So, what can we do about the sorry state of government?

[cutlassmama]

First off, if you have no problem with how America/American government/democracy is working then this isn't your thread. Anyway. I hear a lot of bitching, and contribute a bit myself, but what I don't hear are solutions other than impeach Bush/Cheney.

The way I see it:
The government is hopelessly corrupt. They're owned by special interests and corporations, and exist mainly to perpetuate themselves, entrench the same problems, and to make the rich richer. Regardless of who is or isn't elected, we will continue going down the same road. No candidate is going to change things by himself/herself. Changing the president isn't going to do anything but delay the decline for 4 more years.

So what can be done that will effect real permanent change in the way the US government operates? How can power be returned to the people and taken away from the ultra rich, special interest groups, and large corporations? And finally, what will make people care? Seems like most people are perfectly willing to put up with things the way they are as long as their SUV has gas and they can watch American Idol on their plasma TVs.

Outside of a) revolution or b) some mega rich person buying ad time on TV all over the place and forcing people to care, I don't see what can be done.

One solution I came up with was that we elect our Congressmen/Senators to represent us, and to do what WE want, not what THEY want. Given the current technology (so many people have home computers); it would be really easy for everyone to vote on a bill. What I'm saying is, say a new immigration bill is proposed in the house. Everyone can access the bill online and actually READ it. Then on a certain day, we go to the polls, and vote YES/NO. Our Congressmen/Senators, in turn, will be REQUIRED to vote how their district/state votes. Thereby showing an actual representation of what the nation wants. Not what some corrupt politician wants based on the bribes given them by special interest groups.

That is just one solution. I'm looking for ideas.

[napi21]

1. I only see ONE possible solution. Voting in 08 for a all Dems!

I know it's almost 1 1/2 years away until this disasterous admin. leaves office, but there's such a small majority in the Senate, and Shrub has already packed the courts, I see no other possibility

[TechBear_Seattle]

3. Are Democrats less corrupt than Republicans? n/t

[napi21]

4. YES, from two points (IMO).

There's NEVER been a Dem who tried to destroy the Constitution!

A Dem would NEVER nominate another RWer to the SCOTUS that would destroy the US for decades to come!

[cutlassmama]

5. I agree on both counts n/t

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Use of something other than TV to get out news and information

I'm talking about pirate radio stations, the internet, meetings with like minded individuals to plan and to organize things. We've been doing this in my neck of the woods for a long time--starting with NCWA, an environmental group--have organized protests, LTTE campaigns, lobbying, etc. Be inclusive-one of the groups forming in 2004 included disgruntled Republicans who had gotten the message BEFORE voting for him twice!

What I'm thinking is needed now is education of the masses, and then some sort of group action--not a march on Washington, but a march to the local courthouse or Congressional office--all coordinated to happen on the same day at the same time. Call ins to congressional offices could be a tie-in with this as well. Delivery of petitions, passing out information--what we've done before but now having EVERY group in the whole country doing it on the same day.

[Jack Bone]

6. Try this...join us...or start your own protest...

http://www.awesclarkdemocrat.com/2007/07/enough.htm

I've been doing this...for two weeks here in the middle of redstate hell, Indiana..
each week we get more honks from cars passing by...people stopping to ask us what we've had ENOUGH of...Next Sunday, we'll have a few more Hoosiers standing w/ us..

I know this sounds pretty corny...but I believe this can work!!

:patriot:

[cutlassmama]

8. :bounce:

That is a GREAT idea!

[cutlassmama]

7. Maybe like the marches for illegal immigration on the same day, but in all cities?

[Jack Bone]

9. I guess so ...The Young Turks Show came up w/ this idea

right after the Libby commutation...that was the final straw for me.. ENOUGH!!

1 hour on Sunday...from Noon-1pm...start off by yourself..next week bring two friends..have them pledge to bring two more for the next week...and lil' by lil' it will grow

[Nicholas]

10. We've waiting outside long enough - let's go inside Congress and let them know

Democrats are going to have to grow some backbone if they want to win in '08, but I don't think it makes sense to wait for it to happen. We count on ballots too much - democracy happens every day, if you participate. I'm in a group that's taking it right to Congress - inside the halls where they're sure to see us. We're going on September 4th - we'll fill the galleries (they're usually mostly empty) and then, at a given signal, we'll all stand up, and stand watch over Congress to let them know they need to take real action to end this war.

Here's more: http://www.AmericaStandsWatch.org

Join us!