America is often seen as a land of the two party system, but other parties to exist in the US. The Florida Pirate Party is currently in the process of being able to run candidates in the Sunshine state.
Note: This is an article I wrote that was published elsewhere first. It has been republished here for archival purposes
You’ve got to admit, it certainly takes courage to be a candidate for a political party hoping to get a seat anywhere – especially when you belong to neither the Democrat or Republican parties. Still, that is exactly what the Florida Pirate Party is currently doing. According to the Florida Pirate Party website, Ryan Moffitt, Chairman of the Pirate Party of Florida has begun his campaign to become the Florida state House Representative from District 86.
“Once the paperwork has been certified by the Division of Elections,” Moffitt said, “I will be cleared to gather donations, and begin gathering voter petitions to get a spot on the ballot in the 2012 general election.”
“We have a long road ahead of us on this one. I need 518 Florida voter’s signatures to get on the ballot. I simply can’t do this alone. Facing an incumbent representative of the two party system is no easy task, but with a grass-roots base, and sheer strength of will, I genuinely believe we can make a stand.”
There is certainly a lot of issues that can be raised in the US. Copyright laws such as the DMCA and warrantless wiretapping are two issues that would suit the Pirate Party well even though such policies are from a different branch of government. But one needs to start somewhere.
Moffitt added, “Let this be the beginning of the end of the monopolist copyright industry. Let this be the beginning of the end of back room deals and secret operations. Let this be the beginning of the end of warrantless wiretapping and censorship.”
“With your help, we can bring the state of Florida into the new digital age, in a free and open manner run by the people, and for the people. We can end the old ideals, and the old guard who believe communication and creation should stay in the domain of ivory towers, marble halls or glass office buildings. The future belongs to us, the people.”
I’m sure he’s got a lot of work ahead of him at this stage. Breaking a two party system would certainly be no easy task.
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Google+.
