Column: A Third Chair Trying To Squeeze Onto The Ballot

This story was written by Kate Truesdell, Michigan Daily

While Obama and McCain will go to the mats about issues like health care and energy policy, one thing they've probably never had to raise a ruckus about is whether or not their names will appear on the ballot.

But that was one source (of many) of heated discussion at the Green Party's national convention this weekend in Chicago, where the party nominated Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente as its presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Regardless of whether or not you agree with the party's policies, there's no denying it: This party is different.

Most notably, the convention provided a forum for voices typically unheard, on issues -- like ballot access -- you won't likely hear talked about in other places.

It's unlikely, for example, that you'd see a workshop entitled "The Endless War and the Military-Industrial-Governmental Complex" at the Republican National Convention, or find Dems holding a session entitled "What to say when you're called a spoiler."

It's great that these issues are getting attention; that means the Greens are doing their job as a third-party watchdog. But wouldn't it be even better if this was happening not just one weekend a year in a cramped conference room but every day in Washington? And why do we fear voting for the parties that can make that happen?

McKinney, in her acceptance speech, characterized public policy as being decided at a table that, right now, has two chairs pulled up to it. And, as she so aptly put it, "with that 5 percent, we can pull up another chair at the table of public policy."

People may accuse third parties of being fringe groups of delusional radicals, but the picture at the convention was very different. Though the party would never admit it isn't fully committed to taking the Oval Office, it has also set the slightly more attainable goal for itself of getting 5 percent of the vote in the general election. That amount could critically change how the party is recognized.

If you already have your candidate, that's fine. But if you feel like Obama and McCain don't represent you, don't just not vote. All that apathy breeds is stagnation. Voting for the underdog is better than throwing away your vote.

Even if you don't agree with the party's platform, still consider voting Green. They have a plan -- not to usurp power, but to upend the pattern that has left you without more choices.