What's your feeling about the two-party system in the US or other countries with a two party system?

Meltdown99 · July 2018

Other (please explain)

cincybearcat said:

Meltdown99 said:

cincybearcat said:

I made my choice because I hate both of the current parties but and feel that more competition and split govt would eventually end in more compromise (after a tough transition period).

I do like the idea of parties with ties in some aspects as it would be too hard to govern with no one agreeing on a platform.

We have 4 parties federally ... only 2 parties run the country into the ground ...

Can you name an elected official from a party other than the Dems and Repub at the federal level?

In the US ... probably not. I'm sure there are independents somewhere. In Canada if the government has a majority they do whatever they want. In our system we elect our dictators.

PJ_Soul · July 2018

I'm against the strictly two-party system and would like to see a balanced four or more-party system.

flywallyfly said:

I like the idea of several parties so that no single party has a majority. This way they are forced to work with the others to get anything passed which means (in theory) that nothing extremely radical will be passed unless it benefits all.

How would no single party out of several not have a majority while people are still voting? If you want to evenly balance it between all parties then wouldn't voting become moot?
If you are just talking about there always be a minority governing party.... that isn't so hot. Minority governments don't tend to get all that much done.

Pap · July 2018

I'm totally against any party system (please expain this alternative)

brianlux said: Has there been a society bold enough to attempt something like that?

1) Christiania

2) Marinaleda

3) Iceland

4) Uruguay

5) Summerhill

6) Slab City

Native American tribes and indigenous populations all over the globe are led in a more or less same way. Going back in history, I'm sure there are many more examples of democratically governed communities (of course including their flaws).

PJ_Soul · July 2018

I'm against the strictly two-party system and would like to see a balanced four or more-party system.

Meltdown99 said:

cincybearcat said:

Meltdown99 said:

cincybearcat said:

I made my choice because I hate both of the current parties but and feel that more competition and split govt would eventually end in more compromise (after a tough transition period).

I do like the idea of parties with ties in some aspects as it would be too hard to govern with no one agreeing on a platform.

We have 4 parties federally ... only 2 parties run the country into the ground ...

Can you name an elected official from a party other than the Dems and Repub at the federal level?

In the US ... probably not. I'm sure there are independents somewhere. In Canada if the government has a majority they do whatever they want. In our system we elect our dictators.

Please people, don't base your understanding of how Canadian politics work on what Meltdown says. I'm not sure anyone in the AMT has ever been as biased and willing to spew silly false facts on this board.

Meltdown99 · July 2018

Other (please explain)

PJ_Soul said:

Meltdown99 said:

cincybearcat said:

Meltdown99 said:

cincybearcat said:

I made my choice because I hate both of the current parties but and feel that more competition and split govt would eventually end in more compromise (after a tough transition period).

I do like the idea of parties with ties in some aspects as it would be too hard to govern with no one agreeing on a platform.

We have 4 parties federally ... only 2 parties run the country into the ground ...

Can you name an elected official from a party other than the Dems and Repub at the federal level?

In the US ... probably not. I'm sure there are independents somewhere. In Canada if the government has a majority they do whatever they want. In our system we elect our dictators.

Please people, don't base your understanding of how Canadian politics work on what Meltdown says. I'm not sure anyone in the AMT has ever been as biased and willing to spew silly false facts on this board.

Yes base everything on what you say. You have to be a Millennial. Now go talk about other people in a post and leave me the fuck alone. If you can not disagree directl , then don't fuck in mention...

Yesterday you made sarcastic smily face about mu divorce. You are a real piece of fucking work.

PJ_Soul · July 2018

I'm against the strictly two-party system and would like to see a balanced four or more-party system.

Meltdown99 said:

PJ_Soul said:

Meltdown99 said:

cincybearcat said:

Meltdown99 said:

cincybearcat said:

I made my choice because I hate both of the current parties but and feel that more competition and split govt would eventually end in more compromise (after a tough transition period).

I do like the idea of parties with ties in some aspects as it would be too hard to govern with no one agreeing on a platform.

We have 4 parties federally ... only 2 parties run the country into the ground ...

Can you name an elected official from a party other than the Dems and Repub at the federal level?

In the US ... probably not. I'm sure there are independents somewhere. In Canada if the government has a majority they do whatever they want. In our system we elect our dictators.

Please people, don't base your understanding of how Canadian politics work on what Meltdown says. I'm not sure anyone in the AMT has ever been as biased and willing to spew silly false facts on this board.

Yes base everything on what you say. You have to be a Millennial. Now go talk about other people in a post and leave me the fuck alone. If you can not disagree directl , then don't fuck in mention...

Yesterday you made sarcastic smily face about mu divorce. You are a real piece of fucking work.

You get what you give. Stop spewing bullshit and I'll lay off.
(and no, I'm not a millennial - I don't know what that comment was supposed to mean, but I assume it insults Millennials. What have you got against Millennials?).
But with the comment about your divorce... Sorry that bothered you. My intent was genuine friendliness. Sometimes bad situations need a little humour. I've been through a heinous break up too; it's hard, but there is always room for jokes IMO. Obviously you disagree.

brianlux · July 2018

I would like to see every candidate run strictly on his or her own merits.

PJ_Soul said:

brianlux said:

Ah! We have some votes. But so far, no comments.

I went with "I would like to see every candidate run strictly on his or her own merits". I don't think that has a chance of being put into practice, but why not put it out there? I think it would be great. Don't give us your tired party line rhetoric, tell us what you are going to do to help lead and make your world or country or state or province or city or town a better place. I'm all for this idea.

It simply wouldn't work, so I'm simply not sure I see any point in putting it out there. I think that politics kind of require actual groups of people who all operate with a shared understanding of what their platform is so that they can all work together towards common goals. Otherwise it would likely just be chaos for each candidate and their cohorts. It would also be chaos within parliament or whatever government system you had in mind. How would a zero party system operate specifically?? Just a bunch of individuals all voicing their individual opinions and ideas? I would imagine that debates and votes about any bill would last forever if they did that. Government would essentially grind to a halt.

Yeah, it probably wouldn't work but I'd be willing to give it a try. We're already in the midst of massive chaos.

PP193448 · July 2018

Can we form a common sense party and get rid of the extreme left and right

brianlux · July 2018

I would like to see every candidate run strictly on his or her own merits.

PP193448 said:

Can we form a common sense party and get rid of the extreme left and right

Sounds great but would everyone agree as to what is common sense? Don't get me wrong- I would hope so- but common sense seems like a fairly scarce thing these days.

cincybearcat · July 2018

I'm against the strictly two-party system and would like to see a balanced four or more-party system.

brianlux said:

PP193448 said:

Can we form a common sense party and get rid of the extreme left and right

Sounds great but would everyone agree as to what is common sense? Don't get me wrong- I would hope so- but common sense seems like a fairly scarce thing these days.

Where does the common sense party stand on guns, taxes, abortion, immigration?

brianlux · July 2018

I would like to see every candidate run strictly on his or her own merits.

cincybearcat said:

brianlux said:

PP193448 said:

Can we form a common sense party and get rid of the extreme left and right

Sounds great but would everyone agree as to what is common sense? Don't get me wrong- I would hope so- but common sense seems like a fairly scarce thing these days.

Where does the common sense party stand on guns, taxes, abortion, immigration?

Great question! Lets compare notes. My common sense on these issues is:

Guns: Though I personally would like to them them banned I know that won't happen so I would at least greatly urge strong background checks, a ban on assault rifles for non-military personnel, mandatory passing grade or better in a tough gun training course emphasizing safety, caution, and responsibility, and restricting gun practice to shooting ranges.

Taxes: Somewhat of a cart before the horse issue. If government spending were more rational, taxes would be lower and everyone would be happier.

Abortion: Woman's choice up until 23 weeks (most states say 22 to 24, so I went half way between). After that, proof of good reason to abort (fetus known to have sever defects, threat to mother's life, etc. )

Immigration: Regardless of whether legal or illegal entry, treat the person humanely. Allow political asylum to those in danger from extremist governments. End war on drugs. Never separate parent and child.

I do believe there can be common sense consensus on these issues. I also support the right for people to have radical opinions.

cincybearcat · July 2018

I'm against the strictly two-party system and would like to see a balanced four or more-party system.

This "common sense" party has no shot

tempo_n_groove · July 2018

I would like to see every candidate run strictly on his or her own merits.

PP193448 said:

Can we form a common sense party and get rid of the extreme left and right

Those are the ones that really get shit moving. Without them progress wouldn't be possible unfortunately.

ponytd · July 2018

I would like to see every candidate run strictly on his or her own merits.

brianlux said:

cincybearcat said:

brianlux said:

PP193448 said:

Can we form a common sense party and get rid of the extreme left and right

Sounds great but would everyone agree as to what is common sense? Don't get me wrong- I would hope so- but common sense seems like a fairly scarce thing these days.

Where does the common sense party stand on guns, taxes, abortion, immigration?

Great question! Lets compare notes. My common sense on these issues is:

Guns: Though I personally would like to them them banned I know that won't happen so I would at least greatly urge strong background checks, a ban on assault rifles for non-military personnel, mandatory passing grade or better in a tough gun training course emphasizing safety, caution, and responsibility, and restricting gun practice to shooting ranges.

Taxes: Somewhat of a cart before the horse issue. If government spending were more rational, taxes would be lower and everyone would be happier.

Abortion: Woman's choice up until 23 weeks (most states say 22 to 24, so I went half way between). After that, proof of good reason to abort (fetus known to have sever defects, threat to mother's life, etc. )

Immigration: Regardless of whether legal or illegal entry, treat the person humanely. Allow political asylum to those in danger from extremist governments. End war on drugs. Never separate parent and child.

I do believe there can be common sense consensus on these issues. I also support the right for people to have radical opinions.

Guns - agree with your stance. There is no need for anyone to own an assault rifle. However, if you do want to own one, because they are fun to shoot, then maybe the possibility of having to purchase a license to buy one could go into effect. Or maybe even having to purchase a license to own any semi-auto gun.

Taxes - agreed. While it would be hard to reign in government spending, it can be done. it's just matter of how much are we talking and how low do we want taxes to be?

Abortion - I disagree with abortion and feel that it is wrong. However, I'd probably vote for something like that, although maybe try to get the cutoff earlier because what people want to do with their lives is their decision.

Immigration - Agreed. Although, I'd like to set up more ways to help people immigrate to our country legally instead of crossing a border or being smuggled in a truck. Maybe immigration stations in the areas where the most illegal crossing occurs for people that maybe can't afford to do it the current way that is in place now for someone to immigrate. It could help create new jobs also. but for goodness sake, no building a damn wall. As for drugs, if you're caught in possession of illegal drugs, maybe just a fine, but no jail time. I'm anti-drug, but as long as your not selling or pushing or doing anything dangerous, but want to get high or wasted in your own home or own on your own time, go for it. it's your life

See, this common sense party could work

brianlux · July 2018

I would like to see every candidate run strictly on his or her own merits.

tempo_n_groove said:

PP193448 said:

Can we form a common sense party and get rid of the extreme left and right

Those are the ones that really get shit moving. Without them progress wouldn't be possible unfortunately.

ponytd said:

brianlux said:

cincybearcat said:

brianlux said:

PP193448 said:

Can we form a common sense party and get rid of the extreme left and right

Sounds great but would everyone agree as to what is common sense? Don't get me wrong- I would hope so- but common sense seems like a fairly scarce thing these days.

Where does the common sense party stand on guns, taxes, abortion, immigration?

Great question! Lets compare notes. My common sense on these issues is:

Guns: Though I personally would like to them them banned I know that won't happen so I would at least greatly urge strong background checks, a ban on assault rifles for non-military personnel, mandatory passing grade or better in a tough gun training course emphasizing safety, caution, and responsibility, and restricting gun practice to shooting ranges.

Taxes: Somewhat of a cart before the horse issue. If government spending were more rational, taxes would be lower and everyone would be happier.

Abortion: Woman's choice up until 23 weeks (most states say 22 to 24, so I went half way between). After that, proof of good reason to abort (fetus known to have sever defects, threat to mother's life, etc. )

Immigration: Regardless of whether legal or illegal entry, treat the person humanely. Allow political asylum to those in danger from extremist governments. End war on drugs. Never separate parent and child.

I do believe there can be common sense consensus on these issues. I also support the right for people to have radical opinions.

Guns - agree with your stance. There is no need for anyone to own an assault rifle. However, if you do want to own one, because they are fun to shoot, then maybe the possibility of having to purchase a license to buy one could go into effect. Or maybe even having to purchase a license to own any semi-auto gun.

Taxes - agreed. While it would be hard to reign in government spending, it can be done. it's just matter of how much are we talking and how low do we want taxes to be?

Abortion - I disagree with abortion and feel that it is wrong. However, I'd probably vote for something like that, although maybe try to get the cutoff earlier because what people want to do with their lives is their decision.

Immigration - Agreed. Although, I'd like to set up more ways to help people immigrate to our country legally instead of crossing a border or being smuggled in a truck. Maybe immigration stations in the areas where the most illegal crossing occurs for people that maybe can't afford to do it the current way that is in place now for someone to immigrate. It could help create new jobs also. but for goodness sake, no building a damn wall. As for drugs, if you're caught in possession of illegal drugs, maybe just a fine, but no jail time. I'm anti-drug, but as long as your not selling or pushing or doing anything dangerous, but want to get high or wasted in your own home or own on your own time, go for it. it's your life

See, this common sense party could work

I think common sense works as well, pnytd. Another thing about abortion that is common sense is to do a better job of educating teens so that fewer unwanted pregnancies occur in the first place.

That said, I also agree that extremism has a role in getting things done. I say that based on something Dave Foreman once said which is that the role of the radical is to make the moderate stance more likely to happen. He said this with regard to the environmental movement, specifically the original Earth First! group (that group later became infiltrated with people who didn't understand the concept of doing no harm to others). That original group paved the way to some common sense environmental legislation that helped bring awareness to the harm being doing, for example, by cutting old growth forests.

josevolution · July 2018

I’m not sure or know enough to comment on what would be the best political party platforms should be for this country, but I do know the republicans don’t give a fuck if our election process has/will be hacked again they have done zero to put forth any legislation to protect our system if you need to blame any Americans besides the Baffoon family start with the GOP ..,

Pap · July 2018

I'm totally against any party system (please expain this alternative)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9f0k_8W8wM

benjs · July 2018

Good luck moving away from a duopoly of parties. You honestly think a majority of Americans can handle more than a binary decision of this magnitude? I guess I’m out of faith. Red and Blue have been used to define the entirety of an individual’s beliefs for all of modern American history. That’s how it’ll be until the nation crumbles (which my refusal to believe in exceptionalism plus my ability to think rationally tell me is overdue). On the pro side the rest of the nations will eventually follow due to the ignorance, greed, and short-sighted obtuseness of our lovely species.

PJ_Soul · July 2018

I'm against the strictly two-party system and would like to see a balanced four or more-party system.

benjs said:

Good luck moving away from a duopoly of parties. You honestly think a majority of Americans can handle more than a binary decision of this magnitude? I guess I’m out of faith. Red and Blue have been used to define the entirety of an individual’s beliefs for all of modern American history. That’s how it’ll be until the nation crumbles (which my refusal to believe in exceptionalism plus my ability to think rationally tell me is overdue). On the pro side the rest of the nations will eventually follow due to the ignorance, greed, and short-sighted obtuseness of our lovely species.

I don't really understand your last sentence... I see no reason to think that "the rest of the nations" (by this I'll assume you mean the other democratic western nations that currently have non-two-party systems?) are going to follow America's lead here. There is no indication at all that any of them plan to turn to a governmental system like America's. I think most of those nations are fully aware of how America's system sucks.

fife · July 2018

Meltdown99 said:

I am in favour of more direct democracy.

Direct democracy is a great idea but to have that you need an informed population and sadly that is the last thing we have in many countries.

What's your feeling about the two-party system in the US or other countries with a two party system?

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