You Really Don't Have To...

As I've been considering the 2008 Election and trying to decipher the moods of the people around me, I've got one thing that stands out in my mind that I desire to say. You don't have to vote for Obama or McCain. For years the American political system has run as a two-party system. Intersting to note that during that time, on the politcal continuum, the two parties have come closer together and even overlaped or switched sides on occasion. (Here's an example.) Over the past few presidents and congresses very little progress has been made, unless you count a larger deficit as progress. Our quite large federal government has caused our nation to stagnate and now we enter a recession. The thing that I find most humorous is that people still look to products of that federal government to fix things. All over the political scene there are cries of "Change!!!" and we REALLY want it. Why then, do we continue down the same path from which we so desperately desire change? Are we really glutonous for that type of punishment? Do we realize that WE have allowed our political system to become the monster that it is?
I apologize for the rant. Every once in a while I must give in to my true feelings. And I guess that is what I hope to inspire in people. There is no need to brand ourselves Blue or Red. Many times we think that because we normally vote for Democratic candidates, that means we must be a Democrat, and even when a Democrat comes along that we don't agree with, we still vote for that person just because of our voting history. I found this aritcle by Glenn Beck this morning and while I realize that he is quite conservative, the premise of the article is sound for people of any political persuasion. What do you personally believe? How do you feel about specific political situations? Do you believe the death penalty is wrong? Do you feel that government programs such as Welfare or Medicaid are beneficial to society? Do you feel that there should be fewer gun laws? WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL OPINION? Not that of your parents or spouse or best friend. And especially not of the guy squawking at you from the TV screen. Take the time before you vote to think about what you truly believe. Go online and take a political ideology quiz (though not 100% accurate, they can give you an idea of where you stand).
I personally believe that a two party system causes stagnation and impedes the greatness of our nation. We need the opportunity for a third or fourth or fifth party candidate to actually have a shot at leading our nation, or being a member of Congress.