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Although we love to talk about Obama, Bush, the Tea Party, and other hot topics, today I am wondering why congress, of both sides, has such an abysmal approval rating (I think it is around 20%). It is not a partisan issue (for once), but something more systemic. Any ideas of how to make the legislative branch more admirable? I am not looking for partisan approaches (e.g., pitch the Rebublicans!!!!!), but more global thoughts on the appropriate roles, and behaviors of the legislature.
I thought maybe all of them resigning. Then thought maybe if they didn't toe their party's line to the nth degree. Maybe remember that they are citizens of a state, elected to a national body. Maybe act like citizens of The United States and not a (D) or (R). As well as following the Consitution. Not that any of them could do any one of this things though.
I'm getting so sick of the "follow the constitution" argument when 99% of us don't even know the details to the constitution, even our politicians don't know it. They don't even know if the 14th amendment gives the president the power to raise the debt ceiling to ensure all incurred debts are paid. If all our politicians spent a year studying the constitution it would not fix the petty arguing deadlock that plagues Congress.
The only solution I see is getting rid of the two party system. That way it doesn't become about..."well they blocked our bill, so we're going to block their bill" the focus won't be on which party is right, which party lied etc. The debate will be on the proposed bill. Voters will no longer vote purely based on party and will actually research their candidates.
Rewriting the rules to make fillabusters in the Senate not work anymore -- this would help a great deal. Currently, whichever party is not in power can fillabuster and stop Congress dead in its tracks. Eliminating this idiot system would be a huge step in regaining the trust of the American people.
Other ideas:
-- When there's a vote, you have 60 seconds. No more of this "vote sometime in the next three hours" crap.
-- Set time limits on how long any bill can be delayed and kept from being voted on.
-- If a bill comes from one house of Congress, the other house must vote actually vote on it. (Pretending a bill doesn't exist because they don't like it is SOOO childish.)
-- End earmarks.
-- Vote themselves a pay decrease.
-- Set real standards on campaign finance and make it impossible for them to be beholden to any big business or ultra-wealthy person.
-- Set term limits.
-- Standing members of Congress can set up webforums (or something like it) where they can answer questions about things they voted on and more importantly solicit the opinions of their constituents.
-- Convene a yearly meeting for both houses investigating how they can function more efficiently and better server the American people.
-- Do away with political parties or at least minimize their importance. A member of Congress is there to represent the people of their state. Political parties divert their attention from that underlying reality.
-- Keep the federal government's budget balanced.
-- Maximize transparency. If we are paying for $100 hammers and $75 screw drivers, that should be publicly available information. If they went with Contractor B when Contractor A was cheaper, then we should know about it and they should explain why.
Last edited by godofthunder9010; 07-31-2011 at 01:51 AM..
Although we love to talk about Obama, Bush, the Tea Party, and other hot topics, today I am wondering why congress, of both sides, has such an abysmal approval rating (I think it is around 20%). It is not a partisan issue (for once), but something more systemic. Any ideas of how to make the legislative branch more admirable? I am not looking for partisan approaches (e.g., pitch the Rebublicans!!!!!), but more global thoughts on the appropriate roles, and behaviors of the legislature.
I'm getting so sick of the "follow the constitution" argument when 99% of us don't even know the details to the constitution, even our politicians don't know it. They don't even know if the 14th amendment gives the president the power to raise the debt ceiling to ensure all incurred debts are paid. If all our politicians spent a year studying the constitution it would not fix the petty arguing deadlock that plagues Congress.
The only solution I see is getting rid of the two party system. That way it doesn't become about..."well they blocked our bill, so we're going to block their bill" the focus won't be on which party is right, which party lied etc. The debate will be on the proposed bill. Voters will no longer vote purely based on party and will actually research their candidates.
I'm getting sick of you typing in BOLD FACE for no reason.
Although we love to talk about Obama, Bush, the Tea Party, and other hot topics, today I am wondering why congress, of both sides, has such an abysmal approval rating (I think it is around 20%). It is not a partisan issue (for once), but something more systemic. Any ideas of how to make the legislative branch more admirable? I am not looking for partisan approaches (e.g., pitch the Rebublicans!!!!!), but more global thoughts on the appropriate roles, and behaviors of the legislature.
Fire them all. Republicans, Democrats, Independents. I don't care if this is your first year in congress, or your 30th..you're all fired!
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