Third Party Summit

There was a lot of talk of bipartisanship. The President gave an inspiring speech about more cooperation and right now it's sorely needed. He shunned labels he feels Republicans have attempted to paint him with and they in turn did the same. The coming together to actually find resolution is perhaps a step towards the two sides doing what voters who put them in office have been losing jobs, homes and patience while waiting elected them for.

The latest special election was big news and a big win for Republicans. News programs were full of discussions pondering what it would mean, could mean or should mean. A huge story and we all ruminated about it. But what was actually accomplished? What actually was passed as a result that's going to put people to work and get people feeling secure again? We're still waiting.

In the end it isn't about what one side does or the other. What matters is what gets done. What matters is results - a product of actions from all sides involved. Although it may not feel that way to some, representatives from both sides were elected in 2006 and 2008. The current ratios in Congress, no matter how it may feel, reflect the will of the majority of voters. They expected results from both sides meaning both sides working together. The fact is they have not.

Of course the current political climate involves more than two factors. The affect of third partys on the atmosphere is undeniable. What would Republican's current comeback be without the Tea Party? How much faith would be invested in them after the last administration? In fact by aligning themselves with the well funded Tea Partyers and tapping into their message specifically on health care they have seen a boon in support from some on the left, conservatives and independents who related to aspects of their message. This means today's politics is about more than two sided theater.

During his discussion with House Republicans the President made several statements acknowledging as much. For instance, "our future shouldn't be shaped by what's best for our politics. Our politics should be shaped by what's best for our future." He also said, "no single party is going to make the tough choices involved on its own. It's going to require all of us doing what's right for the American people." He was on point when saying, "we've gotten caught up in the political game in a way that's just not healthy. It's dividing our country in ways that are preventing us from meeting the challenges of the 21st century." (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/obama-speeches/speech/173/)

Among all the terms repeated one was telling - "bipartisanship." Not that there's anything wrong with cooperation. It's what the voters want to see, but the word bipartisan automatically assumes there will be and cannot be any other perspectives. When he acknowledged the fact the largest growing voter segment is independents, the president did seem to say change can include other voices. (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/obama-speeches/speech/173/) What Americans need right now is non-partisan results.

It's that not affiliated segment from which the Tea Party pulled many of it's supporters. It's that segment that pushed the Conservative Party to defeat Republicans in New York's 23rd District and almost defeat Democrats. That segment grows due to a desire for something better, but an understanding they may very well be forced into a "lesser of two evils" vote.

Politics during the past year has seemed like purposeful log jamming leading to nothing getting done. Sure the President is the person we point to first in situations like this, but he is not in control of the entirety of what goes on. Congress is equally to blame. Holding out simply to defeat a super majority is smart politically, but blatantly self serving while the public starves for a year. Waiting for consensus from your own party when they are stubbornly fracturing is equally pointless.

Perhaps it's time to invite members of those partys still very much in touch with the grass roots to find out what else is going on. Perhaps pulling the ideas and suggestions from somewhere other than either of the same old suggestion boxes could prove beneficial. It couldn't hurt. Sitting down with members from the Tea Party, Libertarians, Conservative Party and Green Party for example could help shed new light on the current bottle neck.

It will certainly show a new attitude in the White House and a sure change from Presidents of the past. It will be a demonstration of an acknowledgment the nation is moving away from the same game and looking at a larger picture. Endless seasons of Giants vs 49ers can become stale especially when players go on strike.

To read about my inspiration for this article go to www.lawsuitagainstuconn.com.