Dichotomy?

For the longest time, I have been unable to figure out the advantage of having only two political theories or conceptualizations of a working government or policy. Political and social issues are rarely "black or white", why should our personal inclinations be resticted to Democratic or Republican, liberal or conservative, left wing or right wing, pro-life or pro-abortion. The definitions of these terms seem to sometimes defy logic.

I am really alienated from this scene! Sounds like a recipe for confusion. I'm at a total loss as to the real usefullness of these generalizing labels, yet they seem to be a defining aspect of our ongoing American dialog!

Does'nt any real life situation need to be QUALIFIED? And does'nt this effectively throw out generalization?

The only answer I can come up with, is that it simplifies a complicated world enough that the common man can grasp it. Or maybe it's a vehicle for the media?

As the world situation gets more and more complicated, I think we need leaders who are able to transcend these self imposed limits on reality.

What do you'all think?

It becomes black and white in a hurry when one party moves into power, deliberately chooses to represent considerably less than half of the electorate, and then essentially turn it's back on the rest. I believe that accounts for much of the present ill will felt by many in this country. Nonetheless, I agree that most political and social issues are not black and white. We would all be serving ourselves and our country better if we considered issues more and parties less... but there is such a tendency to line up on one side or the other, opt for labels, and point fingers. The resulting polarization gets in the way of good constructive dialogue and balanced solutions (except here on AstroMart of course ;-). I don't know why this tendency to divisiveness is so pervasive. Are we just a contentious citizenry, or is there some kind of real or imagined battle for the soul of the country? But I'm digressing; maybe we're just past due for a strong third party... if such a thing is possible.