Ideas to fix America

[Dude!]

America is on a downward spiral

here are three basic changes
to get the country back on track

First, un-gerrymander the congressional districts
The way they have divided the districts assures
that we will have lots of far left and lots of far right
congress members and not many in the middle
start from scratch and make as many districts as
possible highly competitive, to encourage a strong 'middle'

Second, big destroys competition
break up the big banks, big brokerage firms
any industry where big destroys competition
and gives too much power to too few

Third, get money out of politics
i don't know how this can be done
but until it is, we will have a
very corrupt system

of course, none of these will ever happen
because those that can change things
ARE the problem

if you had the power
how would you fix America?

[Furtherman]

America is on a downward spiral

No, it's not.

[EliSnow]

No, it's not.

Come on Furtherman. You know that if we have some bumps in the road, or some downturns, or negative developments, it's a sign that America will collapse. There are barbarians at the gate and everything it going to hell in a handbasket. Every negative thing is a sign that the world is ending.

Apparenly, people think that unless we have a perfect society, we are doomed as a nation.

[Furtherman]

You're right. Why aren't we forging swords and making arrows?

Fools.

[strawberrypop]

Imposing Congressional term limits would be a good starting point.

[Ritalin]

Except for the downward spiral thing, I happen to find merit with your three suggestions.

[dino_electropolis]

No, it's not.

Come on Furtherman. You know that if we have some bumps in the road, or some downturns, or negative developments, it's a sign that America will collapse. There are barbarians at the gate and everything it going to hell in a handbasket. Every negative thing is a sign that the world is ending.

Apparenly, people think that unless we have a perfect society, we are doomed as a nation.

Uhm, really?

Perhaps its that type of complacency that is the root of the problem.


This country fell to shit a while ago (within the last 8 years, oddly enough) and there are no signs of it ever getting back on the same track.

Sure, markets will stabilize, money will flow, but it will align itself on another track, not the one we were on when shit was so good. (do you remember how nice everything was on Sept 10?)


BILL HICKS:
So there, we have it figured out, go back to bed America, your government has figured out how it all transpired. Go back to bed America, you government is in control again. Here, here's American Gladiators. Watch this, shut up! Go back to bed America, here's American Gladiators. Here's 56 channels of it. Watch these pituitary retards bang their fuckin skulls together and congratulate you on living in the land of freedom. Here you go America, you are free, to do as we tell you, you are free, to do as we tell you." "Oh good. Honey, I heard on the news that they've figured out that the gun, what happened is, is that there was an echo and Kennedy was, er, asking Jackie what it was, and that that's why his head flew u... Honey what time's Gladiators on? Are we missing it? I'm so glad we're free, Honey."

[Furtherman]

Uhm, really?

Perhaps its that type of complacency that is the root of the problem.

(do you remember how nice everything was on Sept 10?)



It's not complacency. It's being able to tell the difference between fear-mongering and realistic goals.

And there were plenty of problems in our country on September 10th. It was far from nice for many, many people. Now that we're taking a good look at ourselves, the problems are still there, but by no means is any indication we're doomed.

But that's not what the people who give you their opinion for money will tell you. Not as long as you're forkin' over the cash.

[Devo37]

put all of the lobbyists in a giant rocket and shoot it into the sun.

[dino_electropolis]

It's not complacency. It's being able to tell the difference between fear-mongering and realistic goals.

And there were plenty of problems in our country on September 10th. It was far from nice for many, many people. Now that we're taking a good look at ourselves, the problems are still there, but by no means is any indication we're doomed.

But that's not what the people who give you their opinion for money will tell you. Not as long as you're forkin' over the cash.

I understand Fear mongering plenty.


As for Sept 10, yeah, some people had it bad.....guess what, some people always have it bad, whenever the time or wherever the place. The point was that we still lived in America.......

Need i remind you of the 12 year old guantanamo detainee, held as a terrorist.

12 fkn years old.


THATS fear mongering.

"The only way to save it is to flush it all away"

[EliSnow]

I understand Fear mongering plenty.


As for Sept 10, yeah, some people had it bad.....guess what, some people always have it bad, whenever the time or wherever the place. The point was that we still lived in America.......

Need i remind you of the 12 year old guantanamo detainee, held as a terrorist.

12 fkn years old.


THATS fear mongering.

"The only way to save it is to flush it all away"

Um, each of the issues pointed out by dude! existed on September 10th.

As for the Guantanomo detainees, yes that is an issue, but are we in a downward spiral because of it. No. Does it need correcting? Probably.

But throughout our history, we have had issues that will need correcting. And it will always be that way. I'm all for trying to correct them. But how about we go about keep the hyperbole and the doom prophecies down?

[instrument]

What change?

But seriously, It's nice to see a post like this and not hear the word socialism.

[Furtherman]

I understand Fear mongering plenty.


As for Sept 10, yeah, some people had it bad.....guess what, some people always have it bad, whenever the time or wherever the place. The point was that we still lived in America.......

Need i remind you of the 12 year old guantanamo detainee, held as a terrorist.

12 fkn years old.


THATS fear mongering.

"The only way to save it is to flush it all away"

Well now I don't see your point from your first post.

This country fell to shit a while ago (within the last 8 years, oddly enough) and there are no signs of it ever getting back on the same track.

Sure, markets will stabilize, money will flow, but it will align itself on another track, not the one we were on when shit was so good. (do you remember how nice everything was on Sept 10?)

What is this "same track" you speak of? Were we on some golden road to unlimited devotion before we were attacked?

And no, you need not remind me of a terrorist detainee, because that's another discussion altogether.

[Furtherman]

But seriously, It's nice to see a post like this and not hear the word socialism.

Damn it, you just ruined it! The parrots will be here shortly.

[dino_electropolis]

Well now I don't see your point from your first post.



What is this "same track" you speak of? Were we on some golden road to unlimited devotion before we were attacked?

And no, you need not remind me of a terrorist detainee, because that's another discussion altogether.

Not really.


Everyone just keep your heads down, and your eyes straight ahead. Have confidence in the people who got us in this mess to get us out of it.

I bet someone in Rome some 2,000 years ago was talkin the same way, how not to fear some bumps in the road....we've been there before....Rome is the Eternal City, after all.

[Furtherman]

Not really.


Everyone just keep your heads down, and your eyes straight ahead. Have confidence in the people who got us in this mess to get us out of it.

I bet someone in Rome some 2,000 years ago was talkin the same way, how not to fear some bumps in the road....we've been there before....Rome is the Eternal City, after all.

Now I'm not sure what thread you're replying too.

The people who got us into... what mess? The war? Those people are gone. We don't have to have confidence in them any more.

And Rome is just a city in Italy. It's been torn down and built up countless times, just like any other city with a habitable location for humans.

[EliSnow]

Not really.


Everyone just keep your heads down, and your eyes straight ahead. Have confidence in the people who got us in this mess to get us out of it.

I bet someone in Rome some 2,000 years ago was talkin the same way, how not to fear some bumps in the road....we've been there before....Rome is the Eternal City, after all.

And there it is. The America is Rome analogy, and because Rome fell, so must America. That one's been used for the last 50 years.

Dino, you keep misrepresenting our points. We're not saying that things don't need changing and we should do nothing.

We're saying that we will be doing that, but we don't need people saying the end is near. People like that sound like children.

[A.J.]

And Rome is just a city in Italy. It's been torn down and built up countless times, just like any other city with a habitable location for humans.

Romulus and Remus must be rolling over in their graves.

[Furtherman]

Romulus and Remus must be rolling over in their graves.

The Romulans and Remuns hate each othe...

oh wait.

[spankyfrank]

Here's my idea:

Everybody start their own Smoking Stripclub Steakhouse.

The big watered down chain can be called The Triple S.

But the smaller ones will be awesome....

__________________________________________________ __

On second thought this doesn't really help America, but it would be a delicious idea.

:smoke:

[Dude!]

i am not a talking head and don't get paid
i did not say when the spiral began
and i never mentioned September 11

the downward spiral began years ago
with the congressional gerrymandering
and influence of lobbyists and interest groups
on BOTH sides

bank consolidation has been going on
for 25+ years

you people are so defensive that
you assume everything is an obama bash

the three things i suggested apply
equally to both parties
as they are equally 'on the take'

[EliSnow]

i am not a talking head and don't get paid
i did not say when the spiral began
and i never mentioned September 11

the downward spiral began years ago
with the congressional gerrymandering
and influence of lobbyists and interest groups
on BOTH sides

bank consolidation has been going on
for 25+ years

you people are so defensive that
you assume everything is an obama bash

the three things i suggested apply
equally to both parties
as they are equally 'on the take'

Who challenged you for bashing Obama or called you a talking head? You were challenged for your hyperbole that we are on a "downward spiral."

BTW, the suggestion that we need to separate politics from money is, when you think about it, ridiculous. It's impossible and will never happen. Those who govern ahve power, and power and money are always intertwined. Throughout history, corruption has followed government or any institution wielding power, because they are necessarily run by flawed beings who are subject to power.

You can suggest things to limit it, but you will never rid it from our lives.

[Furtherman]

Who challenged you for bashing Obama or called you a talking head?

That's what conservatives parrots say when they're trying to come across as middlemen who came up with their talking points on their own.

[DolaMight]

get a dog america.

Dogs make you feel better when you're sad.

[Syd]

institute a parliamentary style government

[TheMojoPin]

That guy loves the word "gerrymandering."

I propose that he also starts using "boondoggle" and "flimflammery."

[HBox]

That guy loves the word "gerrymandering."

I propose that he also starts using "boondoggle" and "flimflammery."

Oh horsefeathers. This whole darn tootin thread is turning all hotsy totsy.

[epo]

We already have term limits, they are called elections.

As for gerrymandering, the districts must change over times. Is there abuse? Certainly...but if we "gerrymandered" them to the middle, it would still be gerrymandering.

[DolaMight]

That guy loves the word "gerrymandering."

I propose that he also starts using "boondoggle" and "flimflammery."

stop pidgeonholeing him

[KatPw]

One of the reasons we have a census every ten years is to look at the congressional districts. Hopefully the census next year will try to undo the damage of gerrymandering.

I don't like lobbyists, but I would not want to eliminate them completely. Organizations such as the ADA, AMA, American Diabetes Assoc., etc. are needed in order to raise awareness about diseases/conditions and they use their lobbying power to get more funding for research. I guess I would like to see the profit motive eliminated from lobbying. Maybe non-profit associations should be the only entities allowed to lobby.
I also think that politicians should not be able to take campaign contributions from companies and organizations. The money should come from private citizens only. And there should be a cap on how much they can raise.

Or perhaps a better way would be to give each politician a stipend for their campaign. The amount of money each candidate gets would depend on what office they are running for. Obviously the "higher up" the office seat is, the more money they would get to campaign with. If a candidate blows through their campaign funds they do not get any more money and they cannot use private funds. That way the candidates cannot outspend each other. Plus it would show the voters who is good with budgeting and who isn't.

[boobieman]

How about making the politicians have jobs. Not just be politicians. Make it where being a politicians is a part time job, only when congress is in section.

SEEYAYAAA

[SouthSideJohnny]

As for gerrymandering, the districts must change over times. Is there abuse? Certainly...but if we "gerrymandered" them to the middle, it would still be gerrymandering.

Technically correct but completely ignores the substance of what the original post was talking about. Take a look at how most congressional districts are currently drawn. It's ridiculous, and both parties are to blame.

[KatPw]

How about making the politicians have jobs. Not just be politicians. Make it where being a politicians is a part time job, only when congress is in section.

SEEYAYAAA

I like that idea too.

[BinaryTaoist]

Well with all these companies re-branding themselves in order to save themselves from the economy... maybe all America needs is a new name... Something traditional and trendy... light-hearted and substantial... conservative and flashy... Something that shows our commitment to save the world and our resolve to allow countries to find their own identity.

I like 'Funspot'

[Ritalin]

That guy loves the word "gerrymandering."

I propose that he also starts using "boondoggle" and "flimflammery."

Maybe we should also do away with the "franking privilege".

[epo]

How about making the politicians have jobs. Not just be politicians. Make it where being a politicians is a part time job, only when congress is in section.

SEEYAYAAA

I like that idea too.

A great idea in theory, but literally impossible. The world is far too complex to trust our federal legislative body to "part-timers".

Plus, what do you think those part-time jobs would be? They'd be corporate jobs, tainting their views of the world and skewing our political process further to the sides of corporate interests.

So the problem you'd "solve", would only get worse under such a scenario.

[ToiletCrusher]

Put the children back to work.

[DolaMight]

build the tallest building in the world. There's like 10 countries with bigger buildings than yours. I don't even know how you show your face at G8 summits. embarrasing.

If you're strapped for cash build a normal building and put a useless needle on it and call it the tallest building in the world.

[boobieman]

A great idea in theory, but literally impossible. The world is far too complex to trust our federal legislative body to "part-timers".

Plus, what do you think those part-time jobs would be? They'd be corporate jobs, tainting their views of the world and skewing our political process further to the sides of corporate interests.

So the problem you'd "solve", would only get worse under such a scenario.

Well maybe they can put some sort of limitations. No corporate work, no taking any money from their own district. It could be done. Maybe have instead of a 4 year or 6 year terms, why not one year. This way if they really suck or a total scumbag, get them out after only one year. Also no term limits. If someone sucks, vote them out.

I think the major thing is majority of people do not concern themselves with the political problems. They either say ah fuck voting or say why bother nothing will change. I watched some of the presidential debates and stuff with Obama and McCain. I knew it was going to be same shit in a different package. That is why I Nader Raided it. Yes it might of been a throw away vote, but if enough people do it, maybe it will change things. Maybe a third party might be a good thing. Hey it can not hurt to try.

Also stop this 2 years ahead of time bullshit when running for president. Pissed me off,that Hillary fatass is running for president, but yet she is suppose to be running New York state. So she can run all over the country and shake hand and kiss babies but I guess the state will take care of itself while she is away...Part time.

Now if you excuse me..I have beer calling me.

SEYAYAYAYAASEEEEE

[KatPw]

A great idea in theory, but literally impossible. The world is far too complex to trust our federal legislative body to "part-timers".

Plus, what do you think those part-time jobs would be? They'd be corporate jobs, tainting their views of the world and skewing our political process further to the sides of corporate interests.

So the problem you'd "solve", would only get worse under such a scenario.

Fine. Than how about mandatory community service. A certain number of hours a month. And I'm not talking about hosting charity balls. I'm talking soup kitchen ladle line, preemie holding at the local hospital, assisting with paperwork at health screening drives, etc.

[beachbum]

How about we remove the lobbyists from Wasington or at the very least prevent them from writing legislation and regulate their access.

While we are at it could we persuade the pharmacuetical companies to take the billions they spend on fruitless television advertising and use it for research or god forbid lowering the cost of grandma's heart pills?

[Reynolds]

Elect this chick

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