It's not the "Party" stupid.

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/letters/84475187.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UHDaaDyiUiacyKUzyaP37D_MDua_eyD5PcOiUr

Letter of the day: Thanks to party politics as usual,
the IP will shock the world again

In his Feb. 13 Counterpoint "Third parties are nothing but trouble," James P. Lenfestey calls the election of Jesse Ventura as governor in 1998 a "mystery." But it's no mystery to most Minnesotans, who have tired of having slick professional politicians from both major parties forced down their throats.

Lenfestey complains that Tim Pawlenty was elected twice. He should ask why his DFL Party failed to run better candidates.

Let's look at what a great job these two stellar major parties have done since the Ventura administration. We now have massive political gridlock and out-of-control spending. By avoiding the tough but fiscally responsible decisions, both major parties have kicked the deficit can down the road for years to where we now face draconian cuts and tax increases in order to balance our budget and avoid going bankrupt.

The elitist class has watched as both major parties have lost tens of thousands of Minnesota voters who now consider themselves independents. Neither major party represents the average Minnesotan but rather both are bought and paid for by special interests, lobbyists, bankers and unions. The major parties have become so ideologically radicalized that they no longer work for the public good. Instead, they work for their party's advantage.

Not to worry, though, because the people of Minnesota are angrier then ever at both major political parties and will rectify the problem with a sweeping "Independence Party awakening" and a new Independence Party governor this Nov. 2.

JOE REPYA, EAGAN; INDEPENDENCE PARTY CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR

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I'll concede it is quite easy to concur with Independent gubernatorial candidate Joe Repya's disdain for our two party system. However, what Joe and many others jumping ship only to clamor aboard another party vessel are failing to understand is that the party is merely a conduit; the means by which we carry a message or pursue a cause.

To be certain, the party in and of itself is without substance which is precisely why Washington spoke of his displeasure with them in his farewell speech. This explains why the parties with their empty generalities and platitudes are now equally serving as simple scapegoats helping to negate any reflection as to the true heart of the problem. Undeniably, it is not the party per se. So, be it the Independence party, the Tea Party, or whatever other political party which comes to pass, let us remember this fundamental point. Any political party serves at the behest of the individuals therein be their cause just and proper or otherwise.