I knew the two party system was rigged through a collusion between the Democrats and the Republicans. No matter their public differences, both of them would work together behind the scene, in the dark of their respective smoky rooms to keep the two party way of life intact.
The madness of a multi party government meant the Democrats and the Republicans would have to make room for more hogs at the public trough. This was a non starter. Self Interest and Greed were best served when fewer hogs had access.
The two party system wasn't perfect. No political system has stayed perfect once the idea leaves the pages of conception and is tossed out into the Real World to see if it works. Our great constitutional republic had flaws, but there were fewer flaws than the others had. That was how both sides sold it to the public anyway. Not perfect, but it beat any other alternative out there.
Somehow, the country stumbled along with a majority of Americans convinced they were existing in the best political situation in the world. Both parties worked hard to bury the simmering discontent found on the edges of their respective groups.
The image was of a government running well through collegial civil disagreements between two parties who both insisted their crew loved America best. The reality was quite different and has been since the beginning. Both parties are first and foremost, in it for themselves and the interests they serve. All the lip service, all the do-nothing, all the skimming, all the nepotism come before any real concern for the people. Token positive adjustments to the greater good kept the worst of the whiners at bay.
Top priority for both was Power. How to get it and how to hold onto it once they had it. For years, the rules set down by our founders in the Constitution determined how the power was delegated. The one redress sold to the people, attempted to convince them they had the real power were called elections. Elections are an illusion, a scam; the people have never had any real power. We just think we do. We are corralled, gelded and lead by our noses where they want us to head.
It is only because the two parties were content sharing power with each other that this pendulum swinging bullshit worked. This historic cooperation has broken down, hit a major snag, and is shitting the bed hard now. The Right has been taken over by its fringe and no longer want to share power with the Democrats and the people supporting them.
The Right has declared war on it's own country. It's their way or the highway. It is what they have always wanted, always worked for behind the scenes in the stinking alleys behind their lying smiling eyes.
No longer is there some sense of proportion to the Right's main goal; Power. All they had to do was throw the occasional bone, talk out of both sides of their mouths and smile as they wave at the fools who elected them. Every once in awhile, they would switch from majority party to minority party and everyone got along in the end. There was balance. Not anymore.
And now, here is my problem. I had convinced myself those 40 or so years ago that while the Dems and the GOP were but two sides of the same coin, the Dems actually moved the country forward while still picking our pockets. The GOP has never wanted to serve the interests of the many. They had their little clique of rich Capitalists with their loyal to a fault rank and file who worshipped the ground they pissed on. They had no interest in moving us all up. Their efforts could now be aimed at the small group they belonged to.
I was having a real problem justifying my continued membership in the Democratic Party. Go Independent Mike, fuck those pearl clutching, why can't we all just get along pansies from the Left. If they can't stand up to the hob nailed thugs of the Right........ well Fuckem.
As angry as I am at my own party, I will stick it out. They are the ones I brought to the dance 45 years ago. Bailing on them now just wouldn't feel right. Besides, more now than ever before, the Democrats are definitely the lesser of two evils. The stark contrast makes it a no brainer.
I know it is harder than ever, but try your best to "Keep it 'tween the Ditches" .....................
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My musical choice for this post has no connection to the post itself. I was listening to a mix some google bytes created for my pleasure; you know, a set compiled from music I had previously listened to.
An over the top quality cover of "Hit the Road Jack" by The Sweet Sisters came on. I liked it so much, I played it again and watched it this time. Damn, those ladies are not just good singers, they are so easy to watch. Wow. I am guessing they grow hardwood wherever they play. The video part is excellent.
