If you REALLY want change - vote ????

Right now both the Democrats and Republicans feel "safe", with the only "threat" being from the opposing party; and, they don't seem to really mind "taking turns". Because of that "sense of security" and the vast amounts of money they receive from PACs, lobbyists, and from their party; candidates from these two parties are more than happy to continue "business as usual" supporting the "party line" and lining their own pockets. Even if the other party wins the next election, as soon as the people become tired of a lack of results and want a change again, they will be right back in that office or a similar position. The only way to shake things up and actually change anything is to not elect a candidate from either party. Sometimes that is difficult; because, no third party candidates are even running for the position. But, if we start putting some of them in office, maybe more will be encouraged to run in the future.

That is why it needs to start at a local level first. People need to see that the local offices CAN be filled with a non Democrat or Republican candidate. And, if a local office can be changed; then, a state office can be changed and eventually a national office. It does not take a lot of money - it takes publicity. People need to know who you are and there are a lot of ways to get publicity without spending billions. It takes "grassroots" support and going viral. A lot of people who started out with nothing have gained media attention and become "household names". A third party candidate would need that type of support from individuals.

For another new political party to begin gaining seat in congress alongside the traditional two major political party system will be a difficult start in the chapter of U.S political science 101. This new kid on the block must be able to collect big political donation in order to run a successful election campaign to promote its own idealogy, value and political stands in the face of two powerful competitors. It really need some strong political wills of a group of activists to make the initial effort to make things work for them, that meant they must have a lot of $$$$$$ in their campaign fund in hand in order to stay in the race of traditional vigorous election campaign path until the day running up to the poll. It is no easy task to break into this deeply rooted two political party system of the land, both Republican party and Democratic party know that fact well and they are not worry a bit about a third party or independent is able to break the mold presently, let alone losing their traditonal loyal votes to any new party or independent candidate.

My personal belief is that if I don't vote I don't have the right to complain about the results or say "I told you so". We all know politicians lie about their campaign promises. We see it happen all the time. Even if they TRY to carry out their promises, they can rarely accomplish those promises by themselves (President can't accomplish a lot by himself; Congress has a major part in what is actually done; even if the President is the one that gets the credit/blame).

I totally agree with you! Two heads are better than one!

There have been a lot of complaints in the past decade about the politicians in office. People vote out the previous office holder expecting change; but, any changes have been minor and ineffectual. So, the next election they vote for the opposing candidate and it starts all over again and nothing REALLY changes. So, check out you ballot and vote for someone completely different. Since they are neither Democrat nor Republican, they probably don't think they stand a chance and they will be greatful to the voters who did get them elected. If you want change, vote for the "other guy" and get your friends and family to do the same. Grassroots support can sway an election at a local level AND once people see that they can put a non Democrat/Republican in office; they will consider it a possibility in a higher level election.

India and other "third world countries" do have a problem with corruption. The US still has some corruption; but, it used to be a lot worse than it is now. Actually, it is easier to eliminate corruption now than it used to be. Internet and cell phones allow people/organizations to expose corruption than it used to be in the past. When corruption is exposed and people protest it existance, police and judges are FORCED to take action or run the risk of also being publicly declared "corrupt". There will always be some corruption in politics because people will always be greedy and try to take advantage of others. But, the amount of corruption can be LIMITED and the penalty for being caught becomes greater than the benefits they would gain by being corrupt. People can make a difference IF they become involved and support others who get involved in exposing corruption.

And, please tell your friends and family to do the same. Some people are so stuck they will never change, just keep complaining. But, every vote that is take away from either of these two parties, is a voice telling them we no longer want to keep doing "business as usual".

The biggest problem right now with politics in any country is that groups/businesses have too much power. Whether it is a lobbyist, political action committee (PAC), or minority terrorist group - these elements have very few "votes"; but, a lot of influence. We place people in office to support "us"; but, we do not have the same influence after they get into office that these "groups" have with their "donations/threats". We are approaching a point where we no longer need the majority of our politicians to make decisions for us. In the US, we do not need to have 2 senators and several representatives to make decisions and propose laws any more. We need only one or two people per state to draft proposed legislation and then put that legislation to the people to vote "yes or no". With the all of the resources we currently have (and more being invented everyday" everyone could cast their vote on new issues as they are proposed using the internet and/or phones to vote. Security is the only issue and that is also progressing rapidly. If our politicians no longer have the power to "pass" laws; then, they would not be subject to all of these small groups/businesses and their influence and people could pass laws that benefit the people and not these special interest groups.

My personal belief is that if you do NOT vote, you are saying you do NOT care what others decide; so, you are also giving up your right to complain about the results. When corruption is the problem, support people/organizations that expose and publicise that corruption. Corruption can not continue when it is exposed and prosecuted. But, it will not be prosecuted if they are not caught and the information made public. This will not eliminate corruption; but, it will reduce it and make corrupt politicians more careful about the corrupt acts they do take a risk for.