Wiggling Out of the Duopolist Straitjacket: the Politics of Independents

In New Hampshire's Sentinel Source, Steve Gilbert reflects on "the politics of independents." Though Gilbert unreasonably limits his definition of independents to so-called 'moderates,' it is refreshing to see professional media commentary articulated from an explicitly independent perspective:

It’s tough to be an independent. It’s the party non grata in politics, frowned upon because it doesn’t lend itself to conformity. We’re outsiders, encamped on the fringe of a partisan world, where you’re supposed to live and vote on either the left or right. More than ever, in our increasingly hostile civil war of politics, independents are brushed aside like a Charlie-in-the-Box in the land of misfit toys.

Independents are often lumped in with a third party, the catchall deposit for political groups that don’t follow Democrat or Republican dogma. The Green, Libertarian, Socialist, Reform, Constitution, and johnny-come-lately Boston Tea Party are examples of third parties . . .

But they are hopelessly overwhelmed, and often mocked, in our two-party system, and probably always will be. Dare you declare yourself an independent on talk radio — be it liberal Alan Colmes or conservative Rush Limbaugh — you’ll be hooted off the air with much prejudice. . . .

I am neither a Republican, Democrat, Socialist, Green, or any other label attached to politics. In primaries, I vote in the race that interests me the most. I wonder if we are a silent majority, unable to unlock the shackles that bind us to the political armies of the Republicans and Democrats. Technically, we’re moderates and we’re highly desired come election time.

Unfortunately, Gilbert does not see that the key to "unlock the shackles" which bind us to the Democratic-Republican duopolist order is ready at hand: cease supporting Democrats and Republicans, vote Independent.