We Need a Third Party
What this country needs is a good 3rd party. Not to seek the presidency, not yet, perhaps never, but one that could elect 5 or 6 Senators and 20 or 30 representatives. What they need is the balance of power. What could they do?
1. By deciding with which party to caucus, they could attain power greater than their numbers.
2. By exercising that power they could get on the better committees.
3. They could demand that certain issues come before the floor for a vote.
4. They could provide the balance that could block most legislation or insure its passage.
What is a good 3rd party? It would allow its members a wide range of opinions but would demand observance of certain core principles, a small number to be sure. Its motto, Truth, Independence, and Accountability. Its core platform might look something like this:
1. Temptation removal:
No revolving door–If you regulated it while employed by the Government, you can't go then and work for them, 10 years.
No gifts from lobbyists, not a cent, ever.
Public financing of general elections [the top 5 candidates–take a poll]
Zero-pork barrel spending
Crime by a public official, using the position for gain–an automatic 20 years sentence, no exceptions or suspensions, unless they provide information that results in the arrest and conviction of other public officials for a greator crime.
Mandatory attendance on the floor of congress or in committee meetings at least 85% of the time. They have to listen to the speeches, they have to do the work.
2. A real defense of family act:
Education reform–real penalties for students who don't do the work, removal of teachers who are ineffective, bonus pay for performing teachers, national standards, 4 year college scholarships for the top 70% of passing students, 2 year junior scholarships for the bottom 30% of passing students, non passing students have a mandatory 2 year extension of high school.
A cheap limited National Health program [something the nation can afford, because something is better than nothing.]
A tax on parents who divorce [an abuse exception, but it must be reported and prosecuted], 2% of gross income for 21 years for each child.
A tax on un-wed parents, 2% of gross income for 21 years for each child.
3. A truth in government act:
With a national security exception, closely regulated, the government must tell the truth when communicating with the public. An agency would be created that would examine complaints. Those who lie would be subject to censure, fine, and removal.
Recognized accounting principles for the government–we would know the truth about the deficit, social security, medicare, etc..
A rewards program for those who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of public employees, elected and not, who commit crimes while in office.
4. A Sound Government Act:
Required balanced budget.
An energy policy that embraces new technology and finances it. An energy policy that embraces conservation, and demands it.
Environmental policy that is effective and efficient.
More immigration to fill the needed gaps in our economy, but legal immmigration.
The securing of our borders, if a Mexican woman can get across so can a terrorist.
Immigrants must be, or must learn to be, proficient in English, with a knowledge of American History, our form of government, and the economic principles that we have followed since our founding.
Two years national Service, no exceptions except for the handicapped.
1. By deciding with which party to caucus, they could attain power greater than their numbers.
2. By exercising that power they could get on the better committees.
3. They could demand that certain issues come before the floor for a vote.
4. They could provide the balance that could block most legislation or insure its passage.
What is a good 3rd party? It would allow its members a wide range of opinions but would demand observance of certain core principles, a small number to be sure. Its motto, Truth, Independence, and Accountability. Its core platform might look something like this:
1. Temptation removal:
No revolving door–If you regulated it while employed by the Government, you can't go then and work for them, 10 years.
No gifts from lobbyists, not a cent, ever.
Public financing of general elections [the top 5 candidates–take a poll]
Zero-pork barrel spending
Crime by a public official, using the position for gain–an automatic 20 years sentence, no exceptions or suspensions, unless they provide information that results in the arrest and conviction of other public officials for a greator crime.
Mandatory attendance on the floor of congress or in committee meetings at least 85% of the time. They have to listen to the speeches, they have to do the work.
2. A real defense of family act:
Education reform–real penalties for students who don't do the work, removal of teachers who are ineffective, bonus pay for performing teachers, national standards, 4 year college scholarships for the top 70% of passing students, 2 year junior scholarships for the bottom 30% of passing students, non passing students have a mandatory 2 year extension of high school.
A cheap limited National Health program [something the nation can afford, because something is better than nothing.]
A tax on parents who divorce [an abuse exception, but it must be reported and prosecuted], 2% of gross income for 21 years for each child.
A tax on un-wed parents, 2% of gross income for 21 years for each child.
3. A truth in government act:
With a national security exception, closely regulated, the government must tell the truth when communicating with the public. An agency would be created that would examine complaints. Those who lie would be subject to censure, fine, and removal.
Recognized accounting principles for the government–we would know the truth about the deficit, social security, medicare, etc..
A rewards program for those who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of public employees, elected and not, who commit crimes while in office.
4. A Sound Government Act:
Required balanced budget.
An energy policy that embraces new technology and finances it. An energy policy that embraces conservation, and demands it.
Environmental policy that is effective and efficient.
More immigration to fill the needed gaps in our economy, but legal immmigration.
The securing of our borders, if a Mexican woman can get across so can a terrorist.
Immigrants must be, or must learn to be, proficient in English, with a knowledge of American History, our form of government, and the economic principles that we have followed since our founding.
Two years national Service, no exceptions except for the handicapped.
posted by Rex Allen Brewer at 9:58 AM
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