by DianeD

Created on: December 13, 2008

America is basically a two-party system with the Libertarian Party growing quickly. An Independent or Libertarian candidate is occasionally elected to Congress and State Offices; however, running for President as an independent has not been successful since the mid-1800s. Registering as an independent simply reflects an unwillingness to support either party's platform in its entirety. In the past, Republican and Democratic elected officials have been fairly true to their respective party's platforms, give or take a few issues. Since the 2000 election, the Republican Party is not recognizable as such; the policies and results of a poorly managed Administration have led to tragic results for American citizens. The election of 2008 was a step in the right direction. Americans became informed, Americans became involved, Americans let the rhetoric go in one ear and out the other, and Americans finally realized we must, as a unified country, hold fast to our Constitution by using our voices and votes and using them wisely.

The Republican Party Platform

The Republican Party has always promoted: small government (limited social programs), a strong defense (militarily steered), fiscal conservatism (not any more), lower taxes, self-reliant citizens (keeping out of citizen's personal lives), deregulation of business and finance (not sure that worked), high moral values (questionable for both parties), Pro-gun stance, and a Pro-life position. It is difficult to look at most of these positions and recognize them as Republican positions. Government agencies have continued to grow, our country is in debt up to the Statue of Liberty's eyeballs, the middle-class is becoming non-existent, government interference in citizen's private lives has escalated (wiretapping and the Schiavo incident for example), and the appalling Katrina mess have all made the voters question the reliability of a Republican candidate. The Republicans got the message loud and clear in the 2008 election. This article is not intended to pick on the Republicans, but the facts are the facts which will hopefully lead the party to regroup.

The Democratic Party Platform

The Democratic Party has always promoted: strong economic growth (both parties support this), strong defense (diplomatically steered), expanding opportunity for all citizens (does cost money), progressive taxation (the more you earn, the more you pay), support of social programs (more money), regulated business and finance (this does work), alleviation

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