Freedom Fest - AUTHOR

"That government is best which governs least" ​ -- Henry David Thoreau

The idea that the best government is that which governs least contends that the less Congress and the president do, the closer the American people are to true freedom. Unfortunately, we can clearly see today that government dysfunction has led to an erosion of our freedoms, with our two primary political parties attacking personal liberty from different angles. Where the two parties are seemingly united is their shared pursuit of breaking down a carefully orchestrated system of checks and balances in order to pursue sole control over legislative and judicial processes and outcomes. Such blatant power plays and political ploys have shifted the power away from the people, to whom government was intended to answer. 

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Together, the major parties have left their imprint of partisanship on our democratic processes. 

For decades, Congress has increasingly allowed executive powers to stand in and replace proper and prescribed legislative powers, with each party decrying such relinquishment of power only when it is spearheaded by the opposing party.

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Court decisions are overturning precedents and threatening long-held freedoms. Where courts have determined the judicial branch to have no authority, state legislatures and executives see a path to imposing illiberal laws, some infringing upon our most personal liberties. Most notably, the U.S. Supreme Court’s unwillingness to recognize any restrictions on gerrymandering has caused the parties to run amok, and officials are actively making it more difficult for some communities to vote. And the recognition of basic rights such as privacy are now at the whims of these unrepresentative legislative bodies. 

Culture wars and an electoral system that advantages the extremes are empowering radical bases that steer the parties to the fringes. With elections barely representative and far from providing the accountability they were intended to hand to voters, this radicalization of America is even leading many to question the right of self-government entirely - a horrible thing for a country that aspires to freedom. 

The Way Out

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The problem is huge, but the solutions are simpler than one might think. The U.S. needs more political competition. Full stop. Our two-party system has lost interest in innovating and working towards solutions that represent the will of the American people.

While the two-party system relies on exerting control over American voters to ensure that one side or the other will wrest control of government, the clearest path to individual liberty is to pave a new way forward. Only when the system of representation provides choice, competition, and opportunity for voters can we renew the promise of freedom for all Americans to pursue our own unique dreams. Here’s how:

• Increase ballot access. For too long, minor parties have been blocked from gaining influence and members through restrictive ballot access laws. In their quest for power, both parties have corrupted processes and rules to silence independent-minded voters, who long for the freedom to choose authentic candidates from outside the corrupt system.

• Reforms to remove arbitrary barriers to candidacy for public office will free voters from the outsized influence of ineffective and authoritarian parties that represent a shrinking minority of Americans.

• Reform the primary system. In combination with providing greater ballot access to new or minor parties, reforming divisive, partisan primaries that are funded by tax dollars—even as they shut out millions of voters—is a critical and achievable way to give voters greater choice in general elections.

• The right to representation currently excludes voters who wish to exercise the freedom of remaining unaffiliated. All voters should be able to take part in primary elections. Open or nonpartisan primaries incentivize candidates to build a broad coalition in order to succeed first in the primary and, finally, in the general election.

• Reimagine how we vote. The major parties have tried to hide a toxic and polarizing agenda with language that pretends to seek more freedom. The good news is that voters are catching on, and an increasing number of states, districts, and municipalities are enacting reforms like ranked-choice voting.

• Changing the way we vote—shifting away from plurality voting to ranked or approval voting—will not only increase political competition but inspire candidates to be innovative and collaborative, working to develop ideas that appeal to the reasonable, principled voter. And, it will once and for all eliminate the concept of the “spoiler” that helps maintain the power of the duopoly.

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These reforms will spark a generation of candidates who can operate freely to better represent constituents. Such actions will provide the true freedom of candidates to run on any ticket they choose, and unlock the freedom of voters to choose candidates outside the establishment that represent the true majority.

The Way Forward

The nation needs a new breed of candidates united by values and principles rather than a dogmatic approach to policy. Such principled leaders can work on behalf of free-thinking Americans.

More and more, those who dare to challenge establishment policies or positions end up either wielding unbalanced power over legislation (think Joe Manchin), or finding themselves cast out and demonized in communications warfare by party leadership (Liz Cheney and Justin Amash are clear examples).

With the two parties only tolerating outside ideas insofar as they can help amass more power to enact an ideologically pure agenda, the result is a doom loop where nothing but the least effective legislation can get passed.

This moment in our collective history is one in which we must carefully choose the path forward. Continuing to do what we have done will only lead to increasing polarization and stalemate. We have a choice. If we work together, we can move this country forward. The party we are building:

• welcomes many voices—and rejects extremism.

• seeks creative and evidence-driven proposals.

• is rooted in protecting the freedoms of all.

• encourages and embraces political competition, rather than fearing it.

• commits to maximizing good.

If you agree, we invite you to visit Forward Party to learn more about us.