LFS:  You make excellent points.  We're mired in a two-party system and those who are benefiting from it (almost all sitting Congresspersons) aren't about to cede the control their parties now wield.  I'm not sure making it a "three-party" system is the answer.  I'd rather see systemic changes which would open the process to multiple parties and independent candidates.  

I'm guessing you and most readers are familiar with Preferential Voting, but, I'll add a short definition for those who might not be:  a) all qualifying candidates are listed on the ballot: b) you vote by ranking them 1, 2, 3, etc.(rank one or more, up to you) c) if your first ranked is not in the top two, your vote is transferred to your next ranking candidate who is....This allows persons to vote for third party or independent candidates w/o feeling they may be "wasting" their vote.    Publicly financed elections and elimination of PAC money are self-explanatory..

We're in dire need of BIG CHANGES.  regards, Gary