Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Political parties should be unconstitutional

C4 Diesel · 02-10-2005, 02:31 PM

This is truly my opinion. I would not have said this if we lived in an age where the news media had integrity or the political parties actually cared for the welfare of the people, but it has become apparrent to me that this is no longer the case.

The original purpose of political parties was to unite legislators and voters with similar political views, and to a lesser extent for simplification of governance. Thomas Jefferson was against this (which even then was a 2-party system), himself being concerned that this would split the country (pretty good foresight, huh?). Now the purpose of political parties is much more marred to the individual. While the parties still hold opposing viewpoints, many of which target different groups, they have gained new purpose. I don't think anyone would argue that either party would like nothing more than to have total governmental control. James Carville, on Meet the Press last November, asserted to Tim Russert that the modern-day purpose of the political parties is "to get people elected". All but the most sure-seated legislators (who barely need to put effort into getting reelected) are forced to adopt a political stance in relatively strict conformation with their party in order to get funding for their campaigns. The parties' agendas are no longer based around what they believe to be right, but what they can sell to the American people, not to mention that the truth is regularly and severely bent for "cosmetic" reasons.

Since the parties only want to have power, and force their views upon legislators, we are left with a government lacking reason and consideration for the people. I believe that a non-partisan government would return decisions on policy to individual legislators, would allow for more varied thinking within government, and would allow for voters to choose a legislator who has the mix of ideas that they desire (both "liberal and "conservative" ideas to simplify it as such.

What do you think about this?

02-10-2005, 02:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
C4 Diesel Crazy Location: Troy, NY	Political parties should be unconstitutional This is truly my opinion. I would not have said this if we lived in an age where the news media had integrity or the political parties actually cared for the welfare of the people, but it has become apparrent to me that this is no longer the case. The original purpose of political parties was to unite legislators and voters with similar political views, and to a lesser extent for simplification of governance. Thomas Jefferson was against this (which even then was a 2-party system), himself being concerned that this would split the country (pretty good foresight, huh?). Now the purpose of political parties is much more marred to the individual. While the parties still hold opposing viewpoints, many of which target different groups, they have gained new purpose. I don't think anyone would argue that either party would like nothing more than to have total governmental control. James Carville, on Meet the Press last November, asserted to Tim Russert that the modern-day purpose of the political parties is "to get people elected". All but the most sure-seated legislators (who barely need to put effort into getting reelected) are forced to adopt a political stance in relatively strict conformation with their party in order to get funding for their campaigns. The parties' agendas are no longer based around what they believe to be right, but what they can sell to the American people, not to mention that the truth is regularly and severely bent for "cosmetic" reasons. Since the parties only want to have power, and force their views upon legislators, we are left with a government lacking reason and consideration for the people. I believe that a non-partisan government would return decisions on policy to individual legislators, would allow for more varied thinking within government, and would allow for voters to choose a legislator who has the mix of ideas that they desire (both "liberal and "conservative" ideas to simplify it as such. What do you think about this? __________________ C4 to your door, no beef no more...