In the face of exceptionally high levels of political polarization, chaos and violence in the 2024 presidential election, many (if not most) Americans realize that our dysfunctional “two-party” system no longer serves the best interest of the people. Under closer scrutiny, we realize that a pair of private corporate entities, known as the Democratic and Republican parties, controls the electoral process in favor of their respective special interest groups at public expense. When official corruption, mismanagement and abuse of power are added to the mix, popular frustration with politicians and distrust of government reaches critical levels. This situation is both intolerable and unsustainable, as it accelerates the course of social and cultural decay, in spite of apparent technological progress.
Instead of working cooperatively, constructively and creatively to solve our common problems in reality, the two major parties blame each other in a constant barrage of rhetoric, ideological distortion, disinformation, deception and fear, which insidiously wages psychological warfare on the public at large.
Fortunately, there is a growing popular awareness toward a positive and unifying alternative, as recent surveys indicate that 52% of American voters now identify as independent. For the growing numbers of voters who just can’t take it anymore, there is hope. Delaware can make political history by electing its first independent U.S. senator, Dr. Michael Katz, and get the positive change we deserve. This is just the cutting edge of a new independent movement and power shift in favor of the people instead of special interests. As more people actively become involved in the process, the faster we can fix the political system for a better future.
With a skyrocketing national debt in excess of $34 trillion, major inflation, high levels of chronic disease, a failing educational system, deteriorating infrastructure and the looming threat of World War III, can we afford not to?
Wolfgang von Baumgart
Georgetown
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
