Preaching Moderation

My name is Bryan Fowler, and I am extremely moderate (if that isn't too much of a paradox). My parents are heavily conservative Christians (Dan Rather was the prophet of the Antichrist), so on many sociopolitical "moral" issues I will have tendencies toward the right. Conversely, given our country's dire economic situation, I have my doubts concerning such a strictly capitalist system, and so may tend to the left on more economic issues. On the environment... my father runs a landfill, so let's just say I have my doubts about the DEP. Now, to business.

Not to jump the gun on topics, but (I believe it was) Brad brought up an interesting point concerning the tendency toward the development of centrist coalition governments in the case of a multiparty system. Though this type of government can be appallingly inefficient, is it really so fair for Old John "Baldy" Balidacci to claim victory while gaining the immense 38% plurality of vote? I am disgusted with the two party system and the propensity to vote for "the lesser of two evils." That's practically all I heard about during the 2004 campaign, when both major parties lauded heavily inept candidates. I mean... Chandler Woodcock vs. John Balidacci? I have yet to see what Baldy's really accomplished for the state of Maine, and I know many students who had reason enough not to vote for Chandler because of his name. If we have a two party system, we need parties that actually can represent the needs and desires of American society, not consign people to voting for the person who sucks less.

Looking forward to hearing opinions from both sides of the aisle.