Why We Need Political Parties, and More of Them

The number of political independents has certainly ballooned. Indeed, the dissatisfaction with political parties has reached unprecedented levels, and it is not uncommon to read jeremiads decrying the abuses of political parties or to come across comments that question their necessity altogether.

AP: Government is Responding to Less FOIA Requests at Slower Pace

The AP reported Wednesday that for the second consecutive year the Obama administration more often than ever censored or denied access to government files under the Freedom of Information Act. Not only that, but when the government did follow through with FOIA requests, it took longer to turn over the files.

New Group Wants Non-Major Party Candidates in POTUS Debates -- To An Extent

It is nearly impossible for candidates outside the major parties to qualify for a presidential debate. The Commission on Presidential Debates, founded by the Republican and Democratic parties in 1988, requires candidates to poll higher than 15 percent in polls conducted by 5 national public opinion polling groups selected by the commission. The rules have kept many candidates not affiliated with the major parties from getting the exposure they need to build support.

However, a group of nearly 50 former elected and appointed officials is trying to change this.

Edward Snowden: Mass Surveillance Won't Prevent Terrorism

Edward Snowden is willing to defend spying as a whole, and has done so on many occasions. However, he continues to criticize governments that conduct mass surveillance on their citizens without a real purpose. He argues that just surveilling everyone and collecting their data will not stop a future terrorist attack "because they're not public safety programs. They're spying programs."

"He referenced both the Sydney siege and Charlie Hedbo attacks, noting that the attackers in both incidents were known to governments already," the New York Post reports.

How Transparency Has Improved Politics Since Watergate

Much can be said about the recent news regarding Hillary Clinton's use of personal email for government business. Whether right or wrong, the issue will surely follow her into any presidential run in 2016. Political opponents are taking the opportunity to score political points and suggest that more transparency is always a remedy to corruption.

This perspective dates back to the Watergate scandal, when in 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace after evidence emerged that he used government resources for 'dirty tricks' in his 1972 re-election campaign.

Obama Administration Says White House Office Not Subject to FOIA Regulations

The only White House office subject to Freedom of Information Act requests will no longer have to respond to these requests. USA Today reported Monday that the White House is lifting FOIA regulations on the Office of Administration, a policy change that started under the Bush administration, but was made official under President Barack Obama.

The Office of Administration is responsible for White House record-keeping duties like the archiving of emails.

POTUS Candidates Push Election Reforms that Favor Them, Not Voters

The Washington Post reported Monday that the way voters participate in presidential primary elections, who will be allowed to participate, and when may change in a handful of states based on how particular systems will help an individual candidate.

"Earlier this month, Kentucky Republicans took the first step toward abandoning a presidential primary in favor of a caucus, at the behest of Sen. Rand Paul. Elsewhere, supporters of more centrist candidates such as New Jersey Gov.