Third parties get third-class treatment

Third parties get third-class treatment

Published: Sunday, August 08, 2010, 11:43 AM

By Candy Neville

Third parties are not third-class citizens and the Fourth Estate should never forget it. According to an Aug. 2, 2010, Rasmussen Report, 35.4 percent of American adults are Democrats, 31.8 percent Republicans. The number not affiliated with either party is now at 32.8 percent -- a substantial piece of the American pie.

Big and constant "news" in this country is the national disenchantment not just with the government, but with the two major political parties.

Big and constant "olds" is repetitious coverage of every detail of squabbles between the two parties, while leaving a gaping hole regarding what change is occurring outside of them.

It's easy to follow the well-worn trail, but it is very clear that the trails that wander outside the Democrat and Republican boxes are growing in size and number. It is these trails of discontent, venture and new pursuits that represent the "news."

It is important that the loud, disharmonious, din of change that comes from within this 32.8 percent be recorded and published. The free press is our pride and hope. It is a lofty challenge to be the keepers of the parchment and ink and to pen today's story as it happens with objectivity. It is important that journalists seize the responsibility of it and not just the entitlement.

Frankly, only covering the same old, same old is getting old -- and just outside the box of negligence.

Candy Neville has been nominated by the Pacific Green Party to run for the U.S. Senate.

Related topics: candy neville, pacific green party, political parties