you just said it best, Pat. Too much bickering, and not getting enough done, is what is hurting the govt.
Of course we've BECOME(not becoming) a one party system. Doesn't matter who gets elected, or what they say they will do. When it comes down to it none of them care about doing anything to preserve our rights or to help the common man out.
If people who care bail out of the political system because they think it doesn't work and it doesn't matter who wins, they're going to MAKE the political system irrelevent.
Anyone who thinks it doesn't matter which side's in charge should ask himself whether we'd be in Iraq right now, had Gore been president and the Democrats in charge of Congress.
I dont even think it matters who's the presedent troy. Its the congress also. Yes we have shown our disaproval of the way the administration has been conducting our government by electing a democrat controlled congress but each party has there own agenda on what they want done. I'm talking about the whole party system. neather one of the parties know what the american people really want. It isnt the way our government was set up it is the fact that we are wraped up in one party or another and that their views are my views. That is what is destroying our government. throw away the whole faction thing no agenda nothin just elected officials who actually know what we want not a twisted idea.
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"Speak softly but carry a big stick"
-Teddy Roosevelt
They're always going to do it, officially or otherwise. Even absolute monarchies have had political parties to push their agendas with the king.
That's because it works. If someone wants to gain power or push his own ideas, he's going to get together with like-minded people and/or followers.
And in a democracy, each group's agenda will include things that people, or at least the people they're appealing to for votes, want. That's a good thing.
The problem these days is that instead of appealing to all the people, too many politicians are appealing to the people with big chunks of available cash. They figure if they get their hands on that money for a campaign, they can use it to talk the rest of the people around.
That means a lot of the time it's the guy who spends the most who wins, and he's beholden to the people who supplied the cash. And it's easy to forget all those people who voted.
What's needed is some sort of realistic financial reform in politics and campaigns. But caps don't really work; there are too many ways around them, and there's a little validity to Rush limbaugh's claim that restricting money restricts free speech.
What seems to work better is what they call a "clean elections" system. A politician can opt in or opt out of the system. if everyone opts in, there's a cap on spending or the government gives each candidate the same amount.
If someone opts out and spends more than the cap, the govenment matches his spending for the other candidate(s).
It seems to be working in Arizona from what I've read and heard; perhaps someone who lives there can weigh in on the subject.
Of course we've BECOME(not becoming) a one party system. Doesn't matter who gets elected, or what they say they will do. When it comes down to it none of them care about doing anything to preserve our rights or to help the common man out.
For once, I agree with you, Pred, they all are pushing their own personal agenda, it doesn't matter what party they come from, they all desire the same thing, power.
Quote:
Originally Posted by woodster
I agree with both you guys. However, I just see more and more big government from both parties.
I can't argue with that.
Last edited by Midas; 01-30-2007 at 05:59 PM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Location: West, Central Florida, Third World America
Posts: 6,342
Actually, I doubt there's nickles worth of difference between the two. They both want power, as mentioned above. They both seek to exert control over our lives ,making us dependant on the fed. They both seek to steal our freedoms. They both suck. Sadly, as Rave said, we must choose the lesser of the evils, at the time we choose. In a few minutes, what we thought was the lesser of the two evils is, in fact, the most evil of the two evils. What's a voter to do?
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"They cannot be trusted.....The Romulans (our politicos) are without honor." Worf
I have heard the present two party system described as "two wings of the same bird". There are still some fundamental differences, but those differences are rapidly diminishing. That is one major reason why I am no longer a Republican. I have spent time with The Constitution Party, but found them to be OK at the national level but totally unorganized and helpless at the state level, ergo, not worthy of my time. Oh, well.
IMO our leaders neither represent us nor serve us any more,they are out for their own agendas and their priorities are not in the best interest of this country.
I ask,how much more of this can we endure and not pass the point of no return?
There are actually a few great third party choices. They will just never get anywhere. The Constitution Party, The American Heritage Party, and of course, the Libertarian Party. I have issues with some of the Libertarian platform planks, but in general, I do stand very much for most of their platform.
The readers of this Political Forum need to pay attention to real thinkers like Troy 2000 and PRED. Those who snivel and whine about the failures and weaknesses of State and Federal Government are outsiders, who won’t take the trouble to find out what political involvement really means. It means picking one of 2 parties, and making sure you work hard for the best candidate available. Third party involvement is wasted energy and wasted votes.
The level of competence in politics and campaigns can be pretty unsophisticated. There is room for everybody and their ideas, as those who try it will find out.
If all gun owners would think about the power of their cumulative vote and VOTE (or would have voted in 2006) for reasonable pro gun candidates, America could be a more peaceful place and lawful gun owners would not have to struggle to keep their remaining rights for Hunting and Self Protection.
Join a Party, or just show up. Along the way find out who your State Representative, and State Senator is, and help him or her. If it’s a jerk, find out who wants to run in its place, and help that person for 2008. It REALLY works. Seriously.
I helped get elected, a very fine State Representative, now a real friend, also an outstanding State Senator who’s an ex Army Ranger. No better people could have been chosen. Not just because they seriously believe in the principles behind The Second Amendment.
Those California types deserve Feinstein, one of the most powerful antigunners. There are (or were) probably millions of gun owners, who voted to (or didn’t vote at all), help the ongoing anti-gun onslaught.
From there, the antigun movement is gaining momentum after the 2006 elections, and it’s almost time to kiss your guns and Gun Shows good-by.
There is no time for whiners or snivelers unhappy about the “System”. Gun owners need to become part of the system and fix what needs fixing.
Hillary and Ketchup Boy appreciate those who won’t stand up and work for what they believe.
Heilung
