Americans in Need of Another Option?

America has been ruled under two views for centuries. One of these views holds a liberal perspective, calling themselves Democrats, and one is the conservative perspective, calling themselves Republicans. Every four years, when an autumn chill settles in the air it is unequivocally time to elect a new president. Why does the United States of America see it fit to oscillate between two identities every four to eight years? Every time there is an election Americans are choosing between the right to be ruled by Democratic or Republican ideals. If there are discrepancies between these two persona’s of the American culture why do citizens repetitiously have to decide between these limited options? It seems that America is not whole heartedly proud of these “characters” it has created since it cannot choose to just agree on one “correct” way the nation should be run. Is it time to implement a third party as strongly as the two that are already in place? Are Americans ready to have another alternative, considering the foundation of this very nation is the freedom of choice?

At the ballot the there is an American facing a moral dilemma. This particular individual believes in aspects both from the Democratic and Republican parties. Not fully agreeing with either side, how will he or she decide from two choices they do not necessarily feel strongly about? For instance, if one agrees that equality is more important than freedom they would be perceived to be Democratic; this party views equality as a level playing field for everyone. However, what if they hold the Republican belief for equality, which is interpreted opportunity? This American, believes that equality is more important than freedom as do the Democrats, but this person has a different perception of the definition for the same word. This creates confusion between the party lines for this individual and will make his or her conflicting views mesh, and are only a recipe for troubles come election time. Or even simpler, take a liberal who takes a theistic approach about religion but believes in tradition and helping the downtrodden; this American has strong ideals from both political parties; who will they vote for? Will their decision be an accurate portrayal of their beliefs? The American way as a whole seems to pull from both sides, so why does America vacillate back and forth every four to eight years by running under a different type of rule? Maybe it is time for a combination of the two, a third, or a collision of all three?

So, to answer this question America must think if it wants to pull one of the current parties that no one really knows about out of the dust, or to create an entirely new party with new ideals concerning innovative ways to go about sustainability, green energy, or health care. Or maybe this nation needs a party that holds the values of both Democrats and Republicans. In order for this party to gain support it will need the same amount of recognition as the two dominating parties of this country. The creation of this party will give Americans another choice, hopefully serving the American facing the moral dilemma at the ballot’s ideals more adequately to eliminate that predicament.

In order to get a clearer view on an average middle class Americans perspective a citizen loyal to the Democratic Party shared his views on the topic, as did a citizen loyal to the Republican Party.

Nick Kreider, a Democrat at heart, a young college graduate with a degree in political science and a passion for politics has a very strong perspective on the affairs of the state. Kreider feels that there is no need for a third party:

 “The thing is that I don’t feel that a third party is necessary to legitimize our system, because even though freedom of choice is an American ideal, we were also founded as a representative democracy where our Presidents need the overwhelming support of the population to be elected.”

 So, for Nick the nations two domineering political parties seem to be enough, he furthers the notion by claiming:

 “The US systems, freedom of choice is very important, but I think it’s of higher importance that our leaders are legitimately elected. Granted not every issue is two sided, but it’s the world we live in- voter turnout already sucks and I think it would get worse if we deviate from the two party system.”

 Nick Kreider is too steeped in his ideology to even consider voting Republican; he is loyal to his views and citizens like him believe in the traditional two party political systems that have dominated America.

 Darlene Pesce, a strong Republican is a mother of one and is at a mature age having voted in many elections, an avid listener of the news on politics, and an individual who wants to see America prosper. Pesce, although deeply rooted in her Republican ideals does agree with some Democratic views such as progressiveness and change. Hereafter, she is open to the idea of a third and emerging party.

 “Anything that would benefit the people I’m in favor of, the Democratic Party seems to favor the government, whereas the Republicans see to have the peoples best interest at heart. I would opt for a third party to idolize the Democratic Party’s ideals of progressiveness and the Republican Party’s values of the American people.”

Maybe the issue with a third party is that Americans are threatened by it? In the past they are thought of as to liberal and over the edge, take the disastrous 1824 election for instance- Americans found out that third parties can have a disenfranchising effect on the population; it allows candidates to ‘steal’ elections. With all four party options the winning candidate, Adams won the election without the majority vote. Since the people of this nation fear the level of extremity offered by third parties it may be time for the creation of a slightly more conservative third party, possibly with less radical views to gain the support or at least acknowledgement of the majority.

 So America, ask yourself, do YOU need another choice?

By Stacie Wolf

“23^d. The 1824 Election and the “Corrupt Bargain.”” Politics and the New

Nation. Independence Hall Association, n.d., Web. 12 Oct. 2012.

Kreider, Nick. Personal Interview. 8 Oct. 2012.

McCandless, David & Posavec, Stefanie, Left Right US, n.d., The Visual

Miscellaneum, web, 2 Oct. 2012.

Miller, Matt. “Why we Need a Third Party.” The Washington Post. The

Washington Post, 25 Sept. 2011, Web. 14 Oct. 2012.

Pesce, Darlene. Personal interview. 9 Oct. 2012.