The United States is in desperate need of a third party, and what I mean is that the third party needs more recognition and merit. The mainstream media and our current government have done a fabulous job in making sure that the “little guy” doesn’t even stand a chance. Democrats and Republicans have been running the show for far too long and both parties are running a muck whether it is in legislative, judicial, or executive branches. Now, we see corporate greed, the “military industrial complex” (Former President Eisenhower warned us about), pork barrel spending, and empty rhetoric in both parties—I could go on… What we need is a real change, and I am not talking about Barrack Obama.

Notice how the Democrats and Republicans are treated like celebrities in the news. Whatever is the latest gossip or rants between the candidates it ranks up there with Britney Spears and Paris Hilton—it’s a three ring circus. Television is the main outlet for political news and people are buying what the candidates are selling because the marketing companies for these political campaigns know how to psychologically mess with your head. I believe the art of reading and research is becoming extinct, most people do not want to take the time to look into something and investigate. It’s so easy just to watch television and have the mainstream media spoon feed us information.

Alexander Hamilton has said, "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." We as a people haven’t stood for anything these days; the proof is in the fact that we don’t see massive protests like back in the 60s and there is a sense of apathy that is poisoning our great nation. Our government is supposed to be a Republic, a nation “by the people, for the people”—as eloquently stated by Abraham Lincoln.

What happened? Where is the passion? Sometimes, I wonder where all the patriots have gone. Edward Abbey has said, “A patriot must be ready to defend his country against his government.” Our government is big and corrupt and it will stay that way as long as both Democrats and Republicans are in office.

What I am ashamed of, as a former Republican, is that Republicans are supposed to be for small government and they are starting to look like Democrats with their big government spending—just look at the "military-industrial complex" and our current national debt. The only difference between the two parties is their views on pro-life/choice and the gay rights issues—those issues are good distractions for the average Joe Democrats and Republicans to fight over. There is a bigger fish to fry. And, also the Democrats in the House and Senate have not done a thing to stop the Republicans in charge. Therefore, the Democrats are accomplices to their crimes.

Are you mad yet? Don’t you feel like screaming from your window and saying, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!?”—from the 1976 movie, Network.

If you want to do something about it: http://www.downsizedc.org/