Independents are free to run. They can't make it past primaries.

i'm aware of that. we still only have two parties because most folks still cling to one or the other, when neither is worth clinging to!

Voters want the right to vote, but don't generally much care to fulfill their end of the bargain by learning about the candidates.

do you think italian voters are happier?

more choice just leads to more choices, not necessarily better choices.

you still have to deal with the fact that governing with a majority means compromise. and we seem to be well on our way to that being a laughably archaic political tactic.

we have the best government any bi-polar electorate could expect. we want benefits but we don't want taxes. we want world influence but the sacrifice has to be made by others.

i'm surprised things are still working out as well as they do. we don't deserve better. my generation and those after have earned far less than what we have.