Here, here!
Former U.S. Senators Sam Nunn of Georgia and David Boren of Oklahoma have invited a bipartisan group of national leaders to meet on January 7 to discuss how to “stimulate a meaningful debate during the current presidential campaign on the important challenges facing our nation.” (Quote from Atlanta Journal Constitution.) Here is a portion of their letter, sent to (among others) former U.S. Senator Bob Graham, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former N.J. Governor Christie Todd Whitman, former Ambassador John Danforth and Senator Chuck Hagel:
“Our political system is, at the least, badly bent and many are concluding that it is broken at a time where America must lead boldly at home and abroad. Partisan polarization is preventing us from uniting to meet the challenges that we must face if we are to prevent further erosion of America’s power of leadership and example.
. . . To say the obvious, the presidential debates thus far have produced little national discussion of these and other fundamental issues and plans to address them. If this pattern continues through this important national election, it will produce neither a national consensus for governing nor a president who can successfully tackle these threats to our nation’s future. We understand the rough and tumble part of the political process, but without a modicum of civility and respect in our debates, forming a bipartisan consensus on the major issues after the election will be virtually impossible.”
Whether or not this meeting produces a third party candidacy (and whether or not you think that’s a good idea), it’s hard to disagree with their opening volley.
This is the first real idea that seems to be about saving our democracy. The machine is so large and out of hand, it seema that the elections will provide just more of the same. It is so refreshing to know that there are other people who care about our nation more than who is on "Dancing with the Stars". Thank you for organizing.
I have had this ongoing daydream of a third party that denounced the true believers in the Democrat and Republican parties, but concentrated instead on practicality instead of ideology. I was amazed to read her column and I want to be a part of all this.
Some politicians dropped out of politics in the early 80's not agreeing with the NWO and warning of backlash eventually. I am proud of Boren, Dobbs and others who are finally going public on the current potent but obscure issues. I hope they are questioning the American Union and Amero issues. I wonder what happened to Gebhardt, English, Bellemon and others who may feel strongly on the issues of today! Millions of Americans paid the price in the 80's losing their jobs, benefits, and in some cases their families to the oppression that existed then! I am glad we have some respected national voices representing up!
I would like to see a third party candidate but nothing ever happens at the right time. This should have been started a year or so ago for this election. another problem is that you need more then one person in office to make it work. If you just elect a president you still have the rest of Washington to deal with.
GOOD LUCK
The Village Square isn't political, we're nonprofit, so we won't be backing any candidate. I personally wonder if the meeting in Oklahoma today isn't less about launching any alternative to the two parties but to find a way to fix the way the two parties engage with each other to solve problems.
I think democracy is at it's best not necessarily when there is mushy middle compromise, but when different ideas are brought to the table and meaningfully and HONESTLY and even passionately engaged with each other. It's what creates the "marketplace of ideas" that has served us so well.
I'm 71 years old and have been waiting for this kind of forum for longer than I'd care to admit. Maybe our voices will finally be heard.