coalition for democracy

[bheld]

What are the things we can all agree are problems in Washington? Is there a possibility that we could put aside our political differences long enough to clean up our government?

These are things I've been wondering about lately with primary season heating up into what is sure to result in yet another tweedle-dum vs. tweedle-dee general election. I'm tired of being factionalized due to social issues and other issues that have not been addressed for ages. The status quo sucks and the only winners are the people with money, power, and access to government. We are shut out from government, our voices are ignored by the media and by our own political parties, and we are lied to without fear of retribution.

Now, whether you think this is the fault of government or the fault of greedy corporations and unions or anything else, the fact is that this is a problem. How do we solve this problem?

The way I see it, no matter what you think the cause is we're all in this together if we care about our country, what it stands for, and the values held by our forefathers. Right now we, as citizens that pay attention and give a damn, are at serious risk of becoming the permanent minority in this country. It is very sad, but it has come to the point where we must vote not for our policy preferences but for democracy itself.

Therefore, I propose the organization of a coalition third party, the Bouncer Party. It should be used only in cases of emergency when need necessitates that Americans come together to bridge the gap of partisanship and fight to preserve their very right to be heard. We're going to play the bouncer role in Congress and toss out the old, entrenched, and ineffective leaders with representatives for a singular and crystal-clear goal of bringing democracy back to this country.

The stated goal of the Bouncer Party will be to enact predetermined legislation and that legislation only. Upon completion of this goal Bouncer Party representatives will resign their positions and allow special elections to be held in each district at the next scheduled polling date. In this way we can perform surgical operations on government without falling victim to partisan politics.

The party platform will be whatever we can come to agreement on. Input from all interested individuals that recognize the need to reduce corruption and increase transparency in government regardless of political affiliation is not just encouraged but vital to the success of this movement. For starters, this is what I have in mind.

Campaign Finance Reform

Something needs to be done about how much money it takes to run a campaign these days. It's shutting out just about everybody except those with money, connections, or both. I propose something that eliminates the transfer of campaign funds between congressmen and limits contributions (and all income for that matter) to members of said congressman's constituency. Full disclosure will be required.

Government Accountability

There needs to be an independent source for information that is "untouchable." We can't trust much of the information that comes to us because political pressure impacts reporting methods and delivery.

Congressional Affairs

Americans should not only have access to everything that goes on in congress but it should be presented in a way that every American can understand, not just those with law degrees. Legislation should have clearly stated goals, it should have a detailed outline of the specific intent, and under no circumstances will unrelated items be allowed onto the bill. Earmarks will be done away with.

Discretionary Spending

Under no circumstances should Congress authorize or otherwise direct funds to any specific program, project, or any other singular non-departmental entity. Funding for "pork" must be done through other government entities.



I'll keep adding to this list as I think of them. Let me know your opinion about the viability of the concept itself and also the platform.

[bheld]

Paging Ron Paulites. This is a logical extension of your movement. You have a damn good model for accomplishing things like this.

[bheld]

Can anybody speak to the lack of a response? Am I blowing things out of proportion?

[Rouger2]

Originally Posted by bheld

Can anybody speak to the lack of a response? Am I blowing things out of proportion?

No your not blowing things out of proportion. The first thing that has to be done is like you have stated we need to keep big contributers from influencing our politicans then maybe we can have statesmen for our reps instead of shills for big money people and businesses.

[RMNIXON]

Why does so much money work to influence government? Obviously it is an investment of some kind. Perhaps because we have made a government so inclined to give out so much and have the power to effect so much? If the government actually took it upon themselves to wipe our soiled bottoms the Toilet Paper people would be throwing all kinds of money at them!


As for some of the wasteful government spending a simple Constitutional amendment would do it:

"Appropriations legislation must only include items with a reasonable direct relation to the actual proposal of spending bill."

Or similar language. That would put a quick stop to much of the pork and earmarks added to popular spending bills.

[bheld]

I'd love to have a fair debate on the merits of big vs. small government. I honestly have nothing against conservatives with a true belief in their ideology and how it benefits all of society. We need them. Money has distorted this balance and changed everything for the worse.

People talk about a bias in the news media, but it's not a liberal or conservative bias. It's a corporate one.

Can we please work together to kick corporations out of power?