The Two-Party System Myth

I am not a member of any organized party — I am a Democrat. ~ Will Rogers

One of the great American myths is that we have a two-party system of government. The recent chaos in the House of Representatives is graphic proof that Republicans are not the party in charge but rather a ruling coalition and and fractious one at that. In a parliamentary system, like the Israeli Knesset, the Republican coalition would have four identifiable coalition partners. Because of the myth they are a single party they don't have proper names or symbols attached to them, which I shall now correct.

Three Percent Party - They used to be called the Tea Party but the term "three percenters" is becoming more popular. In the House they call themselves the Freedom Caucus and make up 8% of the body. They are straight up revolutionists like the Trotskites in the old Soviet Union. Their slogan is, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

Rockefeller Party - The oldest faction in the coalition they have been around pretty much unchanged for over 150 years. They represent the interests of Wall Street, K Street, and the Chamber of Commerce to the exclusion of anything else. They are about 20% of the House chamber and have been choosing coalition leaders for years. At war with the Three Percent Party, they have pledged to spend $100 million to drive them out of the coalition. They are consistently pro-war, any war anywhere. War means profits. Their slogan is an old one, "The business of America is business." Alternative slogan: "He who has the gold makes the rules."

American Nationalist Party - Once a faction of the Democratic coalition known as "Dixiecrats," they moved over to the Republican coalition in the late 1960's. Notable converts were Strom Thurmond and Jessie Helms. They have expanded their appeal in recent years by supporting a platform of fear of and hatred towards any and all non-whites. Some 15% of the House of Representatives, Donald Trump is their presidential champion. Their slogan is, "Keep America American."

Party of God - Advocates a Protestant version of sharia, where all laws are vetted for their religiosity but not any religion or every religion but just their own version of the Christian religion. They support any war that involves killing non-Christians. They make up about 15% of House seats, Ben Carson carries their flag in the presidential race. Their slogan is, "We will live by the law of God and no other law."


Once you realize the Republicans are a coalition of four separate parties fighting for power everything starts making sense.