POLITICS: Breaking up two-party system

The Senate candidate suggests that “people are tired of the two-party system.” The two-party system seems complicated by Dem and Rep inability to compromise. Italy, by comparison, has lots of political parties. But it also has to dissolve its government completely, on average, every 13 to 14 months. So, if you think our two parties suffer inefficiencies, try to imagine attempting to get maybe a dozen interest groups (parties if you will) to reach a compromise. 

Our system evolved as a difficult but relatively more efficient way to get two-party (pluralist) views to come together in compromise. Some ancient political philosophers thought benevolent dictatorship was the most efficient way to go. It was also thought, however, that the result of benevolent dictatorship, despite efficiencies, would tend toward the authoritarian. That’s why our own George Washington, for example, rejected being called King. More democracy, what we today think of as pluralism, was desirable. Thus, our two parties are a compromise between “gittin it done” fast (efficiently) and working out (flogging you might call it) our differences. Thus, our two party system is itself a compromise.

We should all try to remember this and avoid throwing out our baby with the bath water.   

BOB McILVENNA

Coeur d’Alene