The party spirit which regards party success not merely as a means to a higher end, but as the end itself, and which puts abject obedience to party behest above the moral law and the dictates of conscience, will Ö inevitably destroy the vitality of free institutions.”
Great American Carl Schurz wrote those words a century ago. They are truer today than they’ve ever been.
It is a wonder even half of eligible voters do vote considering the reprobates they are forced to choose from. Time and again the choice is between Democrat or Republican clones. The shameful state of the major parties makes this presidential election particularly disheartening.
To be clear: I am not a Naderite. Ralph Nader’s campaign is an egotistical crusade into oblivion, purposeless and destructive. I am an independent voter. Thus, I do not have a presidential candidate this fall.
I am one of 35 percent of Americans and 41 percent of college students who define themselves as politically independent, and who will decide the 2004 presidential election.
I am not clueless as to what I stand for. I am not so radical a party could not exist for me. I am not a swing voter. I am not a centrist or the weak bridge between the entrenched parties.
I recognize the corruption of the major parties that is essential to their core motives. What is best for the country is distinguishable from what is best for Democrats and Republicans; whose only modus operandi is to perpetuate their own existence.
Admittedly, I will vote against George W. Bush this year – not because I am a Democrat – because of his complete failure to be a courageous leader.
I would gladly support a credible independent. This election is perfect for a populist independent candidate, despite a political arena fortified with rules to emasculate third parties.
The system must change. My dissatisfaction runs thick and deep. With every vote I am forced to cast for candidates selected by party bosses, that disgust grows.
Every year independent voters fall for a bait and switch. But with our numbers growing, something has to give. It may not be immediate but it is inevitable.
Karl Noyes is a member of the Editorial Board. He welcomes comments at [email protected]
