by Peter Stern

Created on: March 24, 2010

Two-Party Monopoly: NOT a Parker Bros. game.

Despite some differences, both Democrats and Republicans do not work in the best interests of the American community.  Wealthy campaign contributions and perks have ensured that special interest corporations, individuals and wealthy lobbyists have purchased the best government money can buy.

Most Americans couldn't afford the cost of running for political office, and we're NOT only talking about being President of the United States.

 
Today the two-party American political system has failed American families and single citizens.  The system has cost taxpayers billions of their hard-earned dollars while providing little in return for their investments.  Today Corporate America rules.  Wealthy corporations now own the best government money can buy!
 
The Republican and Democratic Parties have ensured that those opting to run for office under a third party must pay top dollar and are inhibited every step of the way.  To initially run for office potential candidates are forced to go through step-by-step procedures that ultimately hinder the success of a third party candidate from getting on that party's ballot.  Candidates must pay up to several thousands of dollars to "buy" a position on the ballot, or instead they must solicit signatures on a petition that may comprise up to 20-percent of the registered voters who voted in the past election.  In addition, the laws dictate that certain voters are ineligible to sign a petition, e.g., those GOP voters who sign a petition for a candidate outside their party may NOT vote in their own party's Primary.  Why not?  Are they being punished by their own party for wanting a better candidate?
 
The major parties have forced a wedge between themselves and any third party wanting a change for the better.  In short, the current laws and rules are governing unfairly who may run for office and how.  By doing so, the two main parties own a monopoly on all offices statewide and on the national level.  Parker Bros., the famous board game company, didn't make up the rules of this political game.  Special interest political, corporate and legislative "hard-ballers" did.  Most likely, if Abe Lincoln lived today in our nation, he wouldn't be able to afford to run for any office - and neither can most Americans.
 
Consequently, altering slightly part of a quote by former President Lincoln, what we

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