@arifsali - Certainly not an ideal state of affairs - probably no generations gets through their lives in "an ideal state," of affairs.

I understand your desire for an alternative to the Republicans and to the Democrats.

At various times -- probably due to wanting to vote in someone's primary or get on their bandwagon -- but I've been a registered Democrat, a registered Republican, a registered Independent, a registered Green Party member -- and at times I've voted for them all and even voted once for a member of the Black Panther Party (rad times) and for a Libertarian.

Many alternatives are available. Especially in a country where party membership doesn't mean as much as in parliamenta...

@arifsali - Certainly not an ideal state of affairs - probably no generations gets through their lives in "an ideal state," of affairs.

I understand your desire for an alternative to the Republicans and to the Democrats.

At various times -- probably due to wanting to vote in someone's primary or get on their bandwagon -- but I've been a registered Democrat, a registered Republican, a registered Independent, a registered Green Party member -- and at times I've voted for them all and even voted once for a member of the Black Panther Party (rad times) and for a Libertarian.

Many alternatives are available. Especially in a country where party membership doesn't mean as much as in parliamentary systems.

But voting for someone vs. electing a candidate into political power are two different things. Winning makes all the difference.

Losing also has consequences. The thing to do to most emphatically keep defeating the Republican Party and drive them into extinction (as much as possible, for what they've done their last eight years) is to Not Vote For Them: i.e. Do not vote for a Republican. Tell your family and freinds not to vote for a Republican.

Do not support Republicans. Disparage Republicans.

That should be enough to see them continue lose political power in the next elections of 2010.

While I (and millions of others) thought it was important to Vote Democratic in the Congressional and Presidential elections of 2008 I don't think it's so important in 2010 -- in fact, I think the elections of 2010 would be a great time to promote a 3rd party of your choice, establish a 3rd party of your choice, or promote reforms that make 3rd parties and/or proportional representations more real.

Not that having 3rd parties is suddenly going to make the world a better place, you know, because there will be KKK 3rd parties and NRA 3rd parties and CUFI 3rd parties besdies 'liberal alternatives."

Working on the 'liberal wing,' of the Democrats might have value too.

The "side-effect,' of how the election of President Obama showed how racism was not as strong as a substantial majority of the nation not thinking color was a barrier.

That's an undeniable and great triumph over racism. It's good to remember and celebrate. USA America has made great progress...and it was a great struggle that cost many lives and needed many dedicated activist and leaders and people willing to participate.

Of course there will also be hateful people among us. There will always be people who murder, who rob, who commit violent crimes, who embezzle, who corrupt power to their own personal advantage, etc. That's life, if not a part of our human nature then obviously a part of ...

The "side-effect,' of how the election of President Obama showed how racism was not as strong as a substantial majority of the nation not thinking color was a barrier.

That's an undeniable and great triumph over racism. It's good to remember and celebrate. USA America has made great progress...and it was a great struggle that cost many lives and needed many dedicated activist and leaders and people willing to participate.

Of course there will also be hateful people among us. There will always be people who murder, who rob, who commit violent crimes, who embezzle, who corrupt power to their own personal advantage, etc. That's life, if not a part of our human nature then obviously a part of our human population (approx 5%, I've read, have no sense of morality or empathy...and lots more just willing to be bullies or get away with what they can).

The KKK, btw, I thought had it's root in Southern political resistence after the brutal USA Civil War.
In hindsight some policies of 'Reconstruction,' caused a strong backlash. Slaves suddenly being free was one thing. Slaves now being able to vote was something else. Slaves being given priority in getting elected to political power (!) was a real freak out and among other post-war depravations it provoke vigilantism.

I disagree with practically every word out of Limbaugh's mouth, can't believe how much he gets paid, but...you know, he's a pretty good DJ and radio show producer -- and we live in a society that values free speech.

The way to "beat," him is to be better than him. (Or support or listen to shows you like better).

The core bottom line of personal free speech, I believe, is that you just can't encourage violence or hate that would provoke violence (or cause panic or something that would hurt people, like shouting Fire! in a crowded theater).

Without doubt, Rush -- and his braindead DittoHeads -- are an aspect of America.

And we have the right to call 'em pathetic wannabe bullies who are cowards at their core.