Tired of disappointing political leaders? 5 ideas to upgrade democracy

[TexasTowelie]

Is our democracy broken?

Legislative gridlock, epic shutdowns, governing by emergency, deep partisan conflict — almost no one is happy with how American politics is working. Meanwhile, many Americans are frustrated with the lack of real progress on urgent issues like the opioid epidemic, gun violence, healthcare reform, immigration reform, the availability of good jobs, and the existential threat of climate change.

That’s not a new feeling.

For decades, voters have reported feeling alienated from their “representatives” in Washington and the state capitals, and have wondered whether their vote really makes a difference.

American innovation created the modern system of representative democracy. Some modern thinkers, however, believe it’s overdue for a change.

Read more: https://expo.nj.com/opinion/g66l-2019/03/8342dfb57d6951/tired-of-disappointing-political-leaders-5-ideas-to-upgrade-democracy.html

The article discusses concepts such as election by lottery, digital democracy, proportional voting, direct democracy, and basic income with contributions from five political philosophers.

[rampartc]

1. "we have the best democracy money can buy" rampart sr

we need to take the money out of politics. our representatives are paid very well to represent the people. instead they represent the highest bidders, usually multunational corporations and industry groups.

1. get congress out of washington. modern comminications allow congress to hold hearings, vote, etc from home offices. the only downside is that lobbyists would be inconvenienced by the road trips.

2. we need more congresscritters, each representing fewer people. again diluting lobbyist convenience.

[beachbum bob]

2. The 2 things needed are: The Fairness doctrine and elimination of Citizen's United.

everything else is moot until we can remove unchallenged propaganda off the radio and tv airwaves/cable and unlimited money in our elections.


until then, little going to change