A third party

Historically, third political parties have been on the fringes of the political spectrum, although they have played important roles in bringing selective issues to the fore.

These parties have not fared well in national elections, but often, over time, their platforms and proposals have gained national acceptance.

That was in a time that the two dominant parties were closer to each other than they are now. Both parties, Republican and Democrat, basically hugged the center line, although they professed important differences.

The political picture has changed. Now, the two major parties share li...