To the editor:
Fresh on the heels of the first presidential debate, I'm feeling very discouraged by politics in the United States. In the current presidential election, and in many lower level elections, liberals are being offered the promise of hope and change. However, when I listen to the rhetoric coming out of both sides of this campaign, I hear nothing but business as usual. What's more, even if I were to grudgingly concede my vote to Obama, in Kansas it wouldn't make any difference, as the Electoral College will ultimately disregard my voice and give the state to McCain.
Real change will only come when the structure of the political system is changed. A vote for either candidate is a vote for the status quo - one in which corporate interests are valued above those of ordinary people. Both Democrats and Republicans are too heavily invested in this system for us to expect either one to make real, significant changes.
There is an alternative. One that will both make our vote count and help to bring about real change. I want to urge liberals in Kansas to vote for the Green Party. All they need is 5 percent of the popular vote to achieve major party status. Neither Democrats nor Republicans want this, because it will upset the status quo; it gives the Green Party an honest chance and a voice in future elections. As a result, the system will be transformed and real Hope will finally be within reach.
Jeremy Trombley,
Lawrence
Comments
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truthhurts (anonymous) says…
As an active member of the Libertarian Party I share Mr. Trombley's frustration with the failure of the current system. However I believe the Green Party has no candidates on the ballot in Kansas. To earn ballot access activists in the Green Party will need to petition and collect signatures verified by the Kansas Secretary of State. Once a party has achieved ballot access they must earn 5% in the Governor's race to achieve major party status (meaning participation in the primary system and precinct representation). The link for a list of 2008 Kansas candidates is http://www.kssos.org/elections/electi... is a general agreement among non-major party activists that they will avoid the hypocrisy of the Republicans/Democrats and support each other's ballot access efforts. Personally I would sign a Green Party petition. However at this time it appears there is not a movement among Greens to accomplish this. Patrick Wilbur
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
Whaaa.
RogueThrill (anonymous) says…
Liberals voting Green is just about the only way McCain is going to win this year.
RedwoodCoast (anonymous) says…
Of course you do, MIke.
none2 (anonymous) says…
Right, I'm going to vote for a party who's nominee thinks that the federal government killed 5,000 during Katrina without any substantial proof. Why does a goofy party like that deserve to be recognized? Likewise, I have very little use for the libertarian party with their pro-pot, pro-prostitution, pro-gold standard, almost non-existent, minimalistic government platform. Such archaic, hedonistic ideas sound like something out of the head of a middle-aged odd-ball going through a mid-life crisis. We need a government that works, not a fattened government NOR a starving government. There is something in between. Sure I get fed up with the Democrats and Republicans. However, until we have a non-loony, non-hedonistic third party, we are stuck with Democrats and Republicans.
Trobs (anonymous) says…
none2 - We've given these two parties 150 to 200 years. Both parties have stomped on the foundation of this country. From the illegal Federal Reserve, to the Patriot Act. Is it really far fetched to give another party a chance. I don't know about you, but I like the idea of a hands off government. As much as people love to yell freedom, we exercise it poorly. From the bailout to long prison terms for pot possession, our government is too large and too intrusive.