The Independent has just as much chance as the Republican and the Democrat. They are not prevented from running. To date, they simply have not been able to garner popular support. Just because they have not been successful does not mean that they have not been afforded the opportunity. Again, "of the people, for the people, by the people." And, if we are not identified as a democratic government, why is it that we continue to support war efforts designed at forcing our particular brand of democracy down the throats of foreign nations?