Originally posted by electricdruid at The fiasco continues

Referring to the passage of Prop. 8: "It is unfortunate," Schwarzenegger said. "But it is not the end because I think this will go back into the courts. ... It's the same as in the 1948 case when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. This falls into the same category."

Here's the full article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/10/gay.marriage.protests.ap/index.html

About what things might make the system in the United States better. The ideas I've had range from tax-reform to election reform to alterations in the structure of Judicial appointments. I'm putting them here, in no particular order for people to comment on.

Tax Reform. I'd like to see some form of flat tax. And I know that it'd temporarily screw a lot of tax-preparers and IRS agents, but this is something that we've really needed for a long time. From what I've heard this is close to what would work: Everyone of working age gets a base exemption of $20,000. That means the first 20k you earn is YOURS. Above that amount, all income regardless of source is taxed at a rate of 19-21%. The most any person's tax-burden could be reduced would be 50%, via charitable or political donations, home-improvement and whatnot. ALL income would be treated the same, save maybe for retirement-fund interest. I KNOW this is a simplistic form, but its sound in its base premise.

Term Limits. All Federal elected positions, House, Senate and President would be restricted to 3 terms or 10 years, whichever is less, consecutive. What this means is that any person could be elected to a particular position for 6 years (House) or 8 years (Senate or President) consecutively; this allows for a half-term for a Senator or President who is seated in case of the death or injury of a predecessor partway through a term. After that time, they couldn't run for that post again until at least one term had passed. One other restriction- in the case of the House and Senate, that would mean no playing 'musical chairs' , either- you do the allowed terms then are OUT of that side of Congress for at least a term. This is a constitutionally sound version of Term-Limits.

Election Reform All Federal elected positions would be subject to runoff elections where the percentage of difference between candidates is less than 2%. In additition, All such offices would be subject both to the 'no-confidence' vote, and to a 'ranked vote' system, thus allowing people to rank the candidates as to preference. This would lead to people having a better chance to express themselves and would yield candidates more in line with the desires of the population.

Next, abolish the Electoral College. We're one of the most literate nations on the face of the Earth- initially, the College was instituted because of the belief that the population of the United States, being mostly illiterate itinerant farmers and settlers, wouldn't be savvy enough to make an informed decision as to who the President should be. THat waas in a time with no rapid communication and limited (by our standards) educational prospects for the common citizen. Today we are quite capable of determining our fate without this conclave of elders holding our collective hands.

Further, All campaigns for whatever position, House, Senate or President should be limited to a maximum of 4 months campaign time, 6 months in the case of a presidential campaign. All viable candidates (or the 6 most viable) will receive federal funding for their races, including a total of 6 television ads and 12 radio ads. Airtime will also be provided for said ads, and all moneys shall come from a general fund. No individual or personal funds shall be allowed. Hopefully, this would level the playing field and remove the money-equation at least to some extent. Of all my ideas this is the one that admittedly needs a LOT of work and refinement.

Judicial Reform Really, for the most part the system works here. What I'd suggest is having the major Bar Associations be required to recommend their choices for Circuit and Supreme Court positions to the President, rather than the President making the choice and decision as a reward for political allies as seems to be the developing tendency. The President would have to choose from these recommendations, or reject them; if the list is rejected then a second set of recommendations would be presented. Thereafter the normal confirmation process currently in place would be used.

Social Security Reform. First off, remove Social Security from the General Fund by Amendment to the Constitution and forever separate it so that it can't be used as a 'slush' or 'hedge' fund by Congress or the President to support or cover spending by the Government. Next, institute a restoration plan, perhaps an additional 2-cents-a-gallon tax on all liquid fuels or similar, that feeds directly to the Social Security Fund. It wuldn't be fast, but it would eventually stabilize it.

Health Care Reform. Force all HMO's and other profit-oriented structures to divest all ownership in hospitals and clinics, providing temporary support for those facilities as needed. Have some of the facilities remain in private hands, but have a certain number in each city mandated to be in Government hands. These facilities would provide medical care to those who can't afford insurance and would be trauma centers and emergency-response centers. Put limits on the premiums required for malpractice insurance, and put controls on drud pricing. I know a lot of people don't like that idea because its 'government interference', but given that the majority of drug-development money actually comes from the government and NOT from the sale-price of medications, I think its warranted and needed. Too many go without in the US, when they shouldn't have to.

Anyway, these are just some of my ideas. Some are better than others, but its what I came up with for now. Some can be applied on a State level as well. :)

You know, I made a response to something nauta said in response to joshuwain's admittedly over-the-top initial posting about voting... And since I put it up I've been thinking about it. And getting rather more irritated.

You see, we in the States vote for higher state offices and federal positions once every two years. If you count the primary votes, that means we have the right and opportunity to express our position and opinions on our leadership every two years, and can cause things to change of whatever is currently being done displeases us.

In actuality, less than half of the population actually expresses that right and opportunity.

Its ONE OR TWO FUCKING HOURS (at most!) EVERY TWO FUCKING YEARS. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?

I see exactly four reasons for not voting. Apathy, Stupidity, Age and Being incapable due to a medical situation. Only the last two are an excuse.

Or are you all happy letting other assholes decide what your world will be like?

And to the rest of the world. We who actually vote here are sorry that our system is fucked up by people who don't seem to give a damn. And I apoligise to friends whom don't vote that I'm pissing off here, but goddamn it, this IS important!

Okay, the Minnesota Primary Elections are today. If you're in Minnesota, get to the polls and express your choices! Here, we don't have primaries segregated by party-affiliation, but you can only vote for one party when you're at the polls- this is, after all, just the initial run to determine the final slate of candidates. I was the first one at our polling place, mostly cos my hours are so screwy. :)

In any event, I voted. Here's to change!

joshuwain and ataramos both posted on this, and here is my two cents...

If CBS and NBC wanna support racism and social discrimination by refusing to air this 'controversial' ad, then they damn well should lose viewership over it.

Here is the UCS site: http://www.stillspeaking.com/

I have emailed CBS on this already, telling them that they've lost a straight, white male agnostic viewer over this stupidity. Their email is: Diversity@cbs.com

I'll be emailing NBC with the same message.

Asshats. Oy. Or better yet... CHICKENSHITS.

Note that I'm NOT religious. But DAMN, a Church that accepts people as Christ intended, without recrimination or prejudice? Almost makes me reconsider. Almost.

I WILL support them, though.

I found this on danshrugs, and decided to take it- I wasn't all that surprised. :)


Where do you fall on the liberal - conservative political spectrum? (United States)
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