[Gates of Eden]

I see plenty of both on TalkBack.

http://www.wingnutsandmoonbats.com/

Being the elucidation of the laughably incoherent arguments on both the left and right in American politics and culture.

[salty]

Certainly don't believe the "moonbat myth".

[skeptic2]

Certainly don't believe the "moonbat myth".

so that would make you "evil, uncaring, callous and mean-spirited."

[salty]

Have been called all of them. What a coincidence.

Neither group is performing a service to the country, in fact just the opposite. Both are keeping the debate from expanding into genuine growth. The unavoidable outcome of a two-party system - systemic paralysis.

[JoeDog]

Have been called all of them. What a coincidence.

Neither group is performing a service to the country, in fact just the opposite. Both are keeping the debate from expanding into genuine growth. The unavoidable outcome of a two-party system - systemic paralysis.

The two-party system is an (unintended) product of the Constitution. In every electoral district winner takes all. The only votes that count are those cast for the winner. In a parliamentary system, if 5% of the country self-identifies as Libertarian, then you can expect about 5% libertarian representation. On the bright side, big tents are comprised of divergent voices. Just ask the Democrats. The smaller Republican party marches more or less lock in step while the Democrats wonder in various directions. They can't agree on how to best make people healthy. The Republicans just know they hate it - whatever it is.

[Pericles]

They can't agree on how to best make people healthy. The Republicans just know they hate it - whatever it is.

Democrats certainly agree on abortion. You're short-changing your party.

[O311mc]

The two-party system is an (unintended) product of the Constitution. In every electoral district winner takes all. The only votes that count are those cast for the winner. In a parliamentary system, if 5% of the country self-identifies as Libertarian, then you can expect about 5% libertarian representation. On the bright side, big tents are comprised of divergent voices. Just ask the Democrats. The smaller Republican party marches more or less lock in step while the Democrats wonder in various directions. They can't agree on how to best make people healthy. The Republicans just know they hate it - whatever it is.

Not sure why democrats think they are supposed to make us healthy. I think some republicans hate it becasue the governemt shouldn't be doing it, The principle of helping people isn't what they hate. I lean more towards libertarian principles because it's more about personal responsibility and less about creating a large enough government to keep everyone on the dole. my .02

[salty]

I lean more towards libertarian principles because it's more about personal responsibility and less about creating a large enough government to keep everyone on the dole. my .02

Well said. An admirable position, IMO.

[Pericles]

I think some republicans hate it becasue the governemt shouldn't be doing it, The principle of helping people isn't what they hate.

I agree. The concern is helping people who choose not to help themselves, not because they can't, but because they won't.

[Bustina di tè]

Democrats certainly agree on abortion. You're short-changing your party.

Half a stopped clock, Bob Casey JR doesn't believe in abortion.

As to the web site, I stopped reading when the author accused Obunko of being a leftist. He's a cheap opportunist in an expensive suit.

[grieker]

I agree. The concern is helping people who choose not to help themselves, not because they can't, but because they won't.

An example of what is hated/disliked came up last week or so in discussions about the United Way.

Don't force me - I do quite a bit on my own.

Force is usually met with resistance.

[Pericles]

Half a stopped clock, Bob Casey JR doesn't believe in abortion.

Are you kidding? Tell me what votes he has cast in the Senate that supports his "firm" belief in life.

[Shawn]

Have been called all of them. What a coincidence.

Neither group is performing a service to the country, in fact just the opposite. Both are keeping the debate from expanding into genuine growth. The unavoidable outcome of a two-party system - systemic paralysis.

I hear this a lot about the 2-party system. But, why would a >2 party system operate any more efficiently. The elected members of the parties, no matter how many of them there are, will be still be politicians. They will still behave misbehave like politicians. I'm not sure that simply having "more parties" will resolve anything. In fact, it seems to me that it could make things even worse and lead to even greater paralysis. Ultimately what is the difference if we have 2 parties full of self-serving lobbyist pandering politicians who think their job is to get re-elected OR 10 parties full of self-serving lobbyist pandering politicians who think their job is to get re-elected. In the end, it will probably be the same people. Instead of being divided across 2 parties, they'll be divided across multiple parties.

Later...Shawn

[Bustina di tè]

What is it about our political system that attracts the dishonest as opposed to a Parliamentary system as used in Europe?
Could it be the constant need to campaign since House terms only last two years?

[O311mc]

I hear this a lot about the 2-party system. But, why would a >2 party system operate any more efficiently. The elected members of the parties, no matter how many of them there are, will be still be politicians. They will still behave misbehave like politicians. I'm not sure that simply having "more parties" will resolve anything. In fact, it seems to me that it could make things even worse and lead to even greater paralysis. Ultimately what is the difference if we have 2 parties full of self-serving lobbyist pandering politicians who think their job is to get re-elected OR 10 parties full of self-serving lobbyist pandering politicians who think their job is to get re-elected. In the end, it will probably be the same people. Instead of being divided across 2 parties, they'll be divided across multiple parties.

I think this is a good point, simply creating a new party will just add to the mayhem. Again I stick with my personal responsibility mantra, do the right thing, party not withstanding. Americans can take this bull by the horns and toss it by the wayside, if they would step up, and get involved enough to let politicians know we are not going to settle for the current level of jackazzery.