C-PAC phone-in discussions use 3 curiously labelled phone lines. Republican, Democrate & Independent. Why? Why do I find it so strange, viewed from here in AUstralia?

It's the "Independent" category. Why not "Other", as in other Party?

Well, it's perfectly obvious that Americans can not even imagine there being a viable 3rd political Party. Why?

Because American's can not adopt Preferential Voting. A system of voting used in AUstralia for many decades.

Adavantages? The main advantage is (putting it in a USA context), it allows me to vote "1" for say the "Greens Party" knowing they can not win. Then "2" for say "Republican Party" and "3" for Democrats.

This system allows for the GROWTH of "OTHER" Parties as the Electorate has a voting system that allows the "Greens" to shine but also allows ALL voters to choose between DEM & REP.

If used in Presidental voting, you can vote for your local candidate but your second PREFERENCE will go to either the DEM or REP candidate. So yes, your vote will always count.

This system produces a great sense of voting participation. Everyone knows that their vote counted. And everyone knows that their true 1st preference will also be recorded.

But alas, the USA is not an Evolutionary country. It is a country of revolution and war.

I chose the butterfly logo because it represents, to me, the butterfly effect.

I have just flapped my wings. Now I'm waiting for the USA to explode. Can't wait forever. So hurry up USA!