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This isn't happening just in USA. People in other countries too are realizing that the Parliament is barely representing them anymore, and they are there mostly

This isn't happening just in USA. People in other countries too are realizing that the Parliament is barely representing them anymore, and they are there mostly to represent themselves. Changing parties every 4 years has become more like a false choice, as the end result seems to be more or less the same, with the parties being run by more or less the same type of people. I do believe it's a system problem, though. I think our democracies or republics or whatever you want to call them are way overdue for some changes and some evolution in the way they work. Any thoughts on how that could be done? I think there ought to be some major changes, but also a lot of small ones, too.

billpatrianakos 15y ago
The major problem is that the powers that be have so ingrained themselves into our politics that nothing short of a full on violent revolution will oust them. Its no secret anymore that our representatives actually represent their own interests, not ours. I would argue that corporate interests are not what they represent. It's their own interests. The lobbies give them money, status and power. If a different suitor came along they would turn on their current lobbyist buddies in a heartbeat if they got a better offer. So right there, that needs to change. When the electorate is able to provide the representatives with more incentive to represent us than the lobbyists do only then will we get our representatives back. How do we take money out of politics? First we overturn the Citizens United ruling and end corporate personhood or at least restrict what constitutes free speech for corporations. As long as money is considered speech in politics we'll have trouble. The problem with this is that money actually can be speech. We vote with our wallet all the time. So how can we stop this without unintended side effects? Government sponsored campaigns and strict limits on contributions is probably the most common sense and easy way to do this. A system where there is a limit to campaign expenses and the government subsidizes candidates that doesn't have as much money as their opponent up to the limit is a good plan. I know some states are trying to enact policies in that vein. I hope more do and succeed.
deleted 15y ago
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billpatrianakos 15y ago

The major problem is that the powers that be have so ingrained themselves into our politics that nothing short of a full on violent revolution will oust them. Its no secret anymore that our representatives actually represent their own interests, not ours. I would argue that corporate interests are not what they represent. It's their own interests. The lobbies give them money, status and power. If a different suitor came along they would turn on their current lobbyist buddies in a heartbeat if they got a better offer. So right there, that needs to change. When the electorate is able to provide the representatives with more incentive to represent us than the lobbyists do only then will we get our representatives back. How do we take money out of politics? First we overturn the Citizens United ruling and end corporate personhood or at least restrict what constitutes free speech for corporations. As long as money is considered speech in politics we'll have trouble. The problem with this is that money actually can be speech. We vote with our wallet all the time. So how can we stop this without unintended side effects? Government sponsored campaigns and strict limits on contributions is probably the most common sense and easy way to do this. A system where there is a limit to campaign expenses and the government subsidizes candidates that doesn't have as much money as their opponent up to the limit is a good plan. I know some states are trying to enact policies in that vein. I hope more do and succeed.

deleted 15y ago

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