- #106
OmCheeto
Gold Member
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Gads. Just like my spark plugs, I am perpetually cross-threaded. :grumpy:
Duh. But I don't mean that in an offensive way, as I very much respect your objective and well researched opinions. Just that the need for congressional reform seems to me to be clearly, without requiring any sort of deep research, pretty evident. The question is: how can congressional reform possibly, ever, be made to happen?Astronuc said:There seems to be a persistent and systemic dysfunctionality in the government and the political system.
Yeah. I think it ultimately comes down to us. Not any president. Not the government. But, us. We cast the votes, and, therefore, potentially determine the course of national policy. But, this only works well (ie., in the best interests of the mass populace, both of the US and the world) if we, the voters, actually care enough to do our homework. Unfortunately, in America at least, this doesn't seem to be the case. So, our general civic lethargy and complacency allows us to be manipulated by corporate mass media (which more or less obviously, imo, has vested interests at odds with what's best for the US in particular and the world in general).OmCheeto said:Ummm... No. We didn't.
Ok. Well. We did.
nanosiborg said:...
Yeah. I think it ultimately comes down to us. Not any president. Not the government. But, us. We cast the votes, and, therefore, potentially determine the course of national policy. But, this only works well (ie., in the best interests of the mass populace, both of the US and the world) if we, the voters, actually care enough to do our homework. Unfortunately, in America at least, this doesn't seem to be the case. So, our general civic lethargy and complacency allows us to be manipulated by corporate mass media (which more or less obviously, imo, has vested interests at odds with what's best for the US in particular and the world in general).
Yes, we need congressional reform. But I think that before that can happen then significant reforms in the way that average US citizens approach civic issues and elections has to happen.
This can only be brought about by changes in our educational system. Changes which are, imo, not likely to ever happen. So, I think, there you have it. We are, like it or not, for better or worse, more or less locked into the current status quo. I'm not optimistic about the evolution of human society and the future prospects for the survival of humanity. I conjecture that we are our worst enemy, and the US congress seems to support that conjecture.
The first thing that needs to happen, IMO, is a negation of the Citizens United decision.nanosiborg said:Yes, we need congressional reform. But I think that before that can happen then significant reforms in the way that average US citizens approach civic issues and elections has to happen.
turbo said:My wife and I can't afford to pay either of our senators $20K to come to our house and speak at a "breakfast".
Yes, it is possible for Congress to be fixed. While it may seem like a daunting task, there are steps that can be taken to improve the functionality and effectiveness of the legislative branch.
Some of the main issues with Congress include partisan gridlock, lack of bipartisanship, excessive fundraising and campaign spending, and a focus on reelection rather than governing.
One way to address partisan gridlock is by promoting more bipartisanship and compromise. This can be achieved through changes in congressional leadership, implementing rules that encourage collaboration, and reducing the influence of special interest groups.
Campaign finance reform is a contentious issue, but many experts believe that it is necessary to fix Congress. By reducing the influence of money in politics, elected officials may be more likely to prioritize the needs of their constituents over the demands of wealthy donors.
Citizens can play a crucial role in fixing Congress by staying informed and engaged in the political process. This can include voting in elections, contacting their representatives, and advocating for reforms that promote transparency and accountability in government.