NationStates Jolt Archive

I have a bill proposal for our congress to pass, but more than likely would never, ever be considered. Here are the basic points:


1) Abolish the two party system and electoral college.
The two party system is worthless. I mean, we only have three real choices, Dem.,Rep. or don't vote. That's not democratic! And the electoral system is a joke. It only helps keep the rich and powerful, rich and powerful. How can we "spread democracy" when our voices aren't even properly heard.

2)The American people should be in charge of allowing Office holders a raise of pay. I mean, how fair is it that they can steal our tax money to increase their wealth. Since we elect them, shouldn't we decide whether or not they get a pay raise? It only seems fair.

3) Cut benefits for office holders. IIRC, you can be a congressman one time, and still recieve retirement funds and such for your entire life. That's just idiotic! Why should I pay for a crook, that only held office for one term, for the rest of his/her life.

4)Limit the powers of the executive branch. I would absolutly take away the right for the President to send service men to combat zones WITHOUT the permission of congress in a written declaration of war, as the constitution provides for. Also, no president will be able to abuse the civil liberties of the citizen's of this country. No wiretaps, no illegal arrests, etc.

5) Allow the supreme court to be elected by the people. Again, this is only fair. This country was created because we wanted to be represented in government. And how better to be represented than to elect officials in all govermental branches?

6) This bill would also allow for the temporary discontinuance of the US in any treaty. I feel as if these treaties only hinder the US. We need to first focus on America, and rebuilding it to a great first class world power, then adress international matters.

That is the first part of my idea. I have more to come, but i need to look up prior laws, interpretations,etc. I would name this bill "The People' Power bill" I think that this government should fear its people, not vice versa. They are supposed to serve our desires and needs, not us serving them as slaves of sorts. America Stand up for freedom. Stand up for rights, and let liberty be known from ocean to ocean.

#3 and
#6 need a little elucidation/modification, but the rest are all spot on. *bows*

#6: you don't need to be a first-class power. Let somebody more responsible have a turn, like somebody who isn't sodomising the environment with a shotgun.

#6: you don't need to be a first-class power. Let somebody more responsible have a turn, like somebody who isn't sodomising the environment with a shotgun.
Agreed! *bows*

Agreed! *bows*
*dual-pokes eyes, allah stooges*

>_>

*dual-pokes eyes, allah stooges*
Allah? :confused:
A la ...
good thing i don't need those eyes when you're around ... i can go on touch and scent instead! :D
http://www.websmileys.com/sm/evil/491.gif

#6 Probably isn't feasible in combination with the rest of the list. The problem is most people aren't willing to abandon their personal ethics to the degree necessary for a country to maintain its position as the king of the anthill.

The reason you're able to maintain such a position to day, is because the general populace isn't consulted in the matter.

I think our government should be replaced by the internet. All appointments and public policy should be determined by on-line polls. That means, of course, that Jessica Alba would be President - David Hasselhoff would be Vice President - and Chuck Norris would be the Secretary of defense.

I think our government should be replaced by the internet. All appointments and public policy should be determined by on-line polls. That means, of course, that Jessica Alba would be President - David Hasselhoff would be Vice President - and Chuck Norris would be the Secretary of defense.

No. Chuck would be made Chucktator, instantly..

I think our government should be replaced by the internet. All appointments and public policy should be determined by on-line polls. That means, of course, that Jessica Alba would be President - David Hasselhoff would be Vice President - and Chuck Norris would be the Secretary of defense.
What about Linus?

Wouldn't all those reforms make your country too.... you know, European?
Most of the concepts you describe are firmly embedded in the majority of European democracies. Are you sure you would want to immitate them all of a sudden?

What about Linus?
The opposition

The oppositionLinus van Pelt is gonna be the antagonist? Even with all his ... blanket reform measures? :D

I offten think that online forums are a good place to debate stuff. I proberbly woldent mind if the NS general forum was given controll of th entier planet.

Then again thats just my two cents.

I offten think that online forums are a good place to debate stuff. I proberbly woldent mind if the NS general forum was given controll of th entier planet.

Then again thats just my two cents.
:eek:
Spam Local 144.92.7734 is gonna *love* you. *nods emphatically*

Linus van Pelt is gonna be the antagonist? Even with all his ... blanket reform measures? :D

Good Grief!

Good Grief!
So does Snoopy get outlawed?
Extended leash laws. *nods*

#6 is crazy unless you want to make the US self suffient, and withdraw itself completely from the international scene. This means no NATO, UN, economic treaties etc. I think you will find your bill wouldn't get off the senate toliet seat let amind the floor.

Wouldn't all those reforms make your country too.... you know, European?
Most of the concepts you describe are firmly embedded in the majority of European democracies. Are you sure you would want to immitate them all of a sudden?


Actually to be more European was my idea :)

#6 is crazy unless you want to make the US self suffient, and withdraw itself completely from the international scene. This means no NATO, UN, economic treaties etc. I think you will find your bill wouldn't get off the senate toliet seat let amind the floor.


#6 was added as a measure to ensure that America comes first in american policy, not wannabangaland.

The "two party" system is not an inherent part of constitutional democracy. The United States happens to have a two party system supported by political inertia and by laws intended to protect the sanity of the voters (minimum number of votes before governmental doubling of campaign funding).

#6 is crazy unless you want to make the US self suffient, and withdraw itself completely from the international scene. This means no NATO, UN, economic treaties etc. I think you will find your bill wouldn't get off the senate toliet seat let amind the floor.

Well, the only country in the world with an official "self sufficiency" policy is North Korea...I really wouldn't want to emulate them in anything.

1) Abolish the two party system



I just wanted to say that nothing is enforcing us to go for two parties, that's just our mindset. We could just as easily vote green or libitarian. There are more than two parties is what I'm saying, so there's nothing to abolish about two parties... we've just got to stop voting that way.

1) Abolish the two party system and electoral college.
The two party system is worthless. I mean, we only have three real choices, Dem.,Rep. or don't vote. That's not democratic! And the electoral system is a joke. It only helps keep the rich and powerful, rich and powerful. How can we "spread democracy" when our voices aren't even properly heard.
As someone said above, the two-party system isn't anything more than inertia. Third-parties do have an influence: John Anderson in 1980, Ross Perot in 1992, Ralph Nader in 2000. I go back and forth on the Electoral College. It was designed to make smaller states a bit more important in the election process, I believe, which is not a bad thing.

2)The American people should be in charge of allowing Office holders a raise of pay. I mean, how fair is it that they can steal our tax money to increase their wealth. Since we elect them, shouldn't we decide whether or not they get a pay raise? It only seems fair.
This I like.

3) Cut benefits for office holders. IIRC, you can be a congressman one time, and still recieve retirement funds and such for your entire life. That's just idiotic! Why should I pay for a crook, that only held office for one term, for the rest of his/her life.
Maybe we could put this on the ballot, too, with the pay raises. When an elected official retires, the voters get to decide if he or she gets the retirement compensation. of course, if that person retires in order to go to jail, no compensation should be forthcoming.

4)Limit the powers of the executive branch. I would absolutly take away the right for the President to send service men to combat zones WITHOUT the permission of congress in a written declaration of war, as the constitution provides for. Also, no president will be able to abuse the civil liberties of the citizen's of this country. No wiretaps, no illegal arrests, etc.
The Executive's powers already are limited, if Congress would stand up on its hind legs and insist on passing declarations of war. But nowadays, with one-party control of Congress, resolutions are passed on a moment's notice to send troops anywhere the president wants. We haven't declared war formally since 1941. And as for the abuse of civil rights, if Congress wants they can impeach him. Heck, Clinton was impeached for fibbing about a blow-job, you'd think warrantless wire taps in the face of established procedures for doing what was wanted (FISA) would get at least a nod.

5) Allow the supreme court to be elected by the people. Again, this is only fair. This country was created because we wanted to be represented in government. And how better to be represented than to elect officials in all govermental branches?
Umh, no. The point of the Supreme Court is that it should be above politics. Doesn't always work but electing them would just reduce it to a mess.

6) This bill would also allow for the temporary discontinuance of the US in any treaty. I feel as if these treaties only hinder the US. We need to first focus on America, and rebuilding it to a great first class world power, then adress international matters.
I suppose we could opt out of treaties, but the world's a little too complex and interconnected to just say no. Maybe in 1800, but not in 2006. And being a super-powre's not that great. Haven't you noticed how everyone seems to have an opinion on everything we do?

I have a bill proposal for our congress to pass, but more than likely would never, ever be considered. Here are the basic points:


1) Abolish the two party system and electoral college.
The two party system is worthless. I mean, we only have three real choices, Dem.,Rep. or don't vote. That's not democratic! And the electoral system is a joke. It only helps keep the rich and powerful, rich and powerful. How can we "spread democracy" when our voices aren't even properly heard.

Viva la popular vote!!!

2)The American people should be in charge of allowing Office holders a raise of pay. I mean, how fair is it that they can steal our tax money to increase their wealth. Since we elect them, shouldn't we decide whether or not they get a pay raise? It only seems fair.

They can't pay themselves forever!

3) Cut benefits for office holders. IIRC, you can be a congressman one time, and still recieve retirement funds and such for your entire life. That's just idiotic! Why should I pay for a crook, that only held office for one term, for the rest of his/her life.

They should work afterwards! I don't get paid after being fired/quitting, do I?

4)Limit the powers of the executive branch. I would absolutly take away the right for the President to send service men to combat zones WITHOUT the permission of congress in a written declaration of war, as the constitution provides for. Also, no president will be able to abuse the civil liberties of the citizen's of this country. No wiretaps, no illegal arrests, etc.
Time for the government to follow their own laws!

5) Allow the supreme court to be elected by the people. Again, this is only fair. This country was created because we wanted to be represented in government. And how better to be represented than to elect officials in all govermental branches?

Viva... voting.

6) This bill would also allow for the temporary discontinuance of the US in any treaty. I feel as if these treaties only hinder the US. We need to first focus on America, and rebuilding it to a great first class world power, then adress international matters.

We got homeless people, too! Iraq is fine! Not really, but we need to watch ourselves...

That is the first part of my idea. I have more to come, but i need to look up prior laws, interpretations,etc. I would name this bill "The People' Power bill" I think that this government should fear its people, not vice versa. They are supposed to serve our desires and needs, not us serving them as slaves of sorts. America Stand up for freedom. Stand up for rights, and let liberty be known from ocean to ocean.

W00T!!

**entire nation of Minaris gives you a standing ovation**
YEAH!!!!!!! WHOO!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

just... who would do this? Not the US that we have now!

W00T!!

**entire nation of Minaris gives you a standing ovation**
YEAH!!!!!!! WHOO!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

just... who would do this? Not the US that we have now!


Nope, when my rebellion takes place and kicks the politicians out of washington, then we can enact these reforms, along with many other ones :D

Nope, when my rebellion takes place and kicks the politicians out of washington, then we can enact these reforms, along with many other ones :D

I'll prepare the Barracks...:p

Meet me at the place with no darkness, exactly 23 hours from now. If I ask "Isis Kensun?" say "Mak". :p (Note that those were adapted minaxrican phrases.)

And to the President, since you will probably see this, it is a joke.:p

Nope, when my rebellion takes place and kicks the politicians out of washington, then we can enact these reforms, along with many other ones :D
Trouble is, they'll just go back to doing what they did before, which was being lawyers. Except for one of my Senators, who was a veternarian.

Trouble is, they'll just go back to doing what they did before, which was being lawyers. Except for one of my Senators, who was a veternarian.


Couldn't we hang em? Like in an goold old fashion revolution. I mean honestly! What an coup if the leaders aren't dealt death :p

Couldn't we hang em? Like in an goold old fashion revolution. I mean honestly! What an coup if the leaders aren't dealt death :p
Doing away with lawyers is an ancient remedy. Check out Shakespeare's King Henry VI, Part 2, Act 4, Scene 2:

DICK
The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.

CADE
Nay, that I mean to do. Is not this a lamentable
thing, that of the skin of an innocent lamb should
be made parchment? that parchment, being scribbled
o'er, should undo a man?

And I agree, if we're having a coup, there should be a few executions, otherwise it's just another election, if a little informal.

For #3, what about putting the elected office holders on a pay scale such as used in unions. Yes, unions.
Showing up for work is one way they can earn their salary. Years of service gives them a higher salary.
Apply this to their benefits, including pension, and you'll see them do a bit more work.

Zilam:

Your proposal is about as Unconstitutional of a bill as it gets.

What you're talking about is a Constitutional Amendment, not a bill.

For example, #1.

No matter the problems the two party system creates, it is impossible for the government to abolish the parties. If the government were to attempt to do that, they'd have to break up the parties, and that's a direct violation of the Freedom of Assembly, as is clearly denoted in the First Amendment.

#4
The Constitution specifically delegates the power to make use of the military in conflicts to the Presidency. It's widely agreed that if any President were to bring the War Powers Act before the Supreme Court, the Executive would be the clear victor. No President has had the political will to try though.

#5
The founders specifically wanted a branch of the government to be above the political passions of the people, and as such, that is why the Supreme Court is not elected.

#6
Treaties, according to the Constitution, are to be treated on par with the Constitution. This is evidenced by the 66% of the Senate that both treaties and Constitutional Amendments require to pass. Not only that, but the Constitution recognizes treaties as the "supreme law of the land."



Hell, what you're talking about would be more efficiently conducted as a complete restructuring of the US Government. Trashing the current Constitution, and writing a whole new one.

For #3, what about putting the elected office holders on a pay scale such as used in unions. Yes, unions.
Showing up for work is one way they can earn their salary. Years of service gives them a higher salary.
Apply this to their benefits, including pension, and you'll see them do a bit more work.


Thats a good idea actually :)

I have a bill proposal for our congress to pass, but more than likely would never, ever be considered. Here are the basic points:


1) Abolish the two party system and electoral college.
The two party system is worthless. I mean, we only have three real choices, Dem.,Rep. or don't vote. That's not democratic! And the electoral system is a joke. It only helps keep the rich and powerful, rich and powerful. How can we "spread democracy" when our voices aren't even properly heard.

2)The American people should be in charge of allowing Office holders a raise of pay. I mean, how fair is it that they can steal our tax money to increase their wealth. Since we elect them, shouldn't we decide whether or not they get a pay raise? It only seems fair.

3) Cut benefits for office holders. IIRC, you can be a congressman one time, and still recieve retirement funds and such for your entire life. That's just idiotic! Why should I pay for a crook, that only held office for one term, for the rest of his/her life.

4)Limit the powers of the executive branch. I would absolutly take away the right for the President to send service men to combat zones WITHOUT the permission of congress in a written declaration of war, as the constitution provides for. Also, no president will be able to abuse the civil liberties of the citizen's of this country. No wiretaps, no illegal arrests, etc.

5) Allow the supreme court to be elected by the people. Again, this is only fair. This country was created because we wanted to be represented in government. And how better to be represented than to elect officials in all govermental branches?

6) This bill would also allow for the temporary discontinuance of the US in any treaty. I feel as if these treaties only hinder the US. We need to first focus on America, and rebuilding it to a great first class world power, then adress international matters.

That is the first part of my idea. I have more to come, but i need to look up prior laws, interpretations,etc. I would name this bill "The People' Power bill" I think that this government should fear its people, not vice versa. They are supposed to serve our desires and needs, not us serving them as slaves of sorts. America Stand up for freedom. Stand up for rights, and let liberty be known from ocean to ocean.

North America needs democratic reform. It's far past time to modernize our antiquated democratic systems.