The Constitution lists only three qualifications for the Presidency — the President must be at least 35 years of age, be a natural born citizen, and must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. The Framers of the Constitution gave us the bare minimum for qualifying.
WHY on Earth would we put someone in the most important position in the country without being vetted?
I think most Americans would agree that we should require any and all Presidential candidates to have CREDIBILITY,
Congressional Experience, a clean track record,trustworthiness and moral standards. These are just a few of the most important requirements to be in the most important job in our country. Our future depends on it!
Let’s hold our elected officials accountable to make sure Presidential candidates are worthy of the position!
I am compelled to remind people of one simple fact. Together, the American people have elected good presidents. We did NOT elect George W. Bush. We did NOT elect Donald Trump. The electoral college put these two men in the white house - NOT us.
We need a constitutional amendment, abolishing the electoral college.
The filibuster is not in the constitution but is a Senate "rule". It does not require an amendment to get rid of it.
The essential problem with the filibuster derives from the minoritarian nature of the Senate, itself. The Senate must be either dramatically reformulated or done away with. This does require an amendment.
The House has become minoritarian as well due to gerrymandering. Gerrymandering needs to be gone. This does not require an amendment; however, an amendment would prevent the all too frequent on again off again villainy by the SCOTUS and state legislators that we see on so many issues.
I agree with this, and also think states should not be involved in drawing congressional districts. The districts should be neutrally drawn based on population count. A computer could do it.
Both the filibuster and the electoral college are destroying our democracy. The filibuster makes legislating too cumbersome by allowing indecision to rule over action. A capable legislator should be able to vote yes/no in fair representation of his/her constituency. "Maybe" or "no vote" should not be an option in the real world. The electoral college is a decision avoidance mechanism that insults the integrity of popular elections. The results of an accurate popular vote is sufficient and impressive to declare a winner. I have read the Popular Vote Interstate Compact which solves nothing by continuing to recognize the existence of an electoral college. We have witnessed the disaster of inaccurate outcomes in the 2000 and 2016 elections and yet we timidly stand by to allow this bullshit system to continue to insult the American voter. The Electoral College should be abandoned. Failure to do so will result in the realization by voters that Citizen's United, the corrupt lobby for profit influence on Congress, the Electoral College and the filibuster all combine to render popular voting a meaningless exercise. It may not be a revolution when people no longer care to vote but it will be the end of our democracy.
Although it would be great to eliminate the Electoral College, it would take a Constitutional Amendment and the kind of Democratic control of both houses of Congress and the Presidency that we never get. Liberals also tend not to vote in the mid-terms and if it wasn't for the Dobbs decision there would likely be a new influx of Republicans in this mid-term. Republicans would never, ever join in such an amendment. They like winning without the popular majority. So doing what you suggest becomes an impossibility and that is why the Popular Vote Interstate Compact is so important. It creates an end run around the un-democratic Electoral College. Perhaps if we can get enough states to join and make the Electoral College useless, it may be easier to amend the Constitution and get rid of it then, but till then...forget it.
The filibuster is equally un-democratic. It forces the majority to accept minority control. What is infuriating about it is that it is only a rule in the Senate and easily gotten rid of. Why Biden can't see how limiting it is is beyond me. It does not allow any progressive movement while at the same time allowing what Republicans want. Military spending, trade agreements, arms sales, budget resolution, executive branch regulations removal, Supreme Court Justices, and conservatism, meaning nothing progressive changing. That is what they want. If it is eliminated it is true that the Republicans would more easily pass their agregious and draconian measures as we would be able to. But they would only be able to do so half the time as we would be able to. That is better than not getting anything ever and we would be able to change things back again when the tide shifts. I cannot think of a better way of affecting the voters when they see the kind of nonsense they seek to pass.
Could they eliminate Social Security? Possibly, but imagine the political consequences if they even tried it. They can change the rules too when they get a majority and it is in their best interest as they did to allow themselves the ability to install Supreme Court justices. Look where we are now. That is what happens when you allow them to change the rules when they want and to be afraid to do so yourself. There is nothing to impede them from changing the rules when it suits them.
no. the electoral college system has to stay and will stay.
it will stay because to change it would require a constitution al amendment, which requires 28 states to ratify. which obviously isn't going to happen since ratifying it will disenfranchise the smaller states, and there is no way on earth that they are going to go for that.
the purpose or the EC is to ensure that the smaller states would not be bulldozed by the democratic votes of the large cities. it has nothing at all to do with slavery or the protection of it.
as for this shibboleth of the 'popular vote', that is nonsense. the entire purpose and design of our republican system is to defuse the dangers of the 'popular vote'. for example, today immigration is a topic de jure. most illegal aliens migrate to the larger cities. where, if you had your way , they would become citizens and be allowed to vote.
so, why on earth would a voter in , say Idaho, or Wyoming, or Rhode island, have their vote be equivalated to that of a recent immigrant for Honduras or Nigeria, in the determination of their land use, or any other policy affecting their regional situation by someone who just came here, and never was in Idaho, Wyoming or Rhode island.
this is the purpose of the EC system and why it is going to stay, as long as our republic endures.
James, the amendment process was included in the constitution for the purpose of changing any part of it. While it is very difficult to get 2/3rds of the states to agree, that is how it's done.
The recent Supreme Court decision on abortion is testing the court in ways it never faced before. Basically its legitimacy is being tested, which means it has lost legitimacy, which means it is losing power. The SC can only go so far, before they are too weak to uphold the law, let alone the constitution. Maybe, just maybe, the now weakened court makes this a good time to start pushing the process of abolishing the electoral college.
Do you mean the Supreme Court? For “South Carolina is too small for a republic and too large for an insane asylum.” ― James L. Petigru. Born in Abbeville District, South Carolina on May 10, 1789
I think Keiths' amendment proposal (a concept PROVEN by the former president and current traitor) and the abolishment of the electoral college should BOTH be enacted as amendments to our Constitution. In this way, qualified candidates chosen by the majority of Americans would be elected. Gerrymandering must also be done away with to prevent putting "a finger on the scale" of the state and local outcome of elections. And Laurie is correct that the filibuster should also be abolished. So, write or call your Representatives and Senators, people, and make a lot of constructive noise!! And vote out those of bad faith who have no place in our government.
why shouild states with essentially NO populace determine who will lead the nation simply because they have been given given carte blanche by a construct held over for them from the civil war and reconstruction?
Actually, I agree with paper ballots but that means mandating the states all use paper ballots. Despite the complaints from the Republicans about the computer balloting, they would be the first to block such a measure. After all, they would no longer be able to claim computer fraud to contest free and fair elections.
As for the EC the opposite is true now and honestly, there would not be any choice in the matter, just as there is none now.
What makes you think that recent immigrants are voting if they are illegal? If they are legal they have every right to vote, they have become citizens and have equal protection under the law. Do the land use policies that you speak of in Idaho, Wyoming, or North Dakota include global warming denial?
Why would they? If a STATE has a need, why would that necessarily be a matter for FED legislation in the first place? And why would a NY Rep object to a land use policy in Wyoming?
I get your point, but I think you've set up a straw man (or a bogeyman), and that's not a good reason to avoid discussion of an important racist and minority-controlling institution.
One citizen, one vote.
While we're at it, Congress MUST neuter Citizens United.
In order to neuter CU, one must eliminate the SCOTUS decisions that created the foundation for it: Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad, Buckley v. Valeo, First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti seem to be the primary foundation. That requires either a sweeping, antagonistic SCOTUS decision undoing that whole structure (will never happen) or a constitutional amendment (very difficult and lengthy process).
There is a proposed amendment in Congress to do that and that would do all of that (HJ Res 48).
There are several that would do parts of it. And there is one or two that would actually make matters even worse (HJ Res 1, for example, would make anything any state passes in correcting CU or in expanding CU constitutionally valid and make nothing challengeable in court, thereby creating a crazy quilt of contradictory laws, much like we currently have and will see only get worse for abortion and voting rights, etc).
Corporations are not people in the first place. CU and other rulings/laws under "free speech" gives a lot of weight to voices that have money. That is wrong. Given the state of our system and the vulnerability of voters, and sadly, the corruptibility of politicians this is another corruption of our democracy. It abuses the first amendment, broadens it in fact when the SCOTUS refused to broaden the meaning of the Constitution, Constitutional amendment/s regarding a right to abortion. It's another way for money interests to partner with other GOP goals to grab and hold power for the minority. It's "corporatism".
Expanding the court after getting a strong Democratic majority would work to overturn CU.
We have a way to go to make this country truly of the people, by the people and for the people.
A NYRep could object if it was federal lands....drillling,cattle grazing, and other usage for instance. It's OUR land. Land management agencies manage this and the Federal Government has the say, not the state. You must look to whatever the CURRENT US administration is allowing as to how it is managed. We have been though this controversy... "drill baby drill"... Sarah Palin.
Voters do not have equal weight in our federal system either.
Agree about Citizens United but good luck with that given the current Supreme Court and the obstructionist Congress.
Ah, yes, fed. lands. Would a NY Rep's position be dispositive? Idk.
Imo what people here are angling toward is one person, one vote, and doing away with anti-democratic institutions. I'm on board with that. Also with reining in Senatorial tyranny and minority rule.
Recent immigrants cannot vote. To vote you must be a citizen and have lived in the country at least three years. To become a naturalized citizen an immigrant must demonstrate an understanding of the US government and history, and an oath of allegiance must be taken.
We all should take part in stewardship of the lands of the United States. The lands belong to the entire society, not just to the people who decided to put down stakes there. Exploitation has to be removed from decisions about land use.
Yes, James, I do. This land is ultimately the property of the society. It is the society that invented the idea of deeds and real estate, etc., and ultimately you have to realize, and I have to realize, that a deed is only as strong as the society that set up the system. You start from that, and try to reason it out for yourself.
Our entire society has a vital and primary interest in the health of the land, and in its use or protection from use and abuse. It has a primary interest in conserving healthy ecosystems, in not poisoning or polluting the land, in ensuring its enduring value for future generations and not destroying its future value for the whims and greed of a current generation.
This is not even an opinion. It’s just a fundamental fact. If you ponder it, you will realize that you, your dog, the birds around you, everything that is part of the environment, is at the mercy of the human society that currently dominates this land. This sort of thing hardly was true in the distant past when humans were not so numerous and our technology so potentially destructive. But now …
You had better hope that the society that issued the deed that says you “own” a little piece of this planet endures at least as long as you do. If it doesn’t, your piece of paper is worthless.
But that’s neither here nor there with respect to this question on whether other members of the society have as much say and interest as you have (just because of where you happen to be standing) in the condition, health and conservation of the land around you.
Raffey, you are right about the electoral college, what a stupid wasteful thing. I believe those who proposed it knew it but their slavery brains couldn't imagine a government they couldn't control the way they controlled their property.
Actually it was the Florida Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court with Sandra Day O’Connor’s vote that gave GWB the presidency with just a difference of 534 votes. Al Gore disagreed with the decisions but accepted them. How times have changed. Now there is to be rioting in the streets if Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has his way! He should be indicted for those comments alone!
If I could give this comment multiple hearts, I would! THIS IS SO-O true! Maybe not in the future the way changes to education are going on, but notably true so far!
Then there is the problem of majority rule. Trump WAS elected by the rich and those who wanto be or identify with the rich. Bush was elected by the supreme court.
Sometimes I wish the blue states would secede from the Union (but keep the keys to the nuclear weapons.) I think if those blow-hard red states really had to manage without our collective wealth, technology, arts, universities, awesome cities and shores, they would soon stop whining.
We need to 'vet' our voters too! More teaching of civics and economics, so the voters are not ignorant and easily misled. Just basic things about the rule of law, and how it can ensure freedom and Democracy.
Laurie, serious civics classes for every student, perhaps at 2 different times during their K-12 education would be a good start. Then, making sure every student is registered to vote when they turn 18 would help too. They did that for several years at the high school where I taught and the students loved it. They took buses to the county courthouse several times during the year as they turned 18. The kids actually dressed up and thought it was a big deal. Some parents even came along as chaperones and registered too. I don't know if they are still doing it because COVID intervened and I retired last year. I would love to see that all over the country, then followed by getting the students to investigate the various candidates and offices they are running for.
When I went to highschool, graduating class of 1960, we were required to take 4 years of history and pass the classes as a requirement of graduating. This is no longer the case. Civics and history should be mandatory. Young people are woefully under educated in these areas. They have no idea how our country works.
Sad, yet so very true! I taught 8th grade for 44 years and found that the 2nd half of my career had my students so very ignorant of the basics of government and civics...and the last 8-10 years presented me with parents who were even more ignorant of the information. Add growing cynicism and disrespect for the rule of law and the Constitution, and you have the mess we're in now.
You just described why we have an ignorant populace of younger people. We don’t need to teach more STEM classes. It’s history and civics that will make good citizens. Those should be mandatory and, as Anne says, taught at every level as they once were.
Exactly. It’s no mistake replacing and eliminating the most important subjects students need to guide their citizenships throughout their lives have been and are being shelved. History and civics!
High school history (class of 69) skipped over anything that didn't show America as gleamingly perfect. I was in my 20s when I first heard about Japanese internment camps and was shocked and horrified. A real eye opener about America the Beautiful! Over the years, have learned much of what else was missing from my education and much of it is ugly and obscene. 😳
I read much more than I used to because I have time to now that I’m retired. I just found out about Tulsa last year! Never heard anything about it in my 12 + grades in school. I wonder how much more of our history has been hidden?
Cheryl, I have a BA in Poli Sci with a minor in US History from very liberal SFSU, class of1969. I NEVER once heard of, nor read about, the Japanese CONCENTRATION camps during my five years of study at SFSU! I learned from a neighbor two doors up, my parents' best friends who lived the nightmare. I also NEVER heard word one about the destruction of "Black Wall Street" in Oklahoma, nor the "Zoot-Suit Police Riots" in LA. Only because OUR history, ALL of it, is of great interest and importance to me, have I had to tenaciously "dig deep" to discover it and therefore use it in my own classes when I taught. Many, many "skeletons in the American closet"!
Cheryl P. I was in my 70's when I saw the story of 'Black Wall Street' in Tulsa, about an entire section of the city's affluent and successful Black community's businesses and homes set on fire and the Blacks in the community attacked and many were murdered. I lived in the civil rights era and thought I knew about most of the Black history (So I thought!).
That is a wonderful post! Also a retired educator. I watched them gut education in PA for no good reason. I retired 6 years ago. My working friends tell me it was a total disaster during COVID. The lack of preparedness still flabbergasts me. As unforeseen as COVID was, you mean they had no disaster plans? None that I was aware of. By design? Republicans Smucklicans.
I have to disagree. If public education is gutted from the state level down, there is a very good reason from the pov of the people doing the gutting: An informed citizenry is antithetical to special interests.
True. People have the power to change how they’re governed, for now. PA was deeply gerrymandered to the benefit of republicans. The state Supreme Court ordered the map redrawn after refusal by the hard right conservatives. This new map was not as helpful in 2020 as hoped, however, there is a sizable shift to favor democratic policies in PA. Ultimately, the R’s are done. The return of abortion rights to states put them in a coffin. Anything after that are the nails.
I had a civics class in 9th grade. Our teacher made it mandatory to read 1984. He was a WWII vet and he wanted us to remember what the world would look like under a fascist regime. We also had to write a book report and discuss it in class.
If you haven't seen "V for Vendetta," treat yourself. It's closer to what we've personally witnessed these days, and the kind of regime the MAGA-wankers would support. The story is good enough, but the >setting< is - to my mind - much more important.
I loved that movie! And I agree we are headed that way. And the concept behind "V" is what we need to be. Trump is trying to scare us with his rhetoric about bad things happening. I live 30miles outside the closest city. I have a sign on my gate "No Trespassing. I have a weapons and a Backhoe. " Not that I am anti-social, but I am not going to put up with radical right wing nut job. I live in a SUPER RED STATE. I also have a bumper sticker that says "Tuck Frump". :-)
Also, I agree with you. Exercise your 2nd Amendment rights. You're just as likely to need it for self defense against those claiming to keep them for self defense as any other kind of desperado. I'm aware my view on that is >probably< unpopular in this forum, but there it is. Like the question at the end of the movie asks about what will happen next, and the nominal "hero" - the detective, not V, who is a perfect anti-hero - begins his reverie with: "What always happens when unarmed protesters are confronted by an armed mob." (I've taken a bit of liberty with that quote. Actually, I think it's armed soldiers. I need to review the flick for a proper quote.)
If you get a chance, pick up a copy of the original graphic novel. The contrast is breathtaking. In the movie, V is heroic. In the original graphic novel, he is quite something else, and the story isn't particularly enjoyable. I couldn't help noticing the parallel role of the epidemic in the movie with what we've been through. Notice also, that theocracy in charge of things in the movie predicts what the MAGA-publicans are all about - and that was a projection for Britain!
I am glad that there were only Presidents that were installed as a result of the decision of the Electoral College. The Electoral College should be neutral and try to elect the best candidate to become the president. If they can’t do that then it would be better to let them go since the people have already elected their choice and that should be it.
James, most states no longer require a civics or government class. They have 2 years of US history which usually has only a glancing pass through the Constitutional era in favor of all the wars, the interesting stuff, you know. I used to give each of my students a pocket Constitution and Declaration which we would read from periodically and discuss. They especially liked reading the amendments and why each one was proposed and passed. I don't know if any of them still have the books, but I hope so.
#1) Yeah, I'm against cathode ray tubes as well. Stop CRT's! Go, LED's!
#2) What you got against baloney? It's one of the celebrated foods of my people. Didn't you see the movie, "Yokels in the Mist?" We, the People of the Trailer, are a shy and sensitive type. HA!
#3) I didn't know that baloney gender was a controversial issue. I watched that movie about Oscar Meyer, too. No indoctrination there.
#4) Like minded people like to like like minded people. I think I think, therefore I think I am.
and therein lies the rub and bane of this experiment...if you educate people and tell them of things oh I dont know like the evolution of race, slavery CRT and how it fostered anguish and hatred amongst the peoples of the nation perhaps they would understand and appreciate more of things...like eqquality and democracy. call it a fun fact
dude, i am genuine , real, 12th generation American, tri racial 'PoC' (formerly 'colored')
who has actually experienced 'racial discrimination' and 'prejudice' and guess what?... the US is , was, and should still be, the greatest place on the f'ing planet for literally everyone until the crypto Marxists took control of the levers of power.
The heart won’t light up❣️A few years ago our high school civics teacher got his class completely engaged and pointed out that even as students they could influence events. His taught one of the in person classes (before Covid). The students hated a tv class taught by someone in another state who just sat in front of the tv and read. About 15 of them attended the school board meeting and they all signed up to speak. They were articulate and honest in describing the complete waste of time the tv class inflicted on them. It was televised by a woman who films public forums. The kids got a big round of applause. The teacher was sanctioned for suggesting they do this, criticized for having “gone around the lines of communication.” He should have been praised.
Civics, economics and HISTORY... all of our history, and in particular Black history. We are where we were pre-Civil War, following (in response to) Reconstruction and during (in revolt of) the Civil Rights movement= A backlash to expanding the franchise of Democracy. the same tactics are just being repeated- mislead an uninformed electorate, divide the voting power of the electorate in addition to preventing or nullifying the votes of certain segments of the population that are marginalized and are seeking access to the franchise, use threats and violence (terrorism) and if lying, cheating, stealing and killing fails, just end the game... take my ball and go home with it so no one can play, no one wins. End Democracy.
fyiurban ; I found this in my local paper. ; "The deep dysfunction that enabled the abortion ban, elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to address climate change, and elevation of gun rights beyond all others have imperiled the preamble's promise to secure "The blessings of Liberty for ourselves and our posterity." The deep dysfunction that enabled these decisions stems from three impediments to democracy embedded in the Constitution since 1787. The U. S. Senate, The Electoral College, and the state legislature's control over voting rights.
All three were deliberately designed by the framers to blunt threats to the interests of men of property, including slaveholders, from democracy. Excerpt from an article in The Daily Hampshire Gazette 9/13/2022 by Bruce Miller, professor emeritus ; Western New England University School of Law. Westfield, M.A.
Article entitled : Can we fix our Undemocratic Constitution?
Noting has changed!!! The 'men of property' are today's billionaires and corporate interests that still have the most wealth/power. They continue to influence policy that helps them retain or gain, more wealth/power. They still manipulate us into fighting/blaming each other or some random boogeyman, in an effort to prevent us from realizing who actually has a thumb on the scale to satisfy their selfishness/greed. They still manipulate voters to build paradoxical (example- so called 'evangelical christians" in coalitions with white nationalists/supremacist) coalitions that serve the interest of the wealthy/powerful at the detriment of their own interest!
fyiurban ; This is not the entire article ; I wanted to share the part that lists the 3 things that prevent functioning of our Democratic form of government, and prevent it from improving. I know that the very wealthy buy our votes by 'donating' to our representatives' campaigns. Citizens United is what happens when even the highest court is corrupted when installed by the moneyed interests. Naming our problems could help us begin to educate others and solve these serious problems. Unlimited money, even 'dark' money is killing this experiment in 'self rule', or Democracy. The Republican owned media lie to us about inflation , for example ; suggesting that increased labor costs somehow are to blame. While viewing many 'news' programs on mainstream media, and reading the newspapers, not a single source talks about the greatly increased profit margins of corporations. The 1% tax just implemented on stock buybacks is not enough to solve the problem. Nothing but a 'figleaf'.
White men of Property still utilize those 3 things, primarily via bought Republican politicians (and some democrats). They still facilitate minority rule as they were designed to. Overcoming them requires a super-majority of voters coming together and using our power-in-numbers. But they know this, and continue to successfully divide and conquer us- fighting among each other for crumbs (trickle down) and blaming everyone/thing accept the right one/thing, all by design. Designed to keep us from understanding what and who the root of the problem is- men of property aka billionaires and corporate interests.
Have you ever looked at the application requirements for Naturalization? I just did, and imo a lot of it is hogwash unless the answers are fact-checked. There's a looong form (N-400) to fill out -- it's quite "interesting."
Here's my favorite question -- imo it supports your idea that everyone needs to follow the process. § 12, Additional Information About You (Person Applying for Naturalization), Q. 11: "Have you EVER advocated (either directly or indirectly) the overthrow of any government by force or violence?"
I'd like to hear TFG's explanation of his "No" reply if questioned about Jan. 6.
Civics education is required in the public schools in every state, with required civics classes in 39 states; elsewhere, the subject is integrated across other social studies classes. The problem is in legislative agendas which pressure schools to focus on math and reading test scores, and which dictate what can/should be taught about civics.
No, much more than a literacy test. Actual knowledge.
I don't know how to balance the responsibility of voting with the idea that everyone should get a vote and that all votes are equal. I don't think that someone who doesn't know what they are voting for, who votes because they were paid to vote a certain way, who votes based on lies and doesn't care, who will not accept the results, who doesn't understand the job of the position they are voting for, is really benefiting democracy. I'm guilty of that myself. I vote straight down the ticket and for many of the down ballot positions I don't have any knowledge of the candidate or the job. I don't think it makes any sense that this is the way these government positions are filled, by people like myself who are ignorant, didn't do any research, and are automatons.
IMHO if people were required to know about the candidates and the jobs, we wouldn't need to worry so much about money in politics. As it is now one of the most reported item in campaigns is who raised the most money which is another way of saying who will have the most prevalent propaganda, lie the most, but the most votes. People make decisions on our govt.. with less information than we do as consumers. There are no consumer protection laws in elections. No warning labels, no list of ingredients. And no option to return the item for a refund or exchange or the right for a class action.
DK Brooklyn ; In some places, people actually sell their votes There was a story a couple years ago about that. It involved a candidate running for office in a Southern state. His own son testified against him. The cheating Pol was crying publicly. Sad!
ShirleyD ; Absolutely not! I would hope that these things could be taught in high schools, as student's minds and worldviews are developing. Critical thinking skills in evaluating media would be in there, too.
Literacy tests, I have read, we're often filled with questions that would stymie certain groups who faced questions that would only have answers that white people would know.
Retired educator here. I had to sneak civics in to my lessons every now and then because cuts to education were so deep in the early ‘00. All history/civics/Am Gov/ classes were cut to a 4-1/2 week course for 7th graders only. In ‘08 Gov Tom Corbett-PA, one of our recent 1 term R governors, set out to snarl education funding for years. High school had World History but not the plethora of American academia offered in my high school years. I will praise him on his gasoline tax for roads and interstates. We have the highest gas tax in the country, but I don’t mind. The improvements have been vast and I can see my tax dollars working.
Constitution Amendment Proposal
The Constitution lists only three qualifications for the Presidency — the President must be at least 35 years of age, be a natural born citizen, and must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. The Framers of the Constitution gave us the bare minimum for qualifying.
WHY on Earth would we put someone in the most important position in the country without being vetted?
I think most Americans would agree that we should require any and all Presidential candidates to have CREDIBILITY,
Congressional Experience, a clean track record,trustworthiness and moral standards. These are just a few of the most important requirements to be in the most important job in our country. Our future depends on it!
Let’s hold our elected officials accountable to make sure Presidential candidates are worthy of the position!
I am compelled to remind people of one simple fact. Together, the American people have elected good presidents. We did NOT elect George W. Bush. We did NOT elect Donald Trump. The electoral college put these two men in the white house - NOT us.
We need a constitutional amendment, abolishing the electoral college.
Add the filibuster!
The filibuster is not in the constitution but is a Senate "rule". It does not require an amendment to get rid of it.
The essential problem with the filibuster derives from the minoritarian nature of the Senate, itself. The Senate must be either dramatically reformulated or done away with. This does require an amendment.
The House has become minoritarian as well due to gerrymandering. Gerrymandering needs to be gone. This does not require an amendment; however, an amendment would prevent the all too frequent on again off again villainy by the SCOTUS and state legislators that we see on so many issues.
I agree with this, and also think states should not be involved in drawing congressional districts. The districts should be neutrally drawn based on population count. A computer could do it.
Judith Johnson ; Good idea!
Abolish the Senate!
Also just rules.
Yup.
In order to get there, need to win the midterms. Database of unregistered women, Contact, Mervis Reissig
merv4peace@gmail.com
Consider the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, Sixteen jurisdictions have signed on, pledging to assign their Electoral College votes to the popular winner once enough other states have also signed on, so that together those states have enough electoral votes to guarantee the popular winner— states controlling at least 270 electoral votes. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact#:~:text=The%20National%20Popular%20Vote%20Interstate,and%20the%20District%20of%20Columbia.
Incremental progress is fine with me, as long as we remember the long-term goal is eliminating the electoral college forever. :)
Been a part of the National Popular Vote movement for many years. Thanks Daniel for bringing forth this!
Both the filibuster and the electoral college are destroying our democracy. The filibuster makes legislating too cumbersome by allowing indecision to rule over action. A capable legislator should be able to vote yes/no in fair representation of his/her constituency. "Maybe" or "no vote" should not be an option in the real world. The electoral college is a decision avoidance mechanism that insults the integrity of popular elections. The results of an accurate popular vote is sufficient and impressive to declare a winner. I have read the Popular Vote Interstate Compact which solves nothing by continuing to recognize the existence of an electoral college. We have witnessed the disaster of inaccurate outcomes in the 2000 and 2016 elections and yet we timidly stand by to allow this bullshit system to continue to insult the American voter. The Electoral College should be abandoned. Failure to do so will result in the realization by voters that Citizen's United, the corrupt lobby for profit influence on Congress, the Electoral College and the filibuster all combine to render popular voting a meaningless exercise. It may not be a revolution when people no longer care to vote but it will be the end of our democracy.
Simply win the midterms. FLIP four Senate races in Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Although it would be great to eliminate the Electoral College, it would take a Constitutional Amendment and the kind of Democratic control of both houses of Congress and the Presidency that we never get. Liberals also tend not to vote in the mid-terms and if it wasn't for the Dobbs decision there would likely be a new influx of Republicans in this mid-term. Republicans would never, ever join in such an amendment. They like winning without the popular majority. So doing what you suggest becomes an impossibility and that is why the Popular Vote Interstate Compact is so important. It creates an end run around the un-democratic Electoral College. Perhaps if we can get enough states to join and make the Electoral College useless, it may be easier to amend the Constitution and get rid of it then, but till then...forget it.
The filibuster is equally un-democratic. It forces the majority to accept minority control. What is infuriating about it is that it is only a rule in the Senate and easily gotten rid of. Why Biden can't see how limiting it is is beyond me. It does not allow any progressive movement while at the same time allowing what Republicans want. Military spending, trade agreements, arms sales, budget resolution, executive branch regulations removal, Supreme Court Justices, and conservatism, meaning nothing progressive changing. That is what they want. If it is eliminated it is true that the Republicans would more easily pass their agregious and draconian measures as we would be able to. But they would only be able to do so half the time as we would be able to. That is better than not getting anything ever and we would be able to change things back again when the tide shifts. I cannot think of a better way of affecting the voters when they see the kind of nonsense they seek to pass.
Could they eliminate Social Security? Possibly, but imagine the political consequences if they even tried it. They can change the rules too when they get a majority and it is in their best interest as they did to allow themselves the ability to install Supreme Court justices. Look where we are now. That is what happens when you allow them to change the rules when they want and to be afraid to do so yourself. There is nothing to impede them from changing the rules when it suits them.
no. the electoral college system has to stay and will stay.
it will stay because to change it would require a constitution al amendment, which requires 28 states to ratify. which obviously isn't going to happen since ratifying it will disenfranchise the smaller states, and there is no way on earth that they are going to go for that.
the purpose or the EC is to ensure that the smaller states would not be bulldozed by the democratic votes of the large cities. it has nothing at all to do with slavery or the protection of it.
as for this shibboleth of the 'popular vote', that is nonsense. the entire purpose and design of our republican system is to defuse the dangers of the 'popular vote'. for example, today immigration is a topic de jure. most illegal aliens migrate to the larger cities. where, if you had your way , they would become citizens and be allowed to vote.
so, why on earth would a voter in , say Idaho, or Wyoming, or Rhode island, have their vote be equivalated to that of a recent immigrant for Honduras or Nigeria, in the determination of their land use, or any other policy affecting their regional situation by someone who just came here, and never was in Idaho, Wyoming or Rhode island.
this is the purpose of the EC system and why it is going to stay, as long as our republic endures.
Tried to like but couldn't. Excellent post.
If you refresh (reload) your page you should be able to ❤️
still need education, though -- Don't count on all women to be voting for their best interests.....Look around at the churches!
I know several women who are loyal church going members who have had abortions. Quietly though. Hope they remember those times.
Love that idea but how to get stupid states like AZ to pull that one off?
Good point, the peerless in vacuous idiocy State of the union, would present problems, as would a few others with unctuous derps as denizens!
Thank you!!
this compact , if ever enacted, has zero chance of passing SC constitutional review. stop wasting our time.
James, the amendment process was included in the constitution for the purpose of changing any part of it. While it is very difficult to get 2/3rds of the states to agree, that is how it's done.
The recent Supreme Court decision on abortion is testing the court in ways it never faced before. Basically its legitimacy is being tested, which means it has lost legitimacy, which means it is losing power. The SC can only go so far, before they are too weak to uphold the law, let alone the constitution. Maybe, just maybe, the now weakened court makes this a good time to start pushing the process of abolishing the electoral college.
Do you mean the Supreme Court? For “South Carolina is too small for a republic and too large for an insane asylum.” ― James L. Petigru. Born in Abbeville District, South Carolina on May 10, 1789
Says the Constitutional law expert.
Making demands and insults, as in your next comment, are hallmarks of a Troll. Are you trolling or do you have a legitimate argument for discussion?
Why would South Carolina be needed to sign on?
Let’s throw the “Fed” into the mix as well!
I think Keiths' amendment proposal (a concept PROVEN by the former president and current traitor) and the abolishment of the electoral college should BOTH be enacted as amendments to our Constitution. In this way, qualified candidates chosen by the majority of Americans would be elected. Gerrymandering must also be done away with to prevent putting "a finger on the scale" of the state and local outcome of elections. And Laurie is correct that the filibuster should also be abolished. So, write or call your Representatives and Senators, people, and make a lot of constructive noise!! And vote out those of bad faith who have no place in our government.
Also write to the President. He is blocking the elimination of the filibuster too.
no. what we need is an constitutional amendment mandating only paper ballots, that can be preserved and used for federal elections.
and as for getting rid of the EC.... can states that might disagree with allowing NYC, LA, and Chicago to rule the nation, secede if it happens?
why should a recent immigrant living in NYC have a preponderate say in land use policies in, say, Idaho, or Wyoming or North Dakota?
why shouild states with essentially NO populace determine who will lead the nation simply because they have been given given carte blanche by a construct held over for them from the civil war and reconstruction?
because they live there, and are part of the 'union' of equal states.
It's not equal. Those citizens are over-represented by virtue of their getting the same two-senator representation as more densely populated states.
Actually, I agree with paper ballots but that means mandating the states all use paper ballots. Despite the complaints from the Republicans about the computer balloting, they would be the first to block such a measure. After all, they would no longer be able to claim computer fraud to contest free and fair elections.
As for the EC the opposite is true now and honestly, there would not be any choice in the matter, just as there is none now.
What makes you think that recent immigrants are voting if they are illegal? If they are legal they have every right to vote, they have become citizens and have equal protection under the law. Do the land use policies that you speak of in Idaho, Wyoming, or North Dakota include global warming denial?
-Forget about a constitutional amendment for what we need even more. We have no consensus for that.
-The fact is the smaller states have more of a say and do rule the nation!! We have minority rule.
-Recent immigrants do not vote.
Why would they? If a STATE has a need, why would that necessarily be a matter for FED legislation in the first place? And why would a NY Rep object to a land use policy in Wyoming?
I get your point, but I think you've set up a straw man (or a bogeyman), and that's not a good reason to avoid discussion of an important racist and minority-controlling institution.
One citizen, one vote.
While we're at it, Congress MUST neuter Citizens United.
In order to neuter CU, one must eliminate the SCOTUS decisions that created the foundation for it: Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad, Buckley v. Valeo, First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti seem to be the primary foundation. That requires either a sweeping, antagonistic SCOTUS decision undoing that whole structure (will never happen) or a constitutional amendment (very difficult and lengthy process).
There is a proposed amendment in Congress to do that and that would do all of that (HJ Res 48).
There are several that would do parts of it. And there is one or two that would actually make matters even worse (HJ Res 1, for example, would make anything any state passes in correcting CU or in expanding CU constitutionally valid and make nothing challengeable in court, thereby creating a crazy quilt of contradictory laws, much like we currently have and will see only get worse for abortion and voting rights, etc).
Corporations are not people in the first place. CU and other rulings/laws under "free speech" gives a lot of weight to voices that have money. That is wrong. Given the state of our system and the vulnerability of voters, and sadly, the corruptibility of politicians this is another corruption of our democracy. It abuses the first amendment, broadens it in fact when the SCOTUS refused to broaden the meaning of the Constitution, Constitutional amendment/s regarding a right to abortion. It's another way for money interests to partner with other GOP goals to grab and hold power for the minority. It's "corporatism".
Expanding the court after getting a strong Democratic majority would work to overturn CU.
We have a way to go to make this country truly of the people, by the people and for the people.
Why can't Congress pass a law that neuters CU?
A NYRep could object if it was federal lands....drillling,cattle grazing, and other usage for instance. It's OUR land. Land management agencies manage this and the Federal Government has the say, not the state. You must look to whatever the CURRENT US administration is allowing as to how it is managed. We have been though this controversy... "drill baby drill"... Sarah Palin.
Voters do not have equal weight in our federal system either.
Agree about Citizens United but good luck with that given the current Supreme Court and the obstructionist Congress.
Ah, yes, fed. lands. Would a NY Rep's position be dispositive? Idk.
Imo what people here are angling toward is one person, one vote, and doing away with anti-democratic institutions. I'm on board with that. Also with reining in Senatorial tyranny and minority rule.
Recent immigrants cannot vote. To vote you must be a citizen and have lived in the country at least three years. To become a naturalized citizen an immigrant must demonstrate an understanding of the US government and history, and an oath of allegiance must be taken.
We all should take part in stewardship of the lands of the United States. The lands belong to the entire society, not just to the people who decided to put down stakes there. Exploitation has to be removed from decisions about land use.
so you believe people living 2,000 miles away from land should have equal say to its disposition and use as the people right right on it?
i think the people living right on that land might decide to dispute that with forceful means.
Yes, James, I do. This land is ultimately the property of the society. It is the society that invented the idea of deeds and real estate, etc., and ultimately you have to realize, and I have to realize, that a deed is only as strong as the society that set up the system. You start from that, and try to reason it out for yourself.
Our entire society has a vital and primary interest in the health of the land, and in its use or protection from use and abuse. It has a primary interest in conserving healthy ecosystems, in not poisoning or polluting the land, in ensuring its enduring value for future generations and not destroying its future value for the whims and greed of a current generation.
This is not even an opinion. It’s just a fundamental fact. If you ponder it, you will realize that you, your dog, the birds around you, everything that is part of the environment, is at the mercy of the human society that currently dominates this land. This sort of thing hardly was true in the distant past when humans were not so numerous and our technology so potentially destructive. But now …
You had better hope that the society that issued the deed that says you “own” a little piece of this planet endures at least as long as you do. If it doesn’t, your piece of paper is worthless.
But that’s neither here nor there with respect to this question on whether other members of the society have as much say and interest as you have (just because of where you happen to be standing) in the condition, health and conservation of the land around you.
Yes. We have.
Amen and B men too!
Raffey, you are right about the electoral college, what a stupid wasteful thing. I believe those who proposed it knew it but their slavery brains couldn't imagine a government they couldn't control the way they controlled their property.
Actually it was the Florida Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court with Sandra Day O’Connor’s vote that gave GWB the presidency with just a difference of 534 votes. Al Gore disagreed with the decisions but accepted them. How times have changed. Now there is to be rioting in the streets if Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has his way! He should be indicted for those comments alone!
Luana Miller ; It is now obvious who is really behind Lindsey Graham's comments. tRump echoed them himself, publicly!
Absolutely true! The electoral college has to go.
Get rid of the electoral college!
Amen!!!
If I could give this comment multiple hearts, I would! THIS IS SO-O true! Maybe not in the future the way changes to education are going on, but notably true so far!
I certainly agree, but that will be difficult and take too long. In the meantime, lets implement the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
I totally agree! We must banish the Electoral College!
Then there is the problem of majority rule. Trump WAS elected by the rich and those who wanto be or identify with the rich. Bush was elected by the supreme court.
The rich may have voted for Trump but he was NOT elected by anyone. He lost the popular vote in 2016 and in 2020.
Sometimes I wish the blue states would secede from the Union (but keep the keys to the nuclear weapons.) I think if those blow-hard red states really had to manage without our collective wealth, technology, arts, universities, awesome cities and shores, they would soon stop whining.
BRAVO
THIS!
And a hearty AMEN to that!
That’s true!
We need to 'vet' our voters too! More teaching of civics and economics, so the voters are not ignorant and easily misled. Just basic things about the rule of law, and how it can ensure freedom and Democracy.
Laurie, serious civics classes for every student, perhaps at 2 different times during their K-12 education would be a good start. Then, making sure every student is registered to vote when they turn 18 would help too. They did that for several years at the high school where I taught and the students loved it. They took buses to the county courthouse several times during the year as they turned 18. The kids actually dressed up and thought it was a big deal. Some parents even came along as chaperones and registered too. I don't know if they are still doing it because COVID intervened and I retired last year. I would love to see that all over the country, then followed by getting the students to investigate the various candidates and offices they are running for.
When I went to highschool, graduating class of 1960, we were required to take 4 years of history and pass the classes as a requirement of graduating. This is no longer the case. Civics and history should be mandatory. Young people are woefully under educated in these areas. They have no idea how our country works.
Sad, yet so very true! I taught 8th grade for 44 years and found that the 2nd half of my career had my students so very ignorant of the basics of government and civics...and the last 8-10 years presented me with parents who were even more ignorant of the information. Add growing cynicism and disrespect for the rule of law and the Constitution, and you have the mess we're in now.
amen. class of '65 here and I enjoyed 'civics' and believe that every student should be required to attend those classes
You just described why we have an ignorant populace of younger people. We don’t need to teach more STEM classes. It’s history and civics that will make good citizens. Those should be mandatory and, as Anne says, taught at every level as they once were.
Exactly. It’s no mistake replacing and eliminating the most important subjects students need to guide their citizenships throughout their lives have been and are being shelved. History and civics!
High school history (class of 69) skipped over anything that didn't show America as gleamingly perfect. I was in my 20s when I first heard about Japanese internment camps and was shocked and horrified. A real eye opener about America the Beautiful! Over the years, have learned much of what else was missing from my education and much of it is ugly and obscene. 😳
#awakenowandvotingblue
I read much more than I used to because I have time to now that I’m retired. I just found out about Tulsa last year! Never heard anything about it in my 12 + grades in school. I wonder how much more of our history has been hidden?
Cheryl, I have a BA in Poli Sci with a minor in US History from very liberal SFSU, class of1969. I NEVER once heard of, nor read about, the Japanese CONCENTRATION camps during my five years of study at SFSU! I learned from a neighbor two doors up, my parents' best friends who lived the nightmare. I also NEVER heard word one about the destruction of "Black Wall Street" in Oklahoma, nor the "Zoot-Suit Police Riots" in LA. Only because OUR history, ALL of it, is of great interest and importance to me, have I had to tenaciously "dig deep" to discover it and therefore use it in my own classes when I taught. Many, many "skeletons in the American closet"!
Cheryl P. I was in my 70's when I saw the story of 'Black Wall Street' in Tulsa, about an entire section of the city's affluent and successful Black community's businesses and homes set on fire and the Blacks in the community attacked and many were murdered. I lived in the civil rights era and thought I knew about most of the Black history (So I thought!).
Yes! Agree!
That is a wonderful post! Also a retired educator. I watched them gut education in PA for no good reason. I retired 6 years ago. My working friends tell me it was a total disaster during COVID. The lack of preparedness still flabbergasts me. As unforeseen as COVID was, you mean they had no disaster plans? None that I was aware of. By design? Republicans Smucklicans.
I have to disagree. If public education is gutted from the state level down, there is a very good reason from the pov of the people doing the gutting: An informed citizenry is antithetical to special interests.
Only citizens themselves can fight that.
True. People have the power to change how they’re governed, for now. PA was deeply gerrymandered to the benefit of republicans. The state Supreme Court ordered the map redrawn after refusal by the hard right conservatives. This new map was not as helpful in 2020 as hoped, however, there is a sizable shift to favor democratic policies in PA. Ultimately, the R’s are done. The return of abortion rights to states put them in a coffin. Anything after that are the nails.
I had a civics class in 9th grade. Our teacher made it mandatory to read 1984. He was a WWII vet and he wanted us to remember what the world would look like under a fascist regime. We also had to write a book report and discuss it in class.
If you haven't seen "V for Vendetta," treat yourself. It's closer to what we've personally witnessed these days, and the kind of regime the MAGA-wankers would support. The story is good enough, but the >setting< is - to my mind - much more important.
I loved that movie! And I agree we are headed that way. And the concept behind "V" is what we need to be. Trump is trying to scare us with his rhetoric about bad things happening. I live 30miles outside the closest city. I have a sign on my gate "No Trespassing. I have a weapons and a Backhoe. " Not that I am anti-social, but I am not going to put up with radical right wing nut job. I live in a SUPER RED STATE. I also have a bumper sticker that says "Tuck Frump". :-)
BTW: I'm a'gussin' you're from Iowa.
Also, I agree with you. Exercise your 2nd Amendment rights. You're just as likely to need it for self defense against those claiming to keep them for self defense as any other kind of desperado. I'm aware my view on that is >probably< unpopular in this forum, but there it is. Like the question at the end of the movie asks about what will happen next, and the nominal "hero" - the detective, not V, who is a perfect anti-hero - begins his reverie with: "What always happens when unarmed protesters are confronted by an armed mob." (I've taken a bit of liberty with that quote. Actually, I think it's armed soldiers. I need to review the flick for a proper quote.)
If you get a chance, pick up a copy of the original graphic novel. The contrast is breathtaking. In the movie, V is heroic. In the original graphic novel, he is quite something else, and the story isn't particularly enjoyable. I couldn't help noticing the parallel role of the epidemic in the movie with what we've been through. Notice also, that theocracy in charge of things in the movie predicts what the MAGA-publicans are all about - and that was a projection for Britain!
What a great assignment!
Ruth This is an excellent idea.
I am glad that there were only Presidents that were installed as a result of the decision of the Electoral College. The Electoral College should be neutral and try to elect the best candidate to become the president. If they can’t do that then it would be better to let them go since the people have already elected their choice and that should be it.
you mean things like a civics class in high school? why was that taken away and when, and what is now in its place?
James, most states no longer require a civics or government class. They have 2 years of US history which usually has only a glancing pass through the Constitutional era in favor of all the wars, the interesting stuff, you know. I used to give each of my students a pocket Constitution and Declaration which we would read from periodically and discuss. They especially liked reading the amendments and why each one was proposed and passed. I don't know if any of them still have the books, but I hope so.
instead all that has been replaced by crypto CRT b.s., that only instills hatred and disillusion for the US and baloney gender indoctrination.
#1) Yeah, I'm against cathode ray tubes as well. Stop CRT's! Go, LED's!
#2) What you got against baloney? It's one of the celebrated foods of my people. Didn't you see the movie, "Yokels in the Mist?" We, the People of the Trailer, are a shy and sensitive type. HA!
#3) I didn't know that baloney gender was a controversial issue. I watched that movie about Oscar Meyer, too. No indoctrination there.
#4) Like minded people like to like like minded people. I think I think, therefore I think I am.
and therein lies the rub and bane of this experiment...if you educate people and tell them of things oh I dont know like the evolution of race, slavery CRT and how it fostered anguish and hatred amongst the peoples of the nation perhaps they would understand and appreciate more of things...like eqquality and democracy. call it a fun fact
dude, i am genuine , real, 12th generation American, tri racial 'PoC' (formerly 'colored')
who has actually experienced 'racial discrimination' and 'prejudice' and guess what?... the US is , was, and should still be, the greatest place on the f'ing planet for literally everyone until the crypto Marxists took control of the levers of power.
people like Reich...
All good questions. It varies, I guess. This is a big country. In some areas civics is being taught. Financial literacy too. But not all.
The heart won’t light up❣️A few years ago our high school civics teacher got his class completely engaged and pointed out that even as students they could influence events. His taught one of the in person classes (before Covid). The students hated a tv class taught by someone in another state who just sat in front of the tv and read. About 15 of them attended the school board meeting and they all signed up to speak. They were articulate and honest in describing the complete waste of time the tv class inflicted on them. It was televised by a woman who films public forums. The kids got a big round of applause. The teacher was sanctioned for suggesting they do this, criticized for having “gone around the lines of communication.” He should have been praised.
Well, here is a good story from the Intercept.
“High school senior Shiva Rajbhandari won elected office in Boise, defeating an incumbent school board trustee backed by local extremists.”
Maggie mac ; Politics is dirty. People want their way and are short sighted.
Economics.
Civics, economics and HISTORY... all of our history, and in particular Black history. We are where we were pre-Civil War, following (in response to) Reconstruction and during (in revolt of) the Civil Rights movement= A backlash to expanding the franchise of Democracy. the same tactics are just being repeated- mislead an uninformed electorate, divide the voting power of the electorate in addition to preventing or nullifying the votes of certain segments of the population that are marginalized and are seeking access to the franchise, use threats and violence (terrorism) and if lying, cheating, stealing and killing fails, just end the game... take my ball and go home with it so no one can play, no one wins. End Democracy.
fyiurban ; I found this in my local paper. ; "The deep dysfunction that enabled the abortion ban, elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to address climate change, and elevation of gun rights beyond all others have imperiled the preamble's promise to secure "The blessings of Liberty for ourselves and our posterity." The deep dysfunction that enabled these decisions stems from three impediments to democracy embedded in the Constitution since 1787. The U. S. Senate, The Electoral College, and the state legislature's control over voting rights.
All three were deliberately designed by the framers to blunt threats to the interests of men of property, including slaveholders, from democracy. Excerpt from an article in The Daily Hampshire Gazette 9/13/2022 by Bruce Miller, professor emeritus ; Western New England University School of Law. Westfield, M.A.
Article entitled : Can we fix our Undemocratic Constitution?
Tuesday, September 13, 2022 gazettenet.com/opinion
Noting has changed!!! The 'men of property' are today's billionaires and corporate interests that still have the most wealth/power. They continue to influence policy that helps them retain or gain, more wealth/power. They still manipulate us into fighting/blaming each other or some random boogeyman, in an effort to prevent us from realizing who actually has a thumb on the scale to satisfy their selfishness/greed. They still manipulate voters to build paradoxical (example- so called 'evangelical christians" in coalitions with white nationalists/supremacist) coalitions that serve the interest of the wealthy/powerful at the detriment of their own interest!
fyiurban ; This is not the entire article ; I wanted to share the part that lists the 3 things that prevent functioning of our Democratic form of government, and prevent it from improving. I know that the very wealthy buy our votes by 'donating' to our representatives' campaigns. Citizens United is what happens when even the highest court is corrupted when installed by the moneyed interests. Naming our problems could help us begin to educate others and solve these serious problems. Unlimited money, even 'dark' money is killing this experiment in 'self rule', or Democracy. The Republican owned media lie to us about inflation , for example ; suggesting that increased labor costs somehow are to blame. While viewing many 'news' programs on mainstream media, and reading the newspapers, not a single source talks about the greatly increased profit margins of corporations. The 1% tax just implemented on stock buybacks is not enough to solve the problem. Nothing but a 'figleaf'.
White men of Property still utilize those 3 things, primarily via bought Republican politicians (and some democrats). They still facilitate minority rule as they were designed to. Overcoming them requires a super-majority of voters coming together and using our power-in-numbers. But they know this, and continue to successfully divide and conquer us- fighting among each other for crumbs (trickle down) and blaming everyone/thing accept the right one/thing, all by design. Designed to keep us from understanding what and who the root of the problem is- men of property aka billionaires and corporate interests.
How about every voter needs to pass the same test people take to be citizens?
Also teach media literacy.
Have you ever looked at the application requirements for Naturalization? I just did, and imo a lot of it is hogwash unless the answers are fact-checked. There's a looong form (N-400) to fill out -- it's quite "interesting."
Here's my favorite question -- imo it supports your idea that everyone needs to follow the process. § 12, Additional Information About You (Person Applying for Naturalization), Q. 11: "Have you EVER advocated (either directly or indirectly) the overthrow of any government by force or violence?"
I'd like to hear TFG's explanation of his "No" reply if questioned about Jan. 6.
explain this a bit more and why it is relevant:
"I'd like to hear TFG's explanation of his "No" reply if questioned about Jan. 6."
"in context it is pretty clear what i am referring to, or are you unable discern that?"
The Big Lie of election denying is everywhere.but Fox 'News' and other MAGA, winger media.
this i like.
Civics education is required in the public schools in every state, with required civics classes in 39 states; elsewhere, the subject is integrated across other social studies classes. The problem is in legislative agendas which pressure schools to focus on math and reading test scores, and which dictate what can/should be taught about civics.
Maybe so, but the content and importance of the course can vary widely.
Make Civics a requirement to begin high school, and require a higher level of knowledge and understanding to graduate, including getting a GED.
Are you talking about bringing back a literacy test in order to vote?
No, much more than a literacy test. Actual knowledge.
I don't know how to balance the responsibility of voting with the idea that everyone should get a vote and that all votes are equal. I don't think that someone who doesn't know what they are voting for, who votes because they were paid to vote a certain way, who votes based on lies and doesn't care, who will not accept the results, who doesn't understand the job of the position they are voting for, is really benefiting democracy. I'm guilty of that myself. I vote straight down the ticket and for many of the down ballot positions I don't have any knowledge of the candidate or the job. I don't think it makes any sense that this is the way these government positions are filled, by people like myself who are ignorant, didn't do any research, and are automatons.
IMHO if people were required to know about the candidates and the jobs, we wouldn't need to worry so much about money in politics. As it is now one of the most reported item in campaigns is who raised the most money which is another way of saying who will have the most prevalent propaganda, lie the most, but the most votes. People make decisions on our govt.. with less information than we do as consumers. There are no consumer protection laws in elections. No warning labels, no list of ingredients. And no option to return the item for a refund or exchange or the right for a class action.
DK Brooklyn ; In some places, people actually sell their votes There was a story a couple years ago about that. It involved a candidate running for office in a Southern state. His own son testified against him. The cheating Pol was crying publicly. Sad!
ShirleyD ; Absolutely not! I would hope that these things could be taught in high schools, as student's minds and worldviews are developing. Critical thinking skills in evaluating media would be in there, too.
Literacy tests, I have read, we're often filled with questions that would stymie certain groups who faced questions that would only have answers that white people would know.
The problem with civics courses, is that they can become 'controversial' because people do not agree on facts.
I just heard that there is a push in Kansas to reduce the amount of civics and history hours required for graduation of high school.
They sure know what they Don't want in Kansas, and they know how to vote!
Retired educator here. I had to sneak civics in to my lessons every now and then because cuts to education were so deep in the early ‘00. All history/civics/Am Gov/ classes were cut to a 4-1/2 week course for 7th graders only. In ‘08 Gov Tom Corbett-PA, one of our recent 1 term R governors, set out to snarl education funding for years. High school had World History but not the plethora of American academia offered in my high school years. I will praise him on his gasoline tax for roads and interstates. We have the highest gas tax in the country, but I don’t mind. The improvements have been vast and I can see my tax dollars working.