After watching some C-span coverage of the House of Commons, I have come to the conclusion that Bush's view of America is much more accurate than the view we seem to hold. Bush is constantly blasted for seeing the world in black and white terms, and basing decisions on whether the issue is considered "left" or "right."
The grim reality is that our system not only encourages this view, but it is the only view that matches the system. A two-party system inevitably leads to a black and white mentality, left or right, us against them. People on both sides of the aisle find themselves defending issues they don't even agree with or understand simple because it is the side of that issue "their party" has put forth. How many people would vote dem if our position on abortion were different, for example? Sorry, no room for deviation, your only option is Bush and all his baggage if abortion is important to you. In this election, many, many people will vote for Bush SIMPLY because they consider themselves republicans, as will democrats, without any deference to the real issues or problems we face. It has become a battle of epic proportions.
I think the biggest problem our country will face this century is our two-party system and the problems it has caused not only for those of us who don't always agree with dems or republicans (such as libertarians or greens), but for those who strongly identify with one of the two parties but have misgivings about some of their positions. We are more bitterly divided than ever, and that trend is sure to continue all the way into civil war II unless we change course and fix our system.
If you happen to have divergent views from the dems or repugs in our two-party system your options are minimal. You can champion the Green Party, but they have no chance of winning the presidency in this century, nor does any other third party. They may be able to pick up one or two seats in congress, but not enough to have a true voice. This leaves people with unique views, or even moderate and sensible but non-mainstream views like Howard Dean supporters, out in the cold without representation and supporting someone they really don't like or trust.
I constantly find myself conflicted this election, supporting someone (Kerry) who I don't really identify with or think is that original or inspiring, and at the same time knowing in my heart that Bush is the worst president we've ever had. The choice is obvious, but totally limited and depressing.
If we had a system more in line with Downing street, where there are multiple parties all seated at the same table, some with more power but all with a voice in the process, we'd be better off as a country. Another aspect of the commons that this country could really benefit from is the accountability built in to these heated four way debates that take place. Unlike America, where a President does not even have to testify under oath when giving testimony on the worst attack in American history, the Prime Minister is forced to answer for his actions before the entire commons, subjected to harsh criticism and tough questions, etc. A president like Bush would crumble under such pressure and accountability. Our current system allows him to set the rules, to avoid public scrutiny and to avoid even giving press conferences if he feels so inclined. Of course their system is not perfect, but at least there are more than just two views present, which helps to keep everyone in check. Dems and Repugs could not avoid issues like they do if there were a viable third (and fourth) party at the table able and willing to push the issue. Politicians would not have to "drift" to the center as Kerry did after the primary simply to win an election.
If America were a company and Bush was the CEO, would anyone invest if they knew nothing about what was
really going on behind the scenes, were unable to ask questions regarding their investment, and forced to choose one extreme business strategy over another? No.
No matter who wins this election, I will be focusing my efforts over the next four years on trying to push the idea that we can reform and
refine our system without relying on our lame-duck politicians to do so. It is up to us, and all the energy generated toward a win in this election should be shifted to such important issues after the election.