A political party is formed when a group of citizens with a specific agenda band together to increase their influence. With enough members, the community in which they live will have to accommodate their wishes.
For the new party to be taken seriously, party members must agree on what they want. To insure their message is sound and clear, the leaders of the new party get together and put forth a specific plan of action called their “party platform.”
At that point, the members of the party have a choice. If they don't support the party platform, the message of the party becomes muddled – lost in the noise of the debate among its members. If the members are not in agreement, the party loses its potential influence on public policy, becoming merely a social club.
For the new party to maximize its political potential, members must adopt a sense of humility and pledge to support the agenda set by the national committee of the new party.
Note: It is likely the individual members will disagree on one or more issues. However, disagreeing publicly on even one issue would make it appear the party is in disarray.
The new party can be effective in influencing social policy only if members speak with one voice. To be effective, members must remain loyal and committed to the party platform.
After the party platform is set, the next step is to select members who are to represent the party in the state legislature and Congress.
Candidates are selected based on their knowledge of the party platform and their commitment to support it in its entirety.
Note: If the candidates they select become
independent operators (advocate their own ideas), they would dilute the party message. Diluting the party message would diminish the political influence of the party,
undermining the effort of its members.
The Benefits of Standing on the Party Platform
Candidates who stand firmly on their party platform have no reason to campaign. This one feature results in many benefits.
In fact, having party candidates stand on their party platform circumvents every problem with America's present political system.
We can appreciate the benefits of party candidates standing on their party platform by looking at the consequences of candidates
who go it alone and conduct themselves as “independent operators.”
The Problem with “Independent Operators”
Candidates who do not stand on their party platform and instead promote their own ideas are “independent operators.”
Note: Although the Democratic Party and Republican Party advertise this tactic as the best way to “expand the arena of ideas,” it is the beginning of the end of an effective political system.
Consider the consequences of allowing candidates to represent their party as “independent operators.”
Each “independent operator” has to raise millions of dollars to pay for advertisement, travel and their private entourage to include speechwriters, image makers, public relations specialists, pollsters, office staff and field managers to recruit, organize and supervise volunteers who make phone calls and work the neighborhoods.
The need for big money corrupts the “independent operators.” Supporters who donate large sums of money want something in return. To be successful in raising money, “independent operators” have to make deals. This puts special interests in control of the legislatures at the expense of citizens.
After the elections are over, nothing gets done in Congress because there is no plan. The “independent operators.” each with their own set of obligations to supporters, must work out a compromised plan of action. By the time they pick and chose what issues to address, the proposed remedies are watered down and its time for reelection.
“Independent operators” dilute the message of the political party they represent. Over time, with enough “independent operators” running around, the political party loses its identify, becoming a political party in name only.
A political party in name only serves more like a “Tent” than a political party.
Note: The Democratic Party and Republican Party regularly use the term “Big Tent” to describe themselves, inferring they welcome diverse and even competing agendas.
The word “Tent” is code for “monopoly.” As history has demonstrated, monopolies are never good for the consumer. Monopolies operate as if they are monsters spreading a virus. To be sure, the Democratic and Republican monopolies get bigger and deadlier at the expense of citizens.
Note: The Democratic Party and Republican Party are political parties in name only. In truth, they are monopolies disguised as political parties.
The Democratic and Republican Monopolies
The Democratic Party and Republican Party are not true political parties because they do not put forth specific platforms to which all their members agree. This forces their candidates to campaign on their own individual ideas. They are forced to fundraise continuously, cater to their supporters, and play politics rather than do what is best for America.
Trapped in the monopolized political system without a party platform, Democrats and Republicans attempt to win elections by making promises to various groups of citizens to gain their vote. Rather than perform as responsible fiscal managers and teachers promoting self-reliance, sacrifice, and hard work, they carry on as if they are Robin Hood or Santa Clause bearing free gifts.
Compounding the problem, the money the Democrats and Republicans waste and give away is borrowed. They are essentially putting debt on a credit card.
Worse than that, our children will have to pay back the money we spend today (with interest!!!!).
Summarizing the Design Flaw in America's Present Political System
The design flaw in America's present political system is it allows (even encourages) “independent operators” to pose as party candidates for office. This
one flaw has caused America's “Open Multi-Party System” to devolve
into a “Closed Two-Monopoly System.”
America's growing social problems and exploding debt are the result of Democrats and Republicans focusing their attention on raising money and winning elections. Although each election cycle we hope for the best, those we elect perform like drug addicts in continual need of a fix. Unless we citizens break the endless cycle of campaigning and fundraising, resolving social problems and balancing the budget will continue to be secondary goals.
Note: Be sure to visit the link “If We Do Nothing” located in the “About” section (on
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