90% of America’s problems could be fixed by taking the money out of politics. This would be so simple it is frightening that the logic escapes us. 1. Develop an election system whereby all campaigns are publicly funded with finite funds distributed equally to every candidate, with zero augmenting funds allowed from other sources, including personal money. Campaigning would have to focus heavily on each candidate’s positions and qualifications through stump speeches, published position papers, and debates. They wouldn’t be able to afford to waste their limited budgets on negative attack ads. Organizations and individuals could make unlimited, tax deductible, contributions to local, state, and national elections but not to individual campaigns or political parties. Our tax systems would cover any shortfalls. Political advertising for causes would be heavily scrutinized for accuracy and prosecuted in civil courts for outright untruths. 2. Outlaw all perks and gifts from lobbyists and force all meetings between them and elected officials to be out in the sunshine. No paid dinners, golf outings, fact-finding vacations, etc… Apply the same standard for all private sector entities. No gifts and no closed door meetings. 3. Make it illegal for any elected official to become a lobbyist for a period of 10 years after leaving office. Apply a similar rule barring them from accepting employment in any industry to which they showed favoritism during their time in office. Certainly there could be exceptions but this could be adjudicated by civilian panels. 4. Make it illegal for an elected or appointed official to benefit financially from any legislation under their influence while they are in office and for a period of 10 years after their tenure has expired. All of the official’s investments would be place in a blind trust while they are in office office.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 23:24:38 +0000
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