Did you know there are more American voters who describe themselves as Independent than there are Republicans and Democrats? In fact, there are more Independents now than at any time since FDR occupied the White House.
According to a riveting report just issued by the PewResearchCenter, 38 percent of Americans say they are independent; 32 percent affiliate with the Democratic Party and only 24 percent describe themselves as Republicans.
According to the Pew findings, which tracked the years 1987-2012, Republicans have become more conservative while Democrats have opted for increasingly liberal platforms. That, in turn, has left in its wake what researchers describe as “…more political independents than at any point in the last 75 years." That's huge! And, for the record, that's me. (Hey, I've finally become part of the silent majority.)
I consider myself independent because I have no affinity whatsoever for Republican values, yet find some Democratic platforms problematic as well (i.e. “52 percent of Democrats say we should make every effort to improve the position of blacks and other minorities, even if it means giving them preferential treatment.”) I consider myself liberal. But, I'm also a firm believer in meritocracy. The best and brightest should be rewarded, regardless of race, creed or color. Period. And, that's where Democrats and this blogger come a cropper.
I strongly advise each of you to read the PewResearchCenter report. As I said, it's a page turner.
It also provides the very best insight I've yet read into what the hell is going on in America at the moment. And, what the hell is going on can be best summarized in a single word: polarization. And the implications of polarization were best summed up in the following statement from a Pew spokesperson: “The timing has never been better for a serious, centrist Third Party to emerge in American politics.” Note the word centrist.
Speaking on behalf of my fellow 38 percenters, we want a rationale, reasoned, centrist party that represents our values and beliefs. We are SO ready for a new, third party.
So, where's the candidate, what's the platform and how do I sign up?
Had he not squandered his dad’s riches, Jeb Brown would have made for an ideal Third Party candidate. As for the Buffet offspring, ugh. Look forward to reading Little McCullough’s words, though. His dad is my favorite author.
Very interesting stuff. I’m a DINO (Democrat In Name Only) myself and find that neither party really fits my P.O.V. Unfortunately the window of opportunity for a 3rd Party candidate in 2012 is over. But perhaps these revealing findings should give both disaffected politicos and the Buffets of the world the means to do what their Birther/Tea Party/Koch Brothers counterparts on the Right are doing.
Speaking of believing in meritocracy, have you caught what high school teacher David McCullough, Jr. (son of the historian) told his graduating class in Wellesley, MA? Finally, some straight talk for the little darlings to hear: http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/06/07/teacher-wellesley-high-grads-you-not-special/AEhNCoPE3xNEAOzVoJQPWK/story.html
I agree. Rudy Guiliani, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, is another superb example. Sadly, a one-issue leader has nowhere to go when the issue’s immediacy fades.
A leader is someone others defer to, for some reason or other. You know it when you see it or if you are lucky, experience it. Sometimes (and I think ideally), its because of who they are. They don’t really have to say anything. If they are articluate, its a plus. Lincoln comes to mind. In our time perhaps Colin Powell would be an example.
There are not many “centrist” multi-millionaires who will get backing or use all of their own money. Can you think of one (Buffet maybe)?