When Two plus One does not Equal Three
Disillusionment with the Democratic and Republican parties has always been high. Not since 1964 have more than 60% of eligible voters turned out for a presidential election. Since 1900, 42% of eligible voters on average stay home each presidential election, effectively choosing “none of the above” rather than voting for either of the anointed candidates. The number abstaining in non-presidential election years is even higher. For many, elections are irrelevant as they know their lives will not fundamentally change, regardless of which of the major parties rules the roost. But for an increasing number, abstention is more conscious. There is growing recognition that both the Democrats and Republicans represent Wall St. and big business, leaving the majority who slave away, working for a living, only the narrowest of choices between this or that representative of the slave masters. In 2013, a record 42% of Americans identified themselves ...