Obviously, I am not sure as to how this forum will react to my suggestions, however, it is very very clear to me what must happen politically within the US.

We must immedatly begin voting against any and all incumbents, irregardless of party affiliation, skills, race, sex, creed, etc.

We MUST continue this pattern for at a minimum 20 years, regardless of the candidates effectiveness as a leader or their political leanings, WE MUST DO THIS.

We all know that Washinton is corrupted by influences that do not have the average American citizens best interests at heart, we know this to be true. Some here will say that it is the Republicans fault, others will say the Democrats, irregardless, we all recognize the need for change. The only way to institute this, in my opinion, is to end the existence of the professional politician.

I will accept that the downside to this could be a politicians realization that no matter what they do, they will only be in office for 1 term and this might infact encourage unethical behaviour. I am certain that the system that currently exists must change and does not favour the average American.

Any suggestions? comments?

I agree with your sentiment, it's probably applicable in all democracies.
Politics as a career has seen the demise of politics as public service.

I tend to subscribe to Douglas Adams's notion that:
“Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job.”

BTW welcome back!

Thank you, its good to be back!

.....Why did you post the same thing on two different discussions?

Why not?

IMPO: I believe that no matter what person or party is in office you're going to see corruption.

The only answer to this conundrum is by changing policy in DC.

1. No bid contracts--it's got to end!

2. All lobbying efforts must be conducted in 'House'--matter of fact, place it on C-Span. And yes, this means no contact in restaurants, Bars, snail mail, e-mail or whatever. Any discussions concerning trying to get a Bill through, the public should know everything about it (Now I know there is going to be some matters such as military, that can't be opened, but the vast majority can be discussed publicly.)

Now concerning getting reelected or getting a position in DC.

1. Each person or party can only spend a certain amount of money in order to campaign. What would this do? Make them concentrate on actually discussing the problems at hand and quit with their ad hominems. But whatever they choose to do with that certain amount is up to them.

2. Taxpayers should demand more televised debates. Think about this--last time there was only two for some important position such as President of the United States of America. There should be a heck of a lot more than that for that kind of position.

I do not believe in limiting terms of any public servant any more than it is currently proscribed. The power still lies with the average voter in the United States.

The problem is: The Average Voter.

We are lazy now. Too busy to vote many times. More concerned with who was "voted off" Survivior, and less concerned with the issues of the day.

More concerned with what Oprah has to say about an issue, and unconcerned with how our own Senator(s) voted on an issue in the Senate that day.

Improvement will come at the hands of those few who are willing to take ownership of our country and fought for rights to Democracy as a whole.

If not, perhaps we will devolve, and pay a terrible price in time. I still believe there is a core group ready to take action, and America the great will endure.

We need to systemactically erradicate the liberal " do whatever you feel is right" fringe lunatics in our country, the people with no moral compass as a start.

I just read that perhaps 20% of the voters don't receive any current news from any media. Most, of course, kinda believe what they see on TV or in the corporate newspapers or their favorite website.

Maybe I replied to this on another thread, forum, or planet, but our culture and society are far too complex now. A congressman has 89 issues, and his staff only covers half of those (and congressmen have large staffs).

Newcomers to office are novices, know-nothings. I don't ask a six-year old simpleton to reprogram my computer or do brain surgery.

Even being city council member is complex. First-termers barely get to know the job by the time the term ends.

The present political system is broken, but forbidding voters to retain good people in office won't help.