Republican or Democrat or Both: Are You a Republicrat?

With the recent elections that recently took place and so much being made of Democrats taking control of the House and Senate, I thought it proper to discuss an issue that has bothered me for years, The 2 Party System?

Can anyone give me a valid argument as to why there are only 2 parties? I know we have a Green Party and Independents, but does anyone really take them seriously? Our current system derives from times in England when men wore wigs and powdered there faces, but if it was such a great system, why did our ancestors feel so compelled to run/boat/swim away as fast as possible? Not only did they run, they revolted, but somehow managed to keep the same principles held by the Tories and Whigs. Could the reason we have only 2 viable parties be as simple as feeling the need to narrow the field down to only 2 candidates, a this or that situation, so as not to confuse the average American voter? Come on. Give us more credit than that.

People always ask, “Are you Republican or Democrat” and never “What do you believe in?” States are either Blue or Red. Take, for example, the recent stance of most republicans on Gay Marriage. If it is so wrong, does that mean that you can’t be homosexual AND Republican? What if you are homosexual and feel that we need to cut some social programs such as welfare? Well, being a Democrat is out. Same person drives a gas guzzling SUV. Can’t be Green. The point is, people should be able to vote for the best candidate regardless of Party affiliation and not forced to vote straight down party lines.

Think of the issues our Country faces in this day and age: Election reform, Abortion, Terrorism, Violence in schools. Can we expect issues as emotionally charged as these to be addressed when in order to pass something as petty as an Anti-Gambling bill, it has to be tucked away within the Defense and Anti-Terrorism Spending bill (both were signed by “W”)? I’m sure terrorists inside our borders are beside themselves now that they can’t play online poker.