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Off Topic => Off Topic - Ideas, humor, inspiration => Topic started by: cbc58 on February 06, 2008, 05:25:37 PM

Title: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 06, 2008, 05:25:37 PM
There appear to be some level headed folks here and I'd like to see what you think about a "concept" I've been formulating for fixing government... at all levels.   Hopefully I'm not crazy.  :-)   

First let me start by saying that I don't trust any politician as far as I can throw them.  I've been through enough election cycles to know that a candidate says and does what they do to get into office. 

We all know the system is broken and that it seems an almost impossible task to do anything about it.  Some argue (and rightfully so) that we should just let everything implode and start over.  That scenario is scary but possible.  But perhaps there is another solution that we, the people, can mandate and make something happen this time around in November.   I am calling it "Reform2008"  (www.Reform2008.com)

The basic concept is this:  put people into office that pledge to reform the system and that will make the hard decisions that we so desperatly need.   This is not about one party or the other... it is about putting the right people in office that will actually address the big issues.   There are issues that trancend parties and candidates.

We are a nation of laws.  In order to change the system we have to change the laws.  In order to change the laws we have to change the lawmakers.  That is what Reform2008 is all about... uniting voters to identify and back candidates that will change the laws... once and for all.

That sounds nice but "how do we know what they will do once they get into office"?  My concept is to tell them what they will do ahead of time... in writing... and have them pledge to make the changes or they agree to be immediately removed from office.  So, we as a people, select 4 or 5 key issues that must be addressed come November and draft the changes to the laws we want them to pass.  You want our vote.... you pledge and commit to the changes.  We get some past politicians who have advocated fixing the system to help us draft the proposed laws and then get voters to approve them before the election.   

2008 is a critical election year since it is not only a presidential election, but major congressional and sentate election.... not to mention judges and state and local races.

Since we are all into building here... I'd like to see what you think of this concept and if it has merit.. get some suggestions for tackling the problem and create a blueprint for construction.  I am not an architect or engineer ... just a DIY builder.  Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

Chris



Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: tanya on February 06, 2008, 06:01:50 PM
Well that idea could work maybe if honest people were involved.... honest being the key word.  There is a common misconception that the govt. runs the country but the reality is that the American consumer runs the country adn in fact the world, if you don't like politics or the corporate way things are going then it is wise to stop supporting it through spending.  Once the politicians shenanigans no longer work to build corporate and personal profits then govt. will change.  Just remember it is always about the money.  I would like to see the folks running for president today answer some big questions like What if any involvment did they have in those back door oil for food deals with Iraq that were taking place during US sanctions against that country... I suspect those deals funded the insurgents and terrorists and I suspect there are some pretty powerful people who need to be held accountable... I suspect high treason.  Second I would like to know who the Children's Defense Fund likes for best candidate...Hillary C states her involvement withthat organization often and I have done a great deal of research on poverty and used their reports as resources often so I would value an opinion there.  And I would like to know more about Obama and his relative Dick Cheney and jsut how distant that relationshiop is... Because I am definately voting democrat but I can't choose between the lesser of two evils and I have to vote by the end of the week.  One thing I heard on CNN last night is that the poorest of the poor are voting for Hillary and I am leaning tht direction even thought he Grateful Dead has endorsed Obama, the reason why... Well one thing I do know for sure is that if the poorest of the poor are doing well then the rest of the country are going to do pretty darn good and when Hillary was presedent last time the economy was pretty good.  See I don't believe Bill was ever the power behind the suit. 
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: ScottA on February 06, 2008, 08:09:12 PM
The problem we have is the thing has gotten too big. Too many different people with their own agendas competing for the same pie. This leads to lots of back room deals for things that only help small groups of people and the nation as a whole gets to pay for it. Defence is a prime example of this. We complain about how much is spent on defence but you can't really expect any congressman to step forward and be the first to kill jobs in his district. Defence is so integrated into the economy that cuts are felt back home quickly. People tend to react to harshly to lost jobs. Another fact people overlook is that our prosperity as a nation can be directly linked to our military actions over the last 60 or so years.

We have cheap goods because we import from nations that we have kept poor on purpose. Most so called foreign aid goes to keep these poor countries working at slave wages for american consumers by bribing their governments to do our bidding. We are insuring oil stays available by controlling it with military force. No one wants to think about these things but the fact is we prosper when others suffer. Now things are starting to change. The poor nations are starting to get some wealth from their sales to us and are begining to demand a larger share. Globalization will eventually even things out for everyone but this means we will lose something so they can gain. It's common sence, there's only so much to go around so we must give up some of our prosperity if China and india are to gain.

Don't like the sound of losing prosperity? Well then you can support a military policy that keeps us on the winning side. That's what we have now and have had for the last 60 years. Personaly I think we could get by with alot less and still be happy as a people. It would take a major rethinking of consumerism but it could be done. Add to that a return to State government from federal so people actualy have some voice again.

Wishful thinking....
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 06, 2008, 09:30:49 PM
I agree.  Too many people operate on their own agendas in Washington and the special interests are entrenched.  No one wants to make the hard decisions because it won't get them re-elected and they enjoy the perks of office.

I have looked at this problem extensively and it all comes down to laws.   You get the special interests in there creating loopholes for themselves while the rest of the country pays and no one is the wiser.  I personally would like to see a new division setup that goes and recoups taxpayers dollars, finds the missing billions and siezes the assets from companies that have robbed the system. 

But this all has to start somewhere and it is by getting people into office that will make the changes.  We generally don't know what they will do when they take office..... which is why I propose we give them marching papers.  Here - this is what you do - now do it.  Everybody knows ahead of time what the outcome will be and they can vote accordingly.  What a refreshing idea... kind of reverse government where the people make the decisions and the elected officials are just there to confirm the vote.

There are 4 or 5 major issues that can be addressed in this manner which transcend political party and affiliation.  If we don't take care of them now then the US will be the next Japan or Russia economic meltdown.... if its already not to late. 



Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: StinkerBell on February 06, 2008, 09:33:41 PM
Hire 11 homemakers for a one year term. They can not be rehired for the following year (in theory they wont be needed).
I think 11 homemakers who know how to cut the pork out and what is really important can do the job.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 07, 2008, 12:34:07 AM
...also ...I think they should all have PMS.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: StinkerBell on February 07, 2008, 12:43:21 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on February 07, 2008, 12:34:07 AM
...also ...I think they should all have PMS.

So a man can not be a homemaker? heh
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 07, 2008, 12:47:59 AM
He could but not normally thought of as one.  Women make a home -- men live in it. :)
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 07, 2008, 07:49:12 AM
In all seriousness... what can be done to fix things?

Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: StinkerBell on February 07, 2008, 11:43:10 AM
I have always thought that this country would experience another civil war in my life time.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 07, 2008, 11:53:27 AM
Complete collapse.

When the dollar is worth nothing, the elite will be out of something to steal - except gold, silver - etc.  Our government does not control the direction of the US.  They only implement policy so the looters can transfer dollars from taxpayers to their pockets.  Federal reserve prints worthless paper money that causes inflation.  Our government buys the worthless paper money and we  are stuck with paying interest on it.  Doubling our taxes still would not pay the interest.  The Federal Reserve is a private central bank.  There are 12 across our nation.  They are privately owned and the profits  go to the owners.  Not the US Treasury. 

If Congress printed the money, the people would have to approve it and we wouldn't have to pay interest on the money.  Congress and and the President would not be able to have unlimited spending as the people likely would not approve most of it for their wars.  Big business profits immensely from the wars.  Our leaders profit from big business.  Unlimited money allows them to conduct unlimited wars.  Unlimited wars translate to unlimited profit.

Quote"If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their money, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them, will deprive the people of their property until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered." - Thomas Jefferson

"The system of banking [is] a blot left in all our Constitutions, which, if not covered, will end in their destruction... I sincerely believe that banking institutions are more dangerous than standing armies; and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity... is but swindling futurity on a large scale."
- Thomas Jefferson

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. Already they have raised up a moneyed aristocracy that has set the Government at defiance. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people to whom it properly belongs."
- Thomas Jefferson

Thanks to Sassy for keeping this stuff straight.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 07, 2008, 12:54:54 PM
I am aware of this but most people are not.

Here are a couple of questions:

- If the FED is shut down, can we go after the assets of the prior owners?
- If a new dollar is created... are we obligated to pay back on federal debt backed by fed notes?
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: Sassy on February 07, 2008, 02:13:30 PM
I think we should try them all for treason & confiscate their assets!  Kinda like they did to the Liberty Dollar company - they confiscated all the gold & silver reserves & all coins - all the people who had ordered & paid for their coins were left hanging out to dry!  >:(  The private central bank is illegal according to the Constitution...  it was passed by deception...  they are raping the American people...  the voluntary IRS tax that we are bludgeoned to pay under duress & threat of imprisonment & confiscation of all properties is also highly suspect...  and in spite of all the billions of $$$$$ the gov't extorts from us, it only goes to partially pay down the interest accrued by having the private Federal Reserve bank print worthless paper money with no backing but that they can turn around & consider each billion $$ they print with nothing backing it as 10 billion $$ in assets & loan it out at even more interest  [shocked]- now if that ain't crooked, I don't know what is!  >:( >:(
I say, get that fresh rope out...   c*  heh
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 07, 2008, 02:40:25 PM
is this still not a going concern:

ttp://www.libertydollar.org/
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 07, 2008, 02:51:43 PM
Might I point out that since they are terrorizing the American citizens, then under the Patriot Act, I do not believe a trial for them is required.  They are guilty of domestic terrorism, so need no representation.

cbc, it is my belief that not just the FED, but the Federal government would also have to be dismantled as, if any attempt is made to straighten things out, get the assets of the FED owners, etc. the Federal government would declare martial law and use the police state (jack booted thugs) to protect their interests against the people.  Bush has enhanced all his powers with executive signing orders (not constitutionally legal - they bypass the judicial and legislative branchs of gov).  All he has to do is say the word.  Gulags are in place or under contract from Haliburton - by their admisson.

QuoteIf a new dollar is created... are we obligated to pay back on federal debt backed by fed notes?

That depends on if they are left in power over us.  If they are all removed and their assets seized, the only ones to pay back would be the ones who stole it from us.  I feel no obligation to pay back the mob. 

Liberty Dollar -- last I heard it was shut down and their assets confiscated.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 07, 2008, 02:55:15 PM
Looks like they are working on it.  Quote from link below.

FLASH: I am pleased to announce that we are in discussions with a noted attorney in Boise, Idaho to secure the return of the material seized by the FBI at Sunshine Mint, Fulfillment office in Evansville, printers in California and material in Asheville, North Carolina. We will announce this development asap.

Please note it now appears that we will pursue a Class Action Lawsuit. If you have any paper certificates or digital Liberty Dollars you were damaged. Please sign up for the Class Action Lawsuit at: http://www.libertydollar.org/classaction/index.php. This will also entitle you to be a Liberty Associate for FREE when we move up to the new $50 Silver Base.

http://www.libertydollar.org/ld/legal/raid.htm
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 07, 2008, 03:18:40 PM
o.k.  -- so how do we fix things? 

The US is like an aircraft carrier and can't be turned on a dime.  I am focusing on the 2008 election because of all the seats up for grabs.

Ideally what I'd like to see is a concrete list of issues to be addressed and the actual proposed legislation that will affect those issues created before the election

In other words, this movement (Reform2008) researches the problems and drafts the changes and presents them to the American people for their approval.  Once concencus is reached then candidates either commit to the changes or don't.... and if they don't... then they don't get our vote.  At the very least it brings the realities of the issues to light and increases pressure for reforms.

I don't know what to do but if anyone has any other suggestions I'd like to hear them.  We can sit here all day saying how screwed up things are but in the end they will stay that way or get worse if we don't do something about them.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: Sassy on February 07, 2008, 03:30:24 PM
DIEBOLD VOTING MACHINE KEY COPIED FROM PHOTO AT COMPANY'S OWN ONLINE STORE!
Princeton University Computer Scientists Confirm 'Secret' Key For Every Diebold Voting Machine 'Revealed' on Company Website!
[UPDATED THRICE] Shutting the Barn Door After Horse Has Left: Diebold Removes Photo, PLUS: Receives Certification for U.S. Homeland Security Contracts...NOW BAIT & SWITCH: Diebold Puts Digital Key Online Where Mechanical Key Was Previously!

Ed Note: Several important updates now added to the end of the story...

Good lord in heaven. How dumb are these guys at Diebold?! Can you believe the United States has actually entrusted them to build a security system for the original U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights?!

After everything else... now comes this.

It was revealed in the course of last summer's landmark virus hack of a Diebold touch-screen voting system at Princeton University that, incredibly, the company uses the same key to open every machine. It's also an easy key to buy at any office supply store since it's used for filing cabinets and hotel mini-bars! That is, if you're not a poll worker who already has one from the last time you worked on an election (anybody listening down there in San Diego?).  con't at link
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=4066

The "Reform 2008" website looks like a good plan in theory, but when even the voting machines are manipulated - for instance, in New York state Ron Paul wasn't even listed as one of the candidates at one of the primary sites... I'll have to find the link...
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 07, 2008, 03:32:22 PM
Complete collapse will still be required.  They control the vote also, if not through vote fraud and voting machine tampering, then through choices presented. 

The question is not which politician when voted in, will fix the problem.  It is which rotten apple do you want.  Rotten apple A, rotten apple B, or rotten apple c.

Ron Paul may be one good apple in a box of rotten apples but without good apples to work with he may not last long -- if he is even recognized.

It is a great idea, cbc, but the American people can't even agree that there is a problem.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 07, 2008, 03:46:06 PM
The first thing is to fix the vote if that is the avenue you want to pursue.  Fix it so that it cannot be tampered with.  Probably an impossible task.  Without an honest vote, all attempts at correction and reform are for nothing.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: Sassy on February 07, 2008, 04:32:25 PM
Chris, here's a good site you might be interested in - they have several suggestions in their latest newsletter...
D o w n s i z e r - D i s p a t c h There are many reasons to downsize DC. A big one, quite simply, is that Big Government hurts the economy:

    * Most government regulations do not achieve their intended purpose of protecting workers and consumers, but only create unemployment and higher prices.

    * Deficit spending causes monetary inflation, and worker's wages do not keep pace with higher prices.

    * Complicated tax laws are grossly inefficient, draining the economy of hundreds of billions in filing costs.

    * Income taxes make it harder for families to save, and for businesses to expand.

    * Every dollar the government wastes is one dollar stolen from the private sector, from the people. For example,the cost of one military helicopter used in an unnecessary war is equivalent to that of 400 cars or 10,000 laptops.


Government is not capable of managing the economy. Its options are mis-managing the economy, or leaving it alone. This means that a real economic stimulus bill would reduce the government's role in the economy. It would:

    * repeal counter-productive regulations.

    * attack inflation by curbing the government's ability to borrow and print money.

    * simplify the tax codes and cut tax rates.

    * cut wasteful spending.


Last week, the House passed the 22-page H.R. 5140 just one day after it was introduced. This "economic stimulus" bill is a fraud:

    * Instead of regulatory reform that would attract business to America and increase employment, it gives businesses some very temporary tax breaks that won't help them in the long term.

    * Instead of attacking inflation, it makes inflation worse by borrowing still more money, and counts on a temporary spending spree this summer to revive the economy. Yet the artificially-created demand will likely cause prices to rise even higher.

    * Instead of genuine tax relief and tax reform that will make the economy more productive, the people will receive a one-time handout that increases the national debt, raises the inflation tax, and increases the debt burden on future generations.

    *  No spending cuts will offset the cost of the package.


You may disagree, and believe this package will at least be a stop-gap that prevents the recession from getting worse. Even so, should a bill that adds $150 billion to the national debt be introduced and passed in just 24 hours? Shouldn't committees study it, and shouldn't the people have a chance to read it and contact Congress with their opinions?

There have been signs of a looming recession for several months - arguably, years - and Congress had all this time to prevent it. Instead, it waited until the last minute to ram through a short-sighted "emergency" bill. That's the way Congress works. And that's why we need the Read the Bills Act.

The Read the Bills Act would not just require Congress to read the bills they pass, it would also require that bills be posted on the Internet for seven days before a final vote is taken. This would give both Congress and the people time to study bills carefully before the vote. If a $150 billion borrow-and-spend bill troubles you, you would have the chance to let Congress know. They wouldn't be able to pass it in a day.

There are  no exceptions for "emergency" bills under RTBA, which means Congress could no longer wait until the last minute to "do something." They would instead have to plan ahead. With planning and feedback from the people, they are more likely to write better bills.

Please tell Congress that you object to the $150 billion the House spent in haste. Tell them that they had several months to produce a thoughtful stimulus package. And tell them they would govern better if they passed the Read the Bills Act. You can do so here.

Also, please consider adding your blog or website to the Read the Bills Act Coalition. This will spread the word about the RTBA, and you'll get a link on our blog and a mention in a Downsizer-Dispatch. Details are here.

This week, we welcome two new members to the Coalition:

Pursuit of Liberty
MPAssetProtection.com
Rich Vermillion

As further ammunition for the Read the Bills Act, we keep tract of the number and length of the bills Congress passes. Although it met for relatively few days in January, the House managed to pass 19 bills totaling 815 pages. The Senate spent most of its time in debate, but passed 3 bills totaling 607 pages. You can see the list of bills at the bottom of the blog version of this Dispatch.

Thank you for being a DC Downsizer.

James Wilson
Assistant to the President
DownsizeDC.org    http://www.DownsizeDC.org
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 07, 2008, 04:52:14 PM
tks.  i like that site. 
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: ScottA on February 07, 2008, 05:55:54 PM
The fox is in the hen house folks. The only solution is to kill the fox. After that slowly print the money to pay off the debt. At the same time force banks to raise cash reserves which would pull an equal amount of money out of circulation. End result...debt paid off, no undue inflation. Build a fox proof fence and post guards on the perimeter.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 08, 2008, 03:11:38 AM
Here is an article from Iraq War ru.

Don't expect to have your ears tickled -- the people of the world don't all love us as we think they do.  Most of these people are intellectuals.  Iranian-Shiite gets into studying our monetary system and how it got the way it is.  Syrian brings in more inf.  I popped in with a comment.  Nearly all seems factual and correct with old issues I had forgotten or not known brought to the surface.

Rated "PG 13" for occasional profanity-and non-P/C.  The information I am talking about is not the article-- it is the discussion afterward.  I can pretty well guarantee for those interested, it's a good read.  I don't know the countries of all of the contributers but they are from all over the world with some obviously from the middle east.

Funny they would care to try to understand what we do not understand ourselves.

http://iraqwar.mirror-world.ru/article/155640

Great information on how we got where we are today.
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 08, 2008, 08:03:28 AM
So back to my original question... how do we fix the system?

Looking at it like a demolision/remodeling/construction project ... what are the steps?

Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: Sassy on February 08, 2008, 12:36:28 PM
To be really honest with you Chris, there seems to be more people who wish us to be part of the New World Order - even our local public cinema has classes that involve students around the world via the internet discussing issues of globalism, everyone being one big happy family, thinking "globally"; the schools have been teaching tha philosophy for years.  Read this article entitled "Social Science for a Non-Free Society" http://www.newswithviews.com/Erica/Carle39.htm
Back in 1990 we began with the "Earth Summit" in Rio de Janeiro http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/sustdev/climate.htm - and the UN's Agenda 21 http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/agenda21/index.htm - pretty loaded with good sounding propaganda until you break it down to what they are really saying - this website does a good job of it http://www.freedom21santacruz.net/site/article.php?sid=3
We have HR 1955 being voted in by the majority of the representatives - the "Thought Police" bill called "Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007"
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1955 on top of the Patriot Act & doing away with Habeas Corpus (innocent until proven guilty)  They've done away with the "Posse Commitatus" act where now our military can enforce whatever the leaders wish - that includes Blackwater http://www.blackwaterusa.com/ a private army
We have the controlled media http://www.newswithviews.com/Kress/joe27.htm & http://www.newswithviews.com/Kincaid/cliff205.htm on "How the Media Ignores Ron Paul & Picks the Candidates"

Chris, I could go on - there's a bigger agenda here - I don't know if we can reverse what already is quickly rolling downhill.   Then you can take the viewpoint that "it is God's judgment" on a nation that has lost its way... which would require what 2Chronicles 7:14 says:  "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 

I do what I can to alert people to what I see is going on.  I write letters & send faxes to Senate & Congressional leaders & the president, I've even written letters to the editor...  I pray for our country & our leaders (even though I can't stand most of them!) 

But even if we can get people to sign promises to fulfill the mandates of the people, there is such a wide gap of viewpoints - from global warming being the main crises to people who believe it's a farce; from those who believe we should make all illegal aliens citizens to those who think they should all go back to where they came from.  From people who believe in evolution to those who believe in Creationism; those who think it is okay to kill babies in the womb "pro-choice" to those who believe that an unborn child has the same rights as any other person;  those who think we need to "share the wealth" so that we are all equal; from those who believe in a country's sovereignty to those who think that is outdated & we must become party of the global community;  those who think we need to police the world to those who believe in believe in what the founding fathers said about entangling alliances...  from those who believe in the "golden rule" to those who think we have to make pre-emptive strikes to protect ourselves against another faith... I'm sure you get the picture & are already aware of all of this... 
and the bottom line again - is if we get these people on board - what about the corrupt voting machines & voting processes?   [frus] [noidea'
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: Sassy on February 08, 2008, 03:39:28 PM
Another great article from Downsize DC

"I think the world is run by 'C' students."
-- Al McGuire
Subject: Reactive thinking vs. reflective thinking
Thousands of TV hours are devoted to elections, but issues are rarely discussed. We hear a few buzzwords like change, experience, or liberal and conservative, but these words mean so many different things to so many different people that they don't really communicate anything at all.

Elections aren't about issues. Elections are sporting events.

We gravitate to elections for the same reason we watch sports or movies. We like the competition. We like the drama. We like to keep score. We liked to see "good guys" pitted against "bad guys." It's all about the drama. It isn't about philosophy.

So the question must be asked: can elections change minds? Can elections change America's intellectual environment? We think the odds are so stacked against it as to make it almost metaphysically impossible.

Imagine a Yankees fan trying to convince a Red Sox fan that the Yankees aren't evil. The effort would be pointless, because success would remove the drama of the competition. We don't want to hear the other side's case. We want to crush them, dramatically, or if we are crushed instead, then we also want to suffer dramatically, just like we do at a horror movie or a tear jerker.

We are hardwired to love dramatic emotions. Even negative ones. How else could human beings have survived for so long, when for most of our time on Earth life has been nasty, brutal, and short? We are built to endure, and even love, drama.

Sports and movies and electoral campaigns all push the same psychological buttons. They all work on the human mind in exactly the same way. Elections put us in a mode of reactive thinking and dramatic emotion, not sober, reflective consideration.

It doesn't matter that your candidate has compelling reasons for the things he believes, his compelling reasons won't be heard. Those who most need to listen will refuse to do so because your candidate is the "bad guy" in the drama, and plays for the wrong team in the sporting event.

But these psychological factors are hardly the only problem with using an "electoral strategy" to downsize the federal government. There is also the problem of perverse economic incentives. People like Milton Friedman taught us a long time ago that coercive government grows because . . .

    * Those who receive government favors have a huge incentive to fight for their preservation, while . . .

    * The cost of those favors is spread among all taxpayers, in small amounts, giving taxpayers little incentive to fight against them

These natural incentives create an environment that favors expansive, coercive government. These incentives permeate everything, influencing what people think, how politicians behave, what government schools teach, and even what the establishment media broadcasts.

The candidate who opposes expansive, coercive government must shout above this roar, but even if he can accomplish that feat, no one will listen, because he is prejudged to be the "bad guy" in the drama, playing for the wrong team in the sporting event.

But people still try. Then the votes come in, the results are low, and everyone, especially the media, cites them as evidence that the candidate's ideas must be wrong, or even crazy, because no one supports them.

But the truth is . . .

The result was predetermined by the nature of the vehicle used to communicate the ideas. Ideas communicated by a candidate provoke reactive emotion, not reflective thought.

It really doesn't matter if there are marginal exceptions to this. Of course there are exceptions. There are always exceptions. But marginal exceptions do not establish rules. Rules are established by the bulk of the evidence. And the verdict is clear . . .

The candidate you support will not convince others to accept your ideas. Rather, convincing people to accept your ideas will lead people to support the candidates you want. The ideas must be sold first, outside the context of an electoral contest, before candidates who favor those ideas will win elections.

Indeed, if you sell your ideas broadly, to everyone, everywhere, every day, in a less reactive setting, then the candidates you want will be everywhere too, eager to march in front of the parade you have created.

But this strategic vision is itself difficult to sell, because it too may provoke reactive emotion rather than reflective thought. No one wants to hear that the electoral contest/drama/sporting event, about which they care so much, has deep inherent flaws. You may even feel this way. So how do we counter this?

All we can do is make our strategic case, and ask that you not react emotionally. Instead . . .

Reflect upon what we are saying. And learn more, because many points relative to our case cannot be made in the space we have here.
  http://www.DownsizeDC.org
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 08, 2008, 03:49:42 PM
yeah... i know it's a big mess.  half of me wants to just let everything implode and the other half wants to try and salvage what there is.   I don't know what the answer is.  what is scary is how few people actually understand what is going on.

after starting this posting I was thinking of how to get more people involved in the political process and I came up with an idea for educating and mobilizing voters.  I am calling it "Ballot Storm"  www.ballotstorm.com
I'd like to see what you'all think and if it is something you would sign up for.

the concept is to create a service where you sign up and indicate where you live, your age, what is important to you (via some selects) and then it notifies you of proposed or pending legislation that is important to you (federal, state, local ) It could also help identify candidates that fit your beliefs.  It is called "ballot storm" because it would have the abiltiy to mobilize a large number of voters to act in unison on issues.  A key part of this is would be that your information is kept confidential so you wouldn't have to worry about getting hounded by fundraisers and the like.

would you join something like that?   any other suggestions for it? 
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: Sassy on February 08, 2008, 04:00:34 PM
That sounds like it would be a useful & helpful website...  would be lots of work to manage it...  I'm glad that you are taking the initiative...  I don't know how old you are - we have 5 kids & 8 grandkids & one on the way & are concerned with what type of world they'll live in...  but ultimately, it is eternity I'm concerned with - in the meantime, I will keep trying to educate or inform people of what is happening & hopefully in some small way, make a difference... 

It seems most people on this forum have really good outlooks on life & have found ways to help their fellow man...   :)
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: Sassy on February 08, 2008, 05:02:06 PM
Here's another great site - rather than re-inventing the wheel - just work with these organizations & spread the word
http://www.givemeliberty.org/
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: cbc58 on February 09, 2008, 01:03:40 PM
Tks.  I visited that site and it appears they are being sued for promoting tax evation...

I am trying to create something more centrist that everybody can relate to as to not alienate large groups of people who may be turned off by so-called radical thinking.  I'm working on it in my part time and we shall see if anything comes of it.  I hope so.

Chris
Title: Re: A modest proposal for fixing government
Post by: glenn kangiser on March 26, 2008, 03:08:17 AM
I think someone has stumbled upon the answer.

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Quirks/2008/03/19/homeland_security_office_filled_with_feces/9759/