[burlesona]

You should read this book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44244963-breaking-the-tw...

I agree that democracy in the US is shaky, but it has more to do with failures of both sides caused by the system. Really worthwhile read.

[parsimoniousplb]

Lower case liberal was meant as in Liberalism, the wider movement that came out of the Enlightenment and most certainly includes parties from "both sides". Traditional conservative parties are being rejected as well.