Is three a crowd?

American politics are at a stand-still. Both sides of the government are bogged down with loyalties to special interest groups, companies and party platforms that it is nearly impossible to practice law-making without partisanship barring compromise.

Politicians are too willing to bend their moral values and the basis of what they were elected for than to risk losing essential campaign dollars. Their concern is not for the people they represent, but instead for getting re-elected.

In an article by Thomas L. Friedman, a columnist for the New York Times, there was a comparison of America to the great fallen empire of Rome. Friedman quoted the book “The Condition of Man” by historian Lewis Mumford. The book, which recounted the fall of Rome, described how "everyone aimed at security: no one accepted responsibility." The excerpt continued to describe details of problems within the structure of the empire. As Friedman commented in his Op-Ed, the account deeply echoed the appearance of American society today.

Politicians are not held accountable for their actions as representatives of the people of the United States of America. Americans are looking for and clinging to the idea of security-maintaining what they have.

As Friedman points out, the problem is not with the "inner-go" of America. We are still intellectually curious and adventurous for the most part. The problem is with the idea of the Democrat and Republican parties controlling the country, and not running it with the best intentions for the present and future.

I agree with Friedman's hint of a "serious third-party candidate" for the President if the two major parties do not shape up (which is highly unlikely). This country NEEDS a true voice, that can look into the needs of the future, as well as the present, that can speak the true necessities of the citizens, that can look for solutions and plan ahead, without having to worry about party politics.

In George Washington's farewell address, he warned against political parties. "The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual," of Washington said. The point of a democracy is so that the people rule. The people. Something needs to happen so that the people's voice is heard, be that a major third party, party reform or the abolishing of the two-party system all together. So to answer the name of the post, I believe it might not be. Three just may be the answer.


The article can be found here.