The June 22 print edition of the New York Times carries this Thomas L. Friedman column, which seems to advocate a new party in 2012 that would run on a particular platform (described by Friedman, with ideas endorsed by him). Friedman says the new party probably wouldn’t win in 2012, but “it doesn’t have to win to be effective” because if the party attracted substantial support, it would shape the agenda of the two major parties. This is exactly the point that historians and political scientists have been making about new and minor parties in the United States for many decades. One hopes that members of the U.S. Supreme Court will notice. Thanks to Rob Richie for the link.
How many national media genius folks ever have heard about —
EQUAL ballot access laws and
P.R. and nonpartisan App.V. ???
We don’t need new third parties – there’s way too many of them as there is. We need the Libertarian Party!!
The GOP and Democratic parties are adrift and radicalized because the activists in both parties tend toward the political extremes.
A centrist political party would certainly cause both major parties to pay more attention to the political middle, where the majority of citizens reside on the political spectrum.
# 3 Ken Block Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 9:13 am
The GOP and Democratic parties are adrift and radicalized because the activists in both parties tend toward the political extremes. ———- and devoid of even basic ethics, as is many Libs! Lib Voter, keep on your cohorts to be honest and open!
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3 – Who are the radicals in the Democratic party and what are the elements of their “radical” agenda.
Give me at least five elements, and please be specific.
Thank you.
# 6 ALL Donkey gerrymander incumbents.
See the Donkey platform for a zillion elements.
Thomas Friedman just wants a “third” party like the GOP/Dems.
7 –
Thank you for your illuminating specificity.
9 –
Boy, we’re you ever shot down! At least you’re polite.
10 –
Shhh….I’m still counting to a zillion and I need ton concentrate.