Quote Originally Posted by Thondalar View Post
I voted Independent, though registered as a Libertarian I've voted for both Democrats and Republicans in the past. I've thought about registering as one or the other just to vote in Primaries, but I can't bring myself to do it.
I've never thought this about you before, but that's such a dumb move. Voluntary disenfranchisement is the epitome of cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Quote Originally Posted by caelric
Much as I love my country (as evidenced by 25 years of military service and counting), I strongly dislike the current political system. Unfortunately, I don't have a solution.
It's all about realistic expectations. Could you as a third party candidate go run for President and win? No chance. Could you go run for some local office and win? Absolutely. Every journey starts with one step. Take over the local scene, then you can work on state, then you can work on federal. Swing for the fences and you'll just strike out.

One key thing to realize is that most people aren't that dissatisfied with the two party system, because both parties are centrist. Their messages thus resonate with the juicy middle of the normal distribution. You can race out to either fringe a la the Tea Party, but doing so necessarily alienates the other fringe, not to mention a big chunk of the normals: any success won't be sustainable.