Does America need a new economic and political system?

[jeff r]

I think we need more regulation and a more democratic voting system such as instant run-off voting and direct election of the President by majority vote. I am not in favor of proportional representation but am in favor of treating third parties the same way we treat Democrats and republicans. The FEC needs to be reprimanded for making it hard for third parties to get on the ballot and for making it harder for them to raise money. There are 30 million Independents (third party or no party affiliation voters) yet they are virtually non-existent at the federal level and states make it even harder to get on the ballot and raise money. It is very rare to see third parties in state or local positions and they usually win because they are unopposed or the town needed reform so bad they voted for a third party member. It would be a bright day in the country if say a Green party or Marijuana Party candidate were elected to a state or federal office. I also think we need to stop letting politicians and PAC's receive money from corporations and other organizations that are not individual citizens. Only American citizens should be able to vote and contribute money to our political system. In fact I hate it that Insurance companies and banks are allowed to contribute money to politicians and PAC's. It seems awkward and wrong. Doesn't it.