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4/21/14

US Political System : "It's time for America to get rid of the two-party system" - by Bart McPherson

The article "Who's Setting the Agenda?" in the Press-Register on April 9 has some comical aspects. It seems both national political parties are in a tizzy over their partial loss of control over the elections. Their whining leaves one cold.

What is there about the way politics in this country has "progressed" over the past four or five decades that makes one believe we should preserve the prerogatives of the two political parties? The fact that Barack Obama and John McCain were judged to be the best two choices out of 300 million Americans tells you something about how effectively they pick and promote top candidates for the top job in the world.

It is time the election of presidents is taken out of the exclusive hands of the two entrenched political parties.

There are two major developments today that have the political parties, as well as much of the national media, nervous. They see a possibility that those entities may be losing the enormous power that they have had in our national elections.

First, the dedication of people on both sides of the fence to get more involved, financially and otherwise, in national elections with all that that implies for the future of politics.

Second, and possibly even more important, is the developing monster called the internet. It seems that people do not yet realize what a powerful weapon has been dropped in their laps. Never before in history has it been possible for literally millions of people to message their politicians instantly.

It staggers the imagination as to the possibilities if the people get organized and use their new power to put their opinions before their politicians instantly and in stunning mass. Politicians must and will react immediately to such inputs from their constituents.

It is entirely possible that we are entering a new age where the people, for the first time, can be heard from directly in a most powerful way.

Politicians heretofore have had it made – if they can satisfy their political party and their media supporters they have little to fear from the people. Voters have felt they have had little influence on their government. Can that be about to change?

Read more: It's time for America to get rid of the two-party system | AL.com

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