Here's some ideas that would help Democrats become a lasting majority:

[Stand and Fight]

I posted the points below on another thread; however, I would like to start a discussion on how we could accomplish this. I'm aware that our current elected representatives are more than lacking in a spine, but the point of this discussion is to get everyone's feelings on how we could really move the party forward with the American people. Of course, this is a discussion board, so people are free to post things off-topic, snark and whatnot, but it is my hope that we could have a civil discussion and exchange of ideas -- albeit surely with some disagreements -- on this issue. Who knows? Maybe someone here plans to run for office some day and the winning strategies you suggest/discuss could become part of their platform. So, here are my initial thoughts as to what could make our party a lasting majority in the House and Senate:

1. Begin a media blitz on all networks and major publications -- including LTTEs explaining how vital it is to take the money out of running for office. Go on to explain how monied interest have corrupted the politics of this country to such an extent that those we elect to represent us -- while good people -- are nonetheless human and are all too tempted, all too often, by the money that big corporations and lobbyist throw at them. Get our message out their before the shrill voices of the right-wingers start up, and anticipate all of their arguments.

2. Put together STRONG campaign finance reform that would make it a crime for anyone running for office to take political contributions or gifts from corporations or lobbyist. On that same token, limit campaign contributions to $2,000 per individual. No more money from special interest groups, corporations, etc. Furthermore, anyone found giving or taking money under the table will be charged with a felony and if found guilty will be forced to pay a fine no greater than ten times the amount they were attempted to give/take and also the possibility of prison time. As a part of this, a special branch of the government would be created to oversee politicians campaign finances.

3. Put into law a living wage -- not a minimum wage -- that would be set based upon the previous fiscal year for the average cost of living on state-by-state basis. A national "base" living wage would be set that would function much like the current minimum wage in the fact that business could pay more, but not less, than the federal living wage. As to those concerned about how this would effect small businesses...

4. Businesses of certain sizes would receive immediate reduced taxes to help offset the costs of the living wage. Furthermore, businesses that hire Americans would be afforded tax credits to help keep American jobs in America. Of course, this all takes a healthy work force.

5. Enact health care reform -- not health insurance reform -- with a strong public option that ANYONE can buy into at ANYTIME based on a sliding scale of cost not to exceed 5% of GROSS income. In case where the individual makes only the living wage (whatever that is determined to be), said person(s) would receive a tax credit equal to 2.5% of their gross income.

Thoughts?

EDIT TO ADD
7:34PM EST: Driving home now -- gotta fight the DC traffic... Sigh. This is not a hit and run post.

[timeforpeace]

1. Making some good use of the current significant majority would be a better start.

[Stand and Fight]

2. That, my friend, is the crux of this matter.

We are in a better position than we have been in years to bring about real change, to stand before the American people, and show them that not all politicians are the lapdogs of special interest and big money. We still need a strategy to accomplish that. Obviously, simply being the majority isn't getting us anywhere, though I agree acting like a majority party would be a most excellent beginning.

[leftstreet]

13. +1

[msongs]

3. only individuals can vote so only individuals give contributions. but Wait, there's MORE!

campaign contributions($$,goods, services, credit) can come only from voters in that candidate's districtof service. NO more PAC's of any kind.

Msongs

[Stand and Fight]

5. I agree with you slighlty.

However, what about the cases where an individual is up against a candidate with substantial money of their own. Take for example, the person -- I don't recall his name -- who ran against Michelle Bachmann last year (or the guy running against that idiot Joe Wilson), I contributed $200 to him because of how disgusting Bachmann is. If I understand what you're saying, I would not be able to contribute to him because I live in another state? What about expatriates who live in a foreign country? I come away with two ideas:

1. Only individual campaign contributions capped at $2,000 (or whatever).
2. No contributions from any groups.
3. A candidate cannot contribute to his own campaign unless their opponent consents. In the event that one candidate has already consented, it is no longer necessary to seek the consent of their opponent; however, one's own contributions cannot exceed those of their opponents.

[Ardent15]

4. Good ideas. I would also add that no politician in office should be allowed to have stock...

...in ANY company.

If they want to have stock, they should resign from office.

[Stand and Fight]

6. Hmmm....

I don't know about that. It would mean that you'd be telling people, you have to give up part of your wealth to run for/hold elected office. Is that right? What about aggressive growth portfolios for retirement, regular investment accounts, or college funds for kids? I don't think it's right of us to prohibit earnings on investment gains. Nonetheless, I did just think of something. As a professional, I have signed and had to adhere to, several non-compete agreements upon accepting a job -- what if politicians also had this same sort of thing, only they were federally prohibited from going to work for a lobbying company (to include sitting on the board) for a period after they left office? Say 3 years?

[Ardent15]

7. Yeah, I guess that would make more sense.

I was just thinking of how so many Republicans and Democrats have stocks in big business (conflict of interest).

[Stand and Fight]

8. Well, you could implement a freeze on any trades while in office and

for a certain period of time after leaving office -- say a year?

[DireStrike]

15. They could have stocks in, say, a mutual fund

Anything where they were neither aware of or had an interest in any particular company.

[OHdem10]

9. A suggestion that I see as basic: We need to do more to educate

the general public on Liberal?Progressive Values. We need this
especially in Red States. We must help rank and file Americans
not fear the word Liberal or Progressive. The Righties have
people continuously publishing books on RW Principles and Philosphy.
In other words we need to make our Party appreciated and respected across the country. There are some good books out there. We all need
to read these to make us better in making our arguments.

Jonathon Alter has written an excellent book On FDR. An easy read
with explanations on how FDR saved Democracy and saved Capitalism.
This helps to explain on intellectual level why Stimulus Plans
are essential in times of Financial Crisis.

Jeff Faux,Economic Policy Institute has written: THE GLOBAL CLASS WAR
(How America's BIPARTISAN ELITE Lost our Futures--and what it will take
to get them back)

I make these suggestions becauee we must admit the Righties have
done a good job of "selling their Party and its ideals". They
maybe wrongheaded ideas but the GOP has sold them pretty darn well.

I believe with all my being that Liberal Ideals are superior but
our Party has done a terrible job of presenting it.

[baldguy]

10. End media consolidation, require local content on radio & TV,

Bring back the Fairness Doctrine.

[Ardent15]

11. +1 nt

[Kermitt Gribble]

12. I think most on the right

support campaign finance reform as well. It would be nice if we could get together on this one issue to throw the bums out.

IMO, the Dems need to force health care reform through. The short term may be ugly, concerning the reaction from the right, but in a few years, when everyone is insured and their private ins is more affordable and covers more, they will come around. And by reform, I mean give everyone the option of enrolling in Medicare.

Good list!

[DireStrike]

14. Will this reform make it illegal to air commercials of a political nature?

You don't have to give to someone's election campaign to buy them.