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Have you ever heard of the “Whig” Party? Back in the days of Thomas Jefferson, they were one of the two primary political parties in power, much like the Democrats and Republicans of today. Do you have any idea who they were or what they represented? (I’m thinking “Rogaine,” personally, but that’s just me.)

We’ve had a long line of Political Parties in our Nation’s history. According to Wikipedia, we’ve had 62 parties that no longer exist, not to mention the 53 national parties that are currently active. The list of extinct parties include such gems as the National Women’s Party (1913-1930), which was active prior to women even having the right to vote, the Farmer Labor Party (1918 – 1944), which represented farmers dislocated as a result of World War 1, and the American Vegetarian Party (1948 – 1964), which, apparently, pursued a national Vegetarian agenda. (I never even knew that last one had existed!)

And let’s not forget that we have active Political Parties that are neither Republican nor Democrat that also nominate and campaign for elected positions. These parties include the Marijuana Party, who’s primary objective is the legalization of Marijuana. They’ve been around since 2002. The Green Party has been around since 1996, and their foundation is one of clean energy legislation, and a strong support of “Social Justice.” Then there’s the Socialist Workers Party, which has been active since 1938 and, clearly, support Socialized Communism in America, following the philosophies of Malcolm X, Che Guevarra, Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky.

But what do these examples have that our Republican and Democrat Parties do not currently exhibit? Simple Answer: Truth In Advertising.

Since most people seem to think that I am a Republican, let’s start with them. “Republican” sounds, to me, anyway, that they should support the founding principles of our nation, which is a “Representative Republic.” It is the party that generally appeals to Conservatives, but, as their actions of recent months & years have proven, the Republicans have become more and more “Progressive,” supporting liberally-oriented legislation of “Social Justice.” Need an example? The Republican Party selected a candidate without a primary election in New York’s District 23 who was endorsed by ACORN and the “Working Families” Party, supported the Democrat Health Care agenda, and, upon her withdrawal from the election, gave her endorsement to the Democrat candidate instead of the independent Conservative candidate. Still think the Republicans are “Conservative?” In fact, it’s become so prevalent that talk show hosts like Rush Limbaugh have become calling them “RINOs:” Republicans In Name Only.

And, then we have the Democrats. By name, “Democrat” should indicate a support of the principles of Democracy. One Person, One Vote: They often use this as a rallying cry during their campaigns; however, as evidenced by their Health Care agenda, which is so vocally opposed by such a significant portion of the population, that is where their devotion to this principle ends. If the Republicans have a tendency toward Progressivism, then the Democrats have generally made the leap to outright Socialism, which, politically, means an elite group controlling the masses by promising to provide for their most basic needs. The cost? Individual Freedom and Liberty, the very things our Constitution defines as being most precious and important, are always lost to a Socialist Government.

Due to these clear discrepancies, I suggest that it is time for our Political Parties need to change their names. For the “Democrats,” I suggest they simply be called “Socialists.” Those few in the Democrat Party that still support some semblance of support for the Constitution (there were 39 of them that voted against the Health Care Bill in the House of Representatives this weekend) should change parties and join the Republicans. But don’t worry: they need a name change, too.

As for the “Republicans,” I suggest that “Conservatives” should be an apt name. Those “Republicans” who have chosen to reject those ideals (There was one, Anh “Joseph” Cao of Louisiana, who voted FOR the Health Care Bill in the House) should, likewise, jump ship and join the new Socialist Party, just as those “Democrats” who support the Constitution should join with these new Conservatives.

Let me be clear: While I DISAGREE STRONGLY with the politics and ambitions of “Progressives,” “Socialists,” and “Nazis,” I can at least RESPECT those with the honesty to be forthright about having those positions and ambitions if they declare it. They won’t get my vote, but they will get my respect for standing up for their beliefs, just as I do by declaring my Conservative Values.

It comes down to this, though: Politics is a game, and to the winner goes the power. The reason why the American Socialist Party and the Green Party have so little widespread support is that, by knowing what they stand for, people can decide for themselves if they agree or disagree with them. It’s an easy choice. If you are against Socialism, you don’t join a Socialist Party. It’s simple and obvious. Both the Republicans and Democrats, on the other hand, use campaigns of catchy “bumper sticker” slogans to hook members and drum up support. I mean, really, who doesn’t want “Hope and Change?” Unfortunately, too few asked and, more importantly, nobody answered what kind of change was being offered.

But I do think that it’s time we demand a little Truth in Advertising. Otherwise, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Filed under: Politics by T. Edwin Perry