This paper is an opinion-based paper answering the question: Does America need a major third party? Local communities look to economic development to assure protection of the environment and workers' rights; broad citizen participation in planning; and enhancement of our "quality of life." Do current parties support independently owned and operated companies, which are socially responsible, as well as co-operatives and public enterprises that distribute resources and control to more people through democratic participation? This is one of the reasons we need a third party.
