I'd like to see some serious discussion here. Let's not think through a partisan lens. Let's pretend there are no such thing as Democrats or Republicans. Let's pretend there is no such thing as Liberal or Conservative (or libertarian) or anything else you might think up.
As human beings, how do we fix the problems our nation faces?
First, I think we need to determine what the main problems are. Tell me what you think our biggest problems are. And are they symptoms of something else or the source of other problems?
Second, should we solve them through government or by acting as individuals?
Third, Tell us some of the ideas that we can impliment in our own lives to fix the problems our nations faces.
Avatar, you named our problem right up front. Our political parties and divisions we make.
If we could vote and run our politics as we do our lives, we would be a better country on a firmer foundation. We would insist on balancing our budgets and being fair.
What if there were no parties, but candidates that had to earn a modest amount of contributions from the citizens to cover the cost of travel and expenses, but telelvision time would be given to each candidate in the form of debates, no ads! Keep that mudslinging to a minimum.
With the internet, grass root organizing and minimal donations of $2,000 or less from companies, unions or citizens it could be done. Personal finances could not be used and financial statements would be scrutinized heavily. No one could have more tv time tan another. Serious contenders would have to be involved in debates.
People would be forced to read about the candidates, go to listen to them and watch them perform in the debates. Listen to the news. Be informed.
No longer would the rich have the better chance of getting elected or the better "connected" get the votes. Let the little people speak.