This isn't happening just in USA. People in other countries too are realizing that the Parliament is barely representing them anymore, and they are there mostly to represent themselves.
Changing parties every 4 years has become more like a false choice, as the end result seems to be more or less the same, with the parties being run by more or less the same type of people.
I do believe it's a system problem, though. I think our democracies or republics or whatever you want to call them are way overdue for some changes and some evolution in the way they work. Any thoughts on how that could be done? I think there ought to be some major changes, but also a lot of small ones, too.
The major problem is that the powers that be have so ingrained themselves into our politics that nothing short of a full on violent revolution will oust them.
Its no secret anymore that our representatives actually represent their own interests, not ours. I would argue that corporate interests are not what they represent. It's their own interests. The lobbies give them money, status and power. If a different suitor came along they would turn on their current lobbyist buddies in a heartbeat if they got a better offer.
So right there, that needs to change. When the electorate is able to provide the representatives with more incentive to represent us than the lobbyists do only then will we get our representatives back. How do we take money out of politics?
First we overturn the Citizens United ruling and end corporate personhood or at least restrict what constitutes free speech for corporations. As long as money is considered speech in politics we'll have trouble.
The problem with this is that money actually can be speech. We vote with our wallet all the time. So how can we stop this without unintended side effects?
Government sponsored campaigns and strict limits on contributions is probably the most common sense and easy way to do this. A system where there is a limit to campaign expenses and the government subsidizes candidates that doesn't have as much money as their opponent up to the limit is a good plan. I know some states are trying to enact policies in that vein. I hope more do and succeed.
Yeah, these guys are doing absolutely nothing helpful at all. You know why I'm an entrepreneur? Because the job market is so shitty that it made more sense to create my own job than be unemployed for an indefinite period of time. And even if we're able to find a job it would pay below poverty levels. Before I went into business I was a manager at a fast food restaurant. After two years and 3 promotions you know what my pay was? $10/hr. I was lucky if I could even afford the employee discounted food there.
So terms limits sound good but it's just not happening soon. The way we can impose term limits without amending the constitution is to educate people, organize them, and then make sure each of our communities bands together to vote out all incumbents after 2 or 4 years. In order to appease everyone we should also make sure there is a republican and democrat running for that office during every "vote out the incumbent" year regardless of what party currently holds the seat.
Yeah, it sounds idealistic and it is. I wouldn't try to convince anyone it would work in reality but in theory it sounds good. Too bad reality sucks.
Changing parties every 4 years has become more like a false choice, as the end result seems to be more or less the same, with the parties being run by more or less the same type of people.
I do believe it's a system problem, though. I think our democracies or republics or whatever you want to call them are way overdue for some changes and some evolution in the way they work. Any thoughts on how that could be done? I think there ought to be some major changes, but also a lot of small ones, too.