My spouse was active in the Reform party in the 90’s, and even though I wasn’t totally on board with Ross Perot, it became very apparent to me at that time the mechanizations used to marginalize alternatives to the two major parties. For instance, during one of Ross’ famous half hour paid commercials, there was a half hour of breaking “Storm Coverage” on our Boston ABC affiliate for what was essentially a rainy night. Coincidentally, it ended when Perot was done while the heavy rain continued. I may not agree with my fellow citizen’s conclusions, but I defend their rights to express them. We can also all get behind campaign finance reform, tightening the reins on corporate media ownership, net neutrality, voter ease and access, and ending the pernicious influence and revolving door between lobbying and big money interests. It is too bad Counterpunch is falling right into the trap of divide and conquer, but it is just another sad chapter in this story I’ve been reading for the past year and a half where people of all stripes are being duped. I appreciate your critical thinking on Medium Caitlin.