There is nothing wrong with parties per se. It is the partisanship that presents the problem. Where were the fiscal "Conservatives" in the Republican party when the Bush and his pals were spending like drunken sailors? They were being distracted by Terri Shaivo and "support the troops" bumper stickers. Screaming at the "liberals" and calling them "unpatriotic".

If Republicans and Democrats were holding their own leaders responsible rather than cheering fanatically for their side, while jeering the other side. The US system would be just about perfect. People need to be reminded that government is serious business, not a NASCAR race.