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We have just witnessed the first of four planned presidential and vice presidential debates between the nominees of the two dominant political parties in our country: the Democrats and the Republicans. Many of us do not see it as strange that only two podiums were on that stage. We are brought up thinking that these two parties are the only ones that can win and that should be heard.
This, of course, is rubbish. Four more candidates should have been on that stage. These candidates have met the requirements of state laws to be on the ballot in enough of the country to win the election. They are being shut out of their best chance to get the nation's attention because the debates are run by the Commission on Presidential Debates, a private corporation which is controlled by the dominant parties.
History shows that emerging-party and independent candidates can win if they are allowed to debate. Jesse Ventura won the governorship of Minnesota in this manner as an independent.
We need more voices in our presidential debates. Americans have registered near single-digit approval of Bush and Congress. It is clear that the time has come to throw away the obsolete, self-defeating idea that the political parties that dominate America now always will. We the people are the ones with the power to decide, if believe in ourselves, and fight relentlessly for justice.
Dedicated to the excluded candidates: Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney, Bob Barr, and Chuck Baldwin.
