3 Reasons Why A Successful Third Party Wouldn't Solve Anything

by John Hawkins - July 22nd, 2009 - Townhall.com

Sure, the Libertarian Party, Constitution Party, Green Party, etc. are much purer than the Republican and Democratic parties -- but there's a reason for that: they're not in power. They don't have a leech class that just wants to keep their cushy jobs. They don't get to hand out earmarks that indirectly put hundreds of thousands of dollars into the pockets of their families, friends, and political allies. They don't have to take electoral considerations into their policy positions because they don't ever get elected to anything. It's easy to be pure when you're on the outside looking in. When you have skin in the game and doing the right, but unpopular thing may cost you the job of a lifetime -- judging by what goes on in Congress, most people's moral courage goes out the window. That's not because of what party they're in; it's because of human nature. A third party isn't going to change that any more than communism suddenly makes everyone care as much about their neighbor down the street as they do their own family. That's why a viable third party, even if it were to exist, wouldn't solve anything.

I have seen an element in the Republican Party coalition destroy great candidates because they don't have the right position on an issue that the elected office they are running for CAN NOT CHANGE OR EVEN AFFECT. There is NOTHING more ignorant than that. Political parties arose rapidly because it is impossible to create a governing coalition on each issue, one by one. Those who oppose political parties even as "good old George Washington" opposed them are living in a dream world. We are at a crisis in America that requires the right must unite to save our nation. I don't see that happening. Most conservatives care more about their own opinions (and destroying people who share most of their views but aren't "perfect" conservatives on the "right" issues) than they care about America.

Is that called egotism? Or is it narcissism? I forget.