The Democratic and Republican parties dominate the U.S.
electoral system and it seems that these equally strong parties block each
other as well as the entire political process. The
rules of power are very strange to Europeans who are used to a variety of
viable political choices with multiparty systems. American voters have no party
selection if they are in favor of environmentalism and against abortion, for
example. Smaller parties have no influence. In fact there are only two
choices, Democrat or Republican.
U.S. citizens want action; they want decision-making and
results by their representatives. This is why they elected the members of the
Congress. This is why they pay taxes. Political manipulation can never be
eradicated, but the objective of a member of Congress must be the well-being of
the nation and its citizens. If every voice in Congress represents its own
specific interests, the collective welfare is neglected.
Americans allow themselves the luxury to leave many problems
unsolved, and Congress refuses to seek solutions in form of compromises.
Instead, a lot of energy is wasted on determining the authenticity of a
president’s birth certificate; in my opinion, this is just ridiculous.
