After Kerry wins, how do we avoid the next attempted fascist takeover?

[Cyrano]

Once we have a sane government back in power, (the Kerry administration), what do we put in place to prevent the past four years from ever happening again?

BushCo has spent the past four years literally shredding the constitution. How do we stop it from happening again? What can a Kerry administration do (given that we'll probably still have a Republican house of representatives) to stop the next attempt at turning our country into a fascist state?

A thought that passes through my mind is Benjamin Franklin, who, upon leaving the constitutional convention, was asked by a lady, "Mr. Franklin, what kind of government have you given us?" Franklin replied, "A republic, madam, if you can keep it."

That reply is as appropriate today as the day Franklin uttered it. What can WE do to keep it?

[Melodybe]

1. Last time I checked war profiteering was a treasonable offense

I do believe taking away all there money and putting these bastards behind bars is in order.

[Cyrano]

4. Nice thought, but

Bush is going to pardon everyone in sight before being evicted.

[aden_nak]

2. A few simple steps.

1) Prosecute these PNAC fuckers.
2) Fix the god damned voting machines.
3) Abolish the electoral college.

[Cyrano]

5. It will be virtually impossible to get rid of the electoral college.

It would take a constitutional amendment and it would never pass. The whole purpose of the electoral college was to give small (population) states the same power as larger states. These small states would never vote for such an amendment.

[aden_nak]

8. I know, that's why I made it step 3. :P

But it DOES favor Republicans greatly. A nice alternative would be to ramp electoral votes based on the percentage of people that voted, rather than the total population of the state. Though disbanding the electoral college would allow politicians to run their campaigns based on the whole nation, not just one or two "swing states".

[MsTryska]

14. Yes.

and I'm sure Ohio agrees with you.

[MsTryska]

9. But why do small states need as much power as big ones?

I mean..we're all americans right? So why can't American's exercise their vote and have their own personal voice be heard?


At what point does an Individual's right overpower a State's right?

[Cyrano]

11. The constitutional convention created a REPRESENTATIVE democracy,

not a democracy. Slavery had a lot to do with it. In order to create a constitution, compromises had to be made to get the southern states to go along.

Without boring everyone to death, this is the basic reason for the electoral college. However, it works to the advantage of present states like Wyoming which has about 12 people (facetious) one of whom is Dick Cheney.

[MsTryska]

13. *lol* But that's reinforcing my point

that it's outmoded, and not really germain to America in the 21st century. Especially now that we have an electronic way of keeping tabs.

In my opinion, especially being a democrat in seriously Red state, i feel like my vote doesn't count because the electoral college undermines it, thanks to my redneck neighbors. I'm sure there's that one lone democrat in Wyoming that feels the same way. Why should we have this red state blue state stuff anymore.

[progressiveBadger]

3. For one, keep intrest in politics high

The 18-24 year olds that will vote in force in this election is a great start.
Also, I think those working to keep the media honest are doing this country a great service. The power is in the people's hands, ALWAYS. So those that formulate the beliefs of those people must be honest.

[mrgorth]

6. The short answer is "work".

We have to stay vigilant and keep fighting. Don't let them take over again.

[missouri dem]

7. Electing Kerry is just a good start.

We need to continue to do the hard work of registering voters and

building grass roots organization. We should focus on the midterm

elections and getting great candidates to run in the house races.

[ladjf]

10. Get control of the house and senate. Then create legislation

that will protect us against the greedy tentacle of fascisms. Also enlighten Americans as to how they operate and how to thwart them.

[pacalo]

12. First on the list should be FEDERAL guidelines for elections.

No more state by state regulations which, we've learned through this administration, can open the door for top state officials to manipulate votes.

Also, paper trails on electronic voting machines is only COMMON SENSE!

All of the voting impropieties have occurred on the coWard's watch. Kerry's eyes are surely opened about the need for election reforms to prevent this from happening again. If not, we'll remind him until it's done.

[Hornito]

15. Four "easy" steps.........

1. By Executive Order, President Kerry should re-institute the media "Fairness Doctrine". With it, Rush, Hannity, and the rest of the fascist chorus, would no longer be free to lie, or go unchallenged.

2. Public financing of ALL elections should become the law of the land, with private donations of a maximum of $100 allowed to the political parties.

3. Abolish the Electoral College.

4. Restrict media consolidations to levels that would insure a healthy and free media..

These four simple steps, would insure a vibrant democracy.