Party Monster

I've been thinking about the results of the Political Compass, as well as this week's assignment to critique a piece of rhetoric from the party (or tendency?) with which you most identify. In class we've pretty much only been talking about the Democratic and Republican parites, wit ha few mentions of the Green Party here and there. The two-party system is IMHO one of the greatest tragedies of the political system in this country. If one is forced to continue with this practice of "representative democracy," the parliamentary system, with its multiple parties, coalition governements, and runoff elections, would be vastly preferable. Even failing tht, however, it might not be bad idea to consider some of the many "third parties" in this country.

Although Lisa identifies as a Dem, and Klipper is interested in the Green Party (but needs more info), their politics actually fall to the left of Ralph Nader, and as such I would suggest looking at the Greens or, perhaps, the Socialist Party USA. SP-USA is a very cool organization. They're multi-tendency, they don't do identity politics, and they're very active in community organizing in areas where they have a bit of density. I was a member of their youth arm, the Young People's Socialist League, when I was in high school.

Scarlett identifies as a Republican, but as I mentioned in a comment on her post, her ideals of fiscal conservatism and social liberalism are the exact opposite of the GOP as it stands today! So, I suggested she take a look at the Libertarian Party. If you like capitalism but want the government out of your bedroom... it's really the only way to go these days.

One could go on all day listing alternate parties. If you like Stalin, there's the Workers' World Party, or the Communist Party USA.

Or maybe you're anti-statist, and the idea of a political party doesn't fit in with your politics; for syndicalists, there are militant unions like the Industrial Workers of the World; or for left-libertarians there are regional federations like the Northeastern Federation of Anarchist Communists (NEFAC).

Well, look around. Maybe you'll find something closer to your own views than your 'affiliation by default.' And it will be a lot more interesting for the assignment to critique rhetoric that's closer to your own views than you thought you might find.