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One of my main concerns about some politicians is that they seem to lack knowledge of basic things such as basic economics, basic facts about government, basic science and the like, yet they make laws that can have significant effects on economic growth, life expectancies and the environment. Laws would perhaps have more positive effects if they were grounded in reality.
Why not have a standardized test that all politicians could take, with respect to basic knowledge about economics, world affairs, government, science and the like?
If the test were taken without any advance notice, and if test scores could be revealed at the politician's option, wouldn't that be helpful to voters?
For example, if the test time were set for 9am on the first Saturday in May, and the test took one hour and covered basic topics, and the test wasn't revealed in advance, that could show politicians' knowledge. And a bipartisan or nonpartisan panel could pick the questions to include.
One of my main concerns about some politicians is that they seem to lack knowledge of basic things such as basic economics, basic facts about government, basic science and the like, yet they make laws that can have significant effects on economic growth, life expectancies and the environment. Laws would perhaps have more positive effects if they were grounded in reality.
Why not have a standardized test that all politicians could take, with respect to basic knowledge about economics, world affairs, government, science and the like?
If the test were taken without any advance notice, and if test scores could be revealed at the politician's option, wouldn't that be helpful to voters?
For example, if the test time were set for 9am on the first Saturday in May, and the test took one hour and covered basic topics, and the test wasn't revealed in advance, that could show politicians' knowledge. And a bipartisan or nonpartisan panel could pick the questions to include.
It would make for a great prime time comedy show watching Pelosi and AOC take such tests.
Because that is not included in the Constitution among the requirements to be elected President.
If it was up to me, I might want a basic history/civics test, a mental health assessment, a financial/tax and potential corruption deep dive, which lobbyists procure their votes - how much and what all of it means to regular folks. This will never happen. The constitution says one has to be 35 and born on US soil. I think those are the only requirements. Any service workers/low wage workers goes through a far more strict, invasive process.
They should also be subject to the consequences of breaking the law just like average people do. From Nixon to Obama, probably Biden (hope not), all have committed crimes, disregarded international laws and should pay consequences for it.
Of course no meaningful specifics will ever be shared with the public, despite the need for it in order to cast a truly informed vote.
Both sides are corrupt, and both sides are wheeling and dealing for their own personal gain/benefit, *not* for the needs and concerns of voters. Look at polls - truth bears out, despite the propaganda of slimy corporate media (both sides) who intend to shape people into believing that the corporate policies and the establishment leaders are the ones to get behind. They really don’t care about you or me or anyone who can’t afford a $45,000 a plate fundraising dinner. They don’t. They really don’t. Compare that to the meager stimulus checks… They vote the way the lobbyists and donors pay them to vote. They do not care about regular folks.
We can take some solace in the fact that Reps and Senators rarely are the ones to write the laws. They hire "subject matter experts" on their staffs to do the real work.
Because that is not included in the Constitution among the requirements to be elected President.
If it was up to me, I might want a basic history/civics test, a mental health assessment, a financial/tax and potential corruption deep dive, which lobbyists procure their votes - how much and what all of it means to regular folks. This will never happen. The constitution says one has to be 35 and born on US soil. I think those are the only requirements. Any service workers/low wage workers goes through a far more strict, invasive process.
They should also be subject to the consequences of breaking the law just like average people do. From Nixon to Obama, probably Biden (hope not), all have committed crimes, disregarded international laws and should pay consequences for it.
Of course no meaningful specifics will ever be shared with the public, despite the need for it in order to cast a truly informed vote.
Both sides are corrupt, and both sides are wheeling and dealing for their own personal gain/benefit, *not* for the needs and concerns of voters. Look at polls - truth bears out, despite the propaganda of slimy corporate media (both sides) who intend to shape people into believing that the corporate policies and the establishment leaders are the ones to get behind. They really don’t care about you or me or anyone who can’t afford a $45,000 a plate fundraising dinner. They don’t. They really don’t. Compare that to the meager stimulus checks… They vote the way the lobbyists and donors pay them to vote. They do not care about regular folks.
Fair points; it can't be required (perhaps unless the states require it of their elected officials) but like releasing tax returns, it could be an optional test.
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