Political Topics And Discussion > Dems present ehtics reforms

expat

Jan 19 2006, 01:24 AM

QUOTE

Critics have complained that neither political party would set up a separate ethics commission to monitor lawmakers' behavior. Instead, both parties would impose better disclosure of campaign contributions and lobbying activities.

Other clean-government groups have noted that without new campaign finance reform, lobbyists might simply replace free airplane travel and hotel rooms with more political donations.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060118/pl_nm/congress_ethics_dc

But they are toothless and don't address the real problem ... just like the Republicans Ethics reform bill. The problem is that the lawmakers don't WANT an independent investigation panel, don't WANT to lose thier free lunch.

John L

Jan 19 2006, 09:06 AM

Sooner or later, the politicians, on both sides, will come to realize that simplicity , and transparancy, is the best approach. Simply allow only constituants in one's own district to contribute, AND make it a requirement that all contributions be posted publically within 24 hours.

One can effectively write that law into one paragraph, and get this whole pile of manure scraped away immediately. Will they do it? H@ll no! It is too simple and does not allow them to pontificate and act legislative. What idiots and bloviators.

expat

Jan 20 2006, 12:33 PM

QUOTE (John L @ Jan 19 2006, 04:06 PM)

Sooner or later, the politicians, on both sides, will come to realize that simplicity , and transparancy, is the best approach. Simply allow only constituants in one's own district to contribute, AND make it a requirement that all contributions be posted publically within 24 hours.

One can effectively write that law into one paragraph, and get this whole pile of manure scraped away immediately. Will they do it? H@ll no! It is too simple and does not allow them to pontificate and act legislative. What idiots and bloviators.

Best approach for whom? I mena - they are personally profitting from the current syustem, so it would seem to be better for them than effective reforms ....

Thats a good plan, though ... I wonder if one can pass that through in a local level somewhere with a direct-to-the-people vote (Its really late and I forget the term now)?

John L

Jan 20 2006, 12:49 PM

QUOTE (expat @ Jan 20 2006, 02:33 PM)

Best approach for whom? I mena - they are personally profitting from the current syustem, so it would seem to be better for them than effective reforms ....

I should think that it would be neutral in favour.

QUOTE

Thats a good plan, though ... I wonder if one can pass that through in a local level somewhere with a direct-to-the-people vote (Its really late and I forget the term now)?

I don't favour a direct democracy. Our Founding Fathers purposefully made this a Representative Republic for that very reason.