If the government is not irreparably broken, then how can we fix it?
Through the course of our repair posts, I’ve actually become even more convinced that the government is not irreparably broken. In fact, perhaps what’s swayed me most is the significant feedback I’ve received both publicly and privately — from those of you on the far left, far right, solidly in between — and those who are too disgusted or disillusioned to lay stake to any such position. It’s fascinating to see the agreement among you.
Term limits. Money limits. Basic respect. Several of you wholeheartedly ‘amen-ed’ those 3 suggestions. That’s a great start.
Included today, no less, are other suggestions I’ve received. Some I agree with; some I do not. But in our efforts to fix government, I think we need to give ample, outside-the-box consideration; we need to consider ways that are different than our engrained thinking. We need to listen to one another well.
In no particular order, here are other suggestions to fixing the government:
- Draw congressional districts by non-partisan commissions. Gerrymandering is the routine practice (utilized by Democrats and Republicans) of drawing voting districts in such a way as to give an unfair advantage to one party.
- Make all members of the federal government — including all members of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches — abide by the laws they promote, pass, and interpret.
- Outlaw lobbyist organizations — the organized attempt by members of the public to influence politicians or public officials.
- Don’t allow former congressmen to become lobbyists. See former Majority Leader, Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO), who has substantially profited since leaving the House, lobbying on behalf, for example, of the healthcare industry, Boeing, and even the Republic of Turkey.
- Refrain from collective bargaining with government employees, ensuring tax dollars are not part of the process.
- Reduce the percentage necessary to break a Senate filibuster. Also, add rules that allow the minority in the Senate and House to bring legislation to a vote on the floor.
- Reinforce and embrace the family as the primary, basic unit of society. We’ve lost sight of the significance and worth of family. Policy should reflect that.
- Have Senators be appointed by the Governor of each state as they used to be.
- Put term limits, also, on the Supreme Court, so that ideology doesn’t become the primary driver of a judge’s decision.
- Get the government out of our food choices. There’s no need to legislate farms nor individual food choices.
- Don’t allow (as Benjamin Franklin forewarned) a permanent, salaried ruling class. We may have reached the tipping point on this. Our bureaucrats have become bloated and permanent.
- Follow the Ten Commandments. They are basic rules that everyone can abide by. Throwing them out of our courtrooms and classrooms has led to a country that is challenged in giving God basic respect.
- Adopt a balanced budget amendment. We differ on how to spend our money — fine. But we cannot sustain spending more than we have.
- Encourage and allow states’ rights. If states desire a different set of laws, allow even for succession.
- Eliminate political parties. Senators and Representatives should serve and represent those who elected them — not be bound to party politics.
- Eliminate the Electoral College. Let the popular vote decide the presidential election.
- Eliminate tax exemptions for corporations that contribute to politicians, wherein the politicians offer favors in return.
- Limit immigration, so as not to build a majority of people dependent on government assistance.
- Care for “the least of these,” but don’t simply adopt policy that increases “the least.”
- Legislate according to the Constitution.
- Embrace the Constitution.
- And if all else fails, revolt. Not with might nor militia — more a peaceful but strong revolution. We the people need to stand up and say, “We’re not going to take this anymore. We refuse to be governed in such an unethical, irresponsible way.”
Good ideas. Now what to do…
Respectfully,
AR