Ralph Nader for President

[August]

Originally Posted by CCIP

Net result: people off the edge of the two parties (like myself) - however many of them there may be (and often these are substantial minorities) - end up completely unrepresented in government, and disillusiond with the system as such. Democracy at its finest

Canadian politics are quite different than American politics and I don't really think you can compare the two. For example by "off the edge" to you may mean a centrist belief whereas here in the US it means the radical fringes.

[joea]

True that August, I also get the impression both main parties are broad enough to accomodate a large spectrum of belief. BTW looking at wastegate's link...some real nuts you got over there too, no Rhino party but the Pot Party?

[dean_acheson]

Originally Posted by joea

Oh wow Dean, I didn't endorse the other extreme! I would not wish the Italian system on y'all! Now as for the free market bit sure, but as was pointed out you need the big bucks to get heard.

lol! Sorry, that was a bit harsh, wasn't it.
I am not a fan of the way money drives things, but I am much less a fan or restrictions on free speech. McCain/Feingold is a step in the wrong direction in my book.

[nikimcbee]

Wow, I met him when I was in high school.

[dean_acheson]

who?

[August]

Originally Posted by joea

True that August, I also get the impression both main parties are broad enough to accomodate a large spectrum of belief. BTW looking at wastegate's link...some real nuts you got over there too, no Rhino party but the Pot Party?

The fringe element effect on both sides of the political spectrum in this country is interesting. Since they tend to pull their respective mainstream parties away from the center it has the effect of allowing the un or barely affiliated centrist voters to ultimately determine the winner of every election by throwing their weight to one side or the other.