As we get further and further into the election cycle we keep hearing the call for a third party. Is there really a need for a third party - and I mean a viable third party. Why hasn't a third party caught on in this country of democracy? Where we all have a say in how our government works; or at least think we do. If you were to google "third parties" there are plenty of them but none of them are taken seriously - why? Because in the past we have had some people involved with a third party run who seemed a short of cards in their deck. Some started off with good intentions and then fizzled. One must realize that a third party of any seriousness will take a while (a good 10-20 years) before it is taken seriously. The formers or candidates of potential third parties have to have the will and patience to grow their parties at local, county, state and national levels. I someone just starts a haphazard party for their own benefit then the seriousness is taken away.
That little millionaire for Texas, Ross Perot, was the first serious contender in a national race from a third party. Even after he started to go a little crazy he still had a strong following and garnered 20% of the popular vote. Imagine if he stayed sane in his mannerisms; we may have had at that time an election decided by the Congress. His so called Reform Party was on the move and signed up some very qualified field operatives. But after Mr. Perot's defeat they needed leadership - and he refused to lead. His lack of following thru with leadership just showed that he was in it for the ego trip and destroyed all hopes of a viable third party.
Same thing happened with Ralph Nader and the Green Party. His popularity and message drove a lot of progressives to the Green Party with hopes of making a difference. Like Perot if Nader had taken up the lead and got this Green Party going in the right direction we again could have had another viable third party. Like Perot all Nader wanted was a nationwide party he could use for his own purpose to get his name on the ballots. Just think if Perot and Nader had taken their respected parties seriously, we would have four viable parties.
As for being spoilers - SO WHAT..... Those running for office should always expect to be running as if they are behind. What is the difference if you have to run a campaign against one or three parties, the bottom line is that you have to compete for the precious privilege to represent the people. With more competition maybe candidates would take races more serious.
Give the people of the United States more choice. We are smart enough to study all the stances of the candidates. If you are disillusioned with your party and the other party - support and third party but be serious..... That is what we need ... Serious thinking in our party leaders....
