Thread: American Politics Anyone?

I'm all for term limits and massive campaign finance reform. Matter of fact, we should do away with lobbying and private contributions. There'd be details to iron out, but we could have campaigns that were government-funded (at an appropriately low level) and basically restrict campaigning to a website, a monthly newspaper insert, and debates on public TV (C-Span, etc.).

No chance in hell of that happening, of course.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

Is the necessity of a term limit a failure of the democratic process?

Honestly??? yes I believe it is,,, Half the term of the politician is to set themselves up for re-election so perhaps with term limits they will be more concerned with getting there, getting the job done, and getting the heck home...
It will also put a huge monkey wrench in the whole PAC and special interest money and influence machine...

I'm all for public executions of people that don't live up to campaign promises.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

... and chamber of commerce taking money from foreign companies/countries kind of ****es me off though.

I understand your position if true; however, in direct questioning of White House staff, they cannot produce any evidence of this ... they are only speculating. Their response ... "can you prove it's not true"? The fact that they have no source or evidence of this, but decided to throw it out there in hopes it would stick kind of p****es me off. The fact that many only heard the accusation, and have developed opinions based on that, and not the later "fact check" demonstrates the effectiveness of this deceit.

Originally Posted by Tuxedo7

I understand your position if true; however, in direct questioning of White House staff, they cannot produce any evidence of this ... they are only speculating. Their response ... "can you prove it's not true"? The fact that they have no source or evidence of this, but decided to throw it out there in hopes it would stick kind of p****es me off. The fact that many only heard the accusation, and have developed opinions based on that, and not the later "fact check" demonstrates the effectiveness of this deceit.

But how does one "fact check" if a lobbying interest, in this case the Chamber of Commerce, is non-transparent, and keeps it's books closed? It's this lack of transparency from most PAC's (of both parties) that presents a great case for their elimination. It seems as though the framers ideal of a government created "of by and for the people" we have somehow allowed to be turned into "of by and for the PAC and corporate lobbyist". Enough is enough!

Originally Posted by Bruno

+1. Career politicians are the root of all (well, most) political evil.
And no musical chairs either. So not lifting your bum to sit on the next seat. The only direction I'd allow is up. I can see someone going from county to state to federal or somesuch though.

Alright, who let the Belgian in the room?

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I tell you all what I am wondering???? if across Party and Issue lines that all of America believes that it is seriously time for "Term Limits" across the political board... I mean all the way across too, from Local to State to National even the Supreme Court.... Say maybe 12 years max at any one position????? unless there is already a term limit in place of less than that...

NO more career politicians !!!!

I honestly think that given one change to this countries political problems, that one change would have the most impact, to the most people

Opinions??????

I feel similar, term limits would help. I think the other big change we need is to reduce their salary and and set spending limits for campaigns. We pay teachers and policemen very little and justify it by saying "You get satisfaction from your work". I think the same should hold true for politicians. This would mean that the people in office actually care and that you don't have to be a billionaire or have special interest groups in your pocket to be able to successfully run for office. By and far, the people should be represented by "real people", not people who "pretend" to "understand".

I can't be hard on the politicians without being hard on "the people" as well. Looking at the turnout rate for elections, I find this to be very frustrating. I have always believed that if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem...so VOTE!

Well, if you have term limits and get rid of lobbyists and big contributers who's gonna run for office. There won't be any incentive since you can't become rich and powerful anymore.

T

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Well, if you have term limits and get rid of lobbyists and big contributers who's gonna run for office. There won't be any incentive since you can't become rich and powerful anymore.

Good point. (insert semi-sarcastic tone) it's not like anyone would want to run for office for the purpose of actually doing something good for people... (sarcasm switch off).

Call me old fashioned, or an idiot, or whatever, but I just can't help but believe that there are still some people in this country who actually care about the people.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Although the media is in its usual frenzy, the usually opinionated members of SRP (you know who you are) have been unusually quiet. So what gives?

I'm waiting for the next presidential election

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Cat got your tongue?

Yeth. It ithn't halping at awl

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Their party sucks?

It's a terrible party

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Your party sucks?

Of course not, mine is perfect. Elect the hoglacrats in 2012!

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

What gives?

I told you, I'm waiting for the next presidential election. Cat got your ear?

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Not that I am wanting to stir the political pot. Please be nice and play fair!

Hahahahaha

Well, as far as how the thread has developed, I am all for term limits as long as my term is for life and everyone else's terms already expired. Hoglahoo for world domination! Woohoo!