Political Corruption

We find in Livy’s The Early History of Rome assurance that corruption in politics in not a new development. It is fascinating that such strategies have changed very little.

“In and out of the houses of patrician families–the ‘lesser’ families especially–he began  to solicit their support; he reminded them of the favours his father had done them, and urged them to show their gratitude; to the younger men he offered money as a bait; he vilified Servius [the incumbent], and promised heaven on earth, should he succeed.”

“Free markets and property rights stimulate the technological innovations and behavioral changes required to protect our environment and ecosystems. We realize that our planet’s climate is constantly changing, but environmental advocates and social pressure are the most effective means of changing public behavior.”

- From the National Platform of the Libertarian Party

“The closer civil government is to the people, the more responsible, responsive, and accountable it is likely to be.”

- Preamble of the Constitution Party Platform

Third Party Politics

In 2004 there were 72 million registered Democrats, 55 million registered Republicans, and 42 million registered independents. The independents were made up of .37 million in the Constitution party, .31 million in the Green Party, and .2 million in the Libertarian Party. Throughout the history of our nation, politics have been dominated by two parties. Because of this, we often do not know much about what third parties stand for. They exist because they believe that neither of the two dominant choices we have are satisfactory. There are collectively a large chunk of independents, so it is important to know what they are looking for. I assigned my Discourse in Politics and Religion class the following third party web pages in order to learn more about them:

Constitution Party Platform

Green Party Ten Key Values

Libertarian Party Platform

“If you want total security, go to prison. There you’re fed, clothed,
given medical care, and so on. The only thing lacking…is freedom.”

— President Dwight D. Eisenhower