Statecraft Informer

The NEXT American Revolution, like America’s “War on Terror,�? will be a long, long battle. Last Tuesday stands as the most recent skirmish. Obviously, not enough NON-Democratic and/or NON-Republican candidates were selected by the electorate to signal a major shift in voting habits. Some third parties did fairly well; others struggles as ever. But no clear movement for establishing a comprehensive, truly competitive party was seen.

And I think I know why.

It isn’t simply a matter of blindness, ignorance, stubbornness, gullibility, mob mentality, frustration, cowardice, insanity, or superciliousness, although clearly one or more of these can play a part in the average American election cycle.

NO. Look at the figures below (seemingly the last accurate numbers available):

In 2000, there were:

204 million eligible voters (age 18 or older)
63 million registered Democrats
47 million registered Republicans
32 million registered Independents or with minor party
62 million not registered

source: USA Today

Now consider for a moment, Republicans and Democrats share more than simply the most “club members.�? They are, indeed, the oldest organized political parties in the U.S. But, most important of all:

They have, by far and away, the MOST READILY RECOGNIZED MASCOTS/SYMBOLS.

Yes, that’s correct; donkeys and elephants. Certainly, each has its laudable qualities, but on their own, with no political party affiliation, would folks casually link themselves and their prevailing civic convictions with elephants or donkeys. Of course not, but that’s not the point.

The crux of the matter here is, everybody ACCEPTS IT: Republicans are elephants; Democrats are donkeys. And every party member has adopted them for their own, often wearing appropriate, if peculiar wardrobe accessories, so no one need guess with what beast of burden their loyalties lie. Ah, if only the politicians for whom they vote ACTUALLY WERE the beasts of burden, instead of the people who continue to elect them, and maybe our “two-party�? system would be a lot more fun to attend.

Meanwhile, back to the crux. There are many party choices available in these United States, ome nearly as old as the two who shall remain nameless. For more info about them, why not check out http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm. Not only does that site offer a comprehensive list, but also, where applicable, images of the other parties corresponding icons.

Each icon, or logo, if you will, is interesting. The American Patriot Party offers a stirring depiction of a well-dressed colonial regular; the Peace and Freedom Party features a traditional dove; the Libertarian National Socialist Green Party (c’mon, you’ve heard of them!) proudly fly a traditional swastika flag, only the blood red field is replaced with a peaceful green.

Only the American Reform Party, once part of Ross Perot’s erstwhile revolution, comes close to having a “mascot,�? a realistic depiction an American Bison. Back from the verge of extinction, the bison once blanketed this country. Massive? Definitely. Heroic? Perhaps. Pathetic? When confronted by an average rifle shot. Absolutely.

But where’s the good humor? Where’re the cute, anthropomorphically endearing qualities? Even Teddy Roosevelt’s bull moose was more huggable (also the most successful third party emblem in American history, hmm?).

The time has come to fight mascot with mascot.

Between now and this time next year, We, the People… Americans all (yes, even R’s and D’s) must, I repeat, MUST devote some time to resolving this incredible INEQUITY! The mascot playing field must be leveled.

I call upon everyone within the sight or sound of my non-partisan voice to get to work!

Let your imaginations run wild. Consider the competition. Create a new American political icon around which the unaffiliated or disillusioned may rally, in time for the 2008 Presidential elections! The future of our nation’s civic and political integrity may well be riding on this one, simple act of marketing.

If I get any kind of reaction at all to this blog, I will promptly endeavor to find sponsorship, and perhaps offer significant incentives for your participation, and naturally, because this is America after all, for the winning entry. Any and all entries will be grandfathered, should rules and regulations apply at a later date, in keeping with traditional political practices

Get to FUN!