Originally Posted by Daradon
(What I would ask for)
I can't disagree with a lot of what you've said Cowperson. But I do think without change it will get much worse.
I guess if people want to know what I think, and what I want, it would be as this:
I will focus on the US first as that's really the meat of the argument, and it is a point I made in a previous thread.
I think they need (and I would ask for) four types of reform or regulations. The first two for the political system, the second two for the economic system.
First, change how money works in the electoral system. Change the PAC's and the SUPERPAC's and the corporations used to hide the SUPERPAC donation lists. Make rules on how much can be donated and get rid of all the loopholes all these PAC's represent.
Second, tighten up the lobbies. I know, not too much to ask right? I can't really tell you how, but I think most people agree the corporations and special interest groups have far too much say in governance, and more importantly, prevent the representative from acting in the best interests of their constituants(sp). Put regulations again on donations, gifts, etc. and tighten up those loopholes.
Third, now to business, as you yourself Cowperson have suggested, bring in reforms for the banking system. Again, I'm no expert, but I would think the US could probably get closer to mirroring our system as a start.
Fourth, back to the corporations, close those tax loopholes. You don't even need to tax them more, just make sure they (and their boards and shareholders) are paying their share.
They need to be done in that order though, because if you don't clean up capital hill, they won't have the ability or will to clean up the economic sectors as they will still be in their pockets.
And that is the catch 22, the politicians aren't going to give up what they have right now. No way, no how. I mean look what the Repubs were prepared to do just to try and get back into power 1.5 years from now. And based on how Obama has behaved so far, the Dems aren't going to give up their perks either.
So if the people who need to fix the problem, won't fix the problem cause they are part of the problem, isn't that when protesting is supposed to take place?
As I said, it is a lot of, 'I wish, and we should' and not a lot of 'this is how we do it', but for those that think I don't have and idea of what I would like to see, or what others would like to see I hope it proves otherwise.
Lastly, for Canada, I just think it's important to highlight the voices of those who feel outside the system and bring attention to the fact that even though we are weathering the economic storm pretty well here in Canada, there are many people who need help. I also think it's important to show we are active in democracy, lest some of the policies that have cause so many problems down south start to creep up here. I know this may sound abstract to a lot of people but it's really not. A vigilant populous keeps the politicians honest (or at least more honest).
I hope that's a start for what some people may want out of demonstrating and proof I have ideas of what I think would help. As I said, I can't speak for everyone, and I think that's the point.
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