For a long time I've maintained that there are no real differences between the Republicans and Democrats:

Another reason why I don't believe there are any substantive differences between the two parties; i.e. the Rhode Island Senate race between Lincoln Chafee (R) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D). It looks to be very close; but what's interesting is that Chafee and Whitehouse have no political differences. Their views and positions are exactly the same on virtually every issue. Because of the "R" after Chafee's name he's receiving support from the White House and the RNC -- but it's only because of the R.

A good friend (sociology professor) and I were visiting yesterday about the need for an independent oversight body to monitor and audit the behavior of our members of congress.  He believes that there are still some clean politicians on capital hill; I don't -- I don't believe there is one clean politician, because our system is dirty and requires that our politicians be dirty as well. To function and play the game you have to become dirty...those are the rules.

A true third party would help -- as would an oversight body; however the R's and D's will do everything in their power to prevent both of these things -- so they can maintain their stranglehold on our government; at any cost.  Their interest is not the American people (duty, honor, and country) -- their interest is in maintaining their power -- and getting their hands on more and more money.  Power and greed; with the American people coming in a distant third, or not placing at all.

My image of our current government is of two men standing face to face with their hands closed around each other's throats. I would like to see a day when there are three or four men (and women) standing together shaking hands.

Mark Zacharias