The OP is 100% correct. For all practical purposes, there is no choice for the informed voter. The differences between the dems and repubs is negligible. Rather, the presence of two parties only serves to create the illusion of democracy to the gullible electorate.

Fortunately, it is possible to create a viable Third Party that can also dominate the scene. It's based on expoliting the fundamental weakness of both of the current mainstream parties.

If you've noticed, to the (simple-minded) Americans, the dems have no credibility on defense issues, and the repubs have no credibility on pocketbook issues. Consequently, whenever defense is the hot-button issue (i. e. after a major attack), repubs win, and whenever jobs, health care, etc. is the hot-button issue, dems win.

So it's obvious--should be by now. Create a Third Party that succesfully manufactures the illusion that it will address both defense and pocketbook issues, and it'll win practically every nationwide election. Period.

__________________