There are more than twice as many publicized candidates for the next Jelly Belly flavor than there are for the next president of the United States. Two may be the best number when it comes to an intimate relationship or type of pencil, but two simply is not sufficient when concerning the potential leadership of the strongest nation in the world. The current bicameral system leaves America, a dynamic nation of individuals and free-thinkers, voting based on static and predetermined stances.

The reality is that Americans do not fit neatly into a shade of red or blue. We are a nation of “purple” people. Candidates, however, are selected and supported by their parties largely due to the ease at which they fit cleanly into a donkey or elephant-shaped cookie cutter.

This is the reason that some candidates, despite their support from the general public or genuine interest in the nation’s well-being, are never given a true opportunity for election.

For example, Congressman Ronald Paul of Texas gained a fairly substantial amount of supporters due, in most part, to the Internet. However, due to Paul’s unconventional beliefs when compared to the common Republican, he was quickly and effectively ignored. Media refused to allow this former candidate equal airtime despite his obvious potential and support, and other members of the party refused to give him much respect and support as well.

Regardless of Paul’s synchronicity with the average American’s views on many key issues, his inconsistencies with the Republican Party left him virtually barred from the presidency. The two-party system leaves Paul and many free-thinking individuals like him not as a potential red candidate, but as a blacklisted and overlooked nut who attempted to run the nation not as the figurehead of a major party, but as an individual.

Imagine that you have the chance to win a raffle, but you must first decide which raffle to enter. There is a 49 percent chance of winning a pile of elephant dung, a 49 percent chance of winning donkey dung, and a two percent chance of winning a true and valuable gem. Which do you choose?

As an individual, you should not allow mass media’s biases and the two-party system shape you or your vote. Learn the truth, and be an advocate for it. Vote not for the candidate that has the greatest chance of winning, but for the candidate that suits your personal needs, wants and values. Vote for the candidate that you would want to see in office, not the one who you’ll be able to tolerate better.

I am not interested in any donkey or elephant dung. Now come on, America. Show that you are not, either.

Joni Hazard can be reached at [email protected]