Joining up: So, what's Left part 2

As I was saying...

I do like the Green's platform, but I also feel that those same issues are not alien to the Democratic Party. Democrats are also in favor of equal rights for everyone, a cleaner environment, and strengthening labor. The Democrats platform isn't as streamlined as the Greens, but I suspect that's because the Dems have so many more members and office-holders. Inclusion almost always leads to ideas becoming more nebulous. Since I feel that my political views are supported by both parties, party platform can not be the determining factor in my choosing between them. This would, of course, require reexamination should daylight begin to shine through any growing distance between the two platforms. .

There is also the whole third-party factor. The Greens, along with the Libertarians, never get tired of telling anyone who will listen just how much the two-party system is rigged against them. In many ways, they're correct. There are many difficulties that "third-party" candidates shouldn't have to deal with. However, even if all of the difficulties were removed, it wouldn't solve their biggest problem. Their biggest problem is that many elections for offices in the U.S. are "first past the post" contests where only a plurality is needed to win that office. So, anyone outside of the two major parties will find it difficult to win an statewide or federal offices. There are, of course, office-holders who are Greens. However, none are at the federal or statewide level. Furthermore, most seem to have been elected to at-large seats where outside candidates have the best chance to win a seat on a council or board.

Both parties support my views. However, only one of them participates in my government at every level. So, I choose to join the more involved party. It's not an original argument, and I'm sure that the Greens are tired of hearing it. Sadly, for them, it's an argument that has legs.


Ultimately, when it's time to pull the lever, I'll select whichever candidate I feel is the best fit. Though both my history and intellectual tendencies suggest that I'll mostly continue to vote for Democrats. I do suspect that a Green candidate will tickle my fancy now and then.

Regardless of who I vote for, my goal is to contribute in my own little way to make my local Democratic Party the best it can be.I know that that sound cheesy, but that's life.