A Pivotal Issue to fix a multitude of real problems, from economic justice & ecological responsibility to government accountability to Fair Trade, it all begins with an honest broker; and honest government. Here is the core matter that needs to be addressed - How we finance elections makes or breaks the decisions that impact us all; getting honest representation requires a level playing field, and to get that level playing field requires we have representation accountable to the will of the people, not just the will of the very wealthy and well-connected. Here's a YouTube bit on the progress being made, and I'll add another on what Obama has to say about the matter. Plus, a link to websites devoted to making this change (I'll add some in a bit). Feel free to add your own information and media links.

As Thomas Paine famously remarked, "The right to vote, above all others, is the essential right through which all other rights are protected."

The Short List of Places to Check Out for Reform:

 

 

Fair Elections

Holding Power Accountable - Common Cause

What's been done thus far to clean up campaign financing is only dancing around the problem. Here's a sample of the US Supreme Courts' rulings, as the conservative justices continue to obstruct real reform:

Balkinization

Buckley v. Valeo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Why is this so critical an issue? Because by allowing huge sums of cash from sources with narrow political agendas, we've in essence allowed those groups with desires to feed their pet interests from the government trough to go without real restraint, and with devastating consequences.

He we are, plummeting employment figures, and this is the result of campaign cash flowing from Wall Street firms and the like into congress's campaign coffers and the executive branch, to push legislation aimed at allowing the very practices that led to the collapse. That, and more. It has allowed the expansion of bureaucracies which spy on ordinary citizens throughout the globe with or without warrant, and promoted a military-industrial complex which then often gets used by those in power, as opposed to first trying all diplomatic measures to solve global issues. It blocks environmental protections if this suits those with the biggest bucks to stuff pockets with, and has delayed scientific progress. If we are to honestly address any issues of our time, we must get rid of this corrupting process of buying elections and candidates here in the U.S. - Perhaps a Constitutional Amendment is necessary, and if things get any worse, we very well may see a new one!

At any rate, get informed, get involved if you can, and make a difference.

You have it wrong, there is no "honest government" the people must be sure to keep the government in line. We haven't been doing that, thus were in major trouble.

 

The time for action is now, for real change not false hope;

 

Ex-Lobbyists Have Key Obama Roles

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/14/AR2008111403922_pf.html

Honest government is possible, but to keep it is the trick. (as Franklin answered, "A Republic, if you can keep it.") True, if everyone researched the candidates, and supported those who were more suited to represent them, everything would be better. But as the chameleon goes, so goes those who run for office. For real change, change the process that allows vast sums of cash to buy Senators. Get rid of the massive campaign warchests. It's unlikely the public will dig that deep, but they are seeing the need for reform.

Or shoot Congress and the next Congress will be to scared to screw us over...

 

But to be serious, Wall Street owns Washington, we have to let Wall Street go down if we are to take back Washington.

:laugh3: (better be careful with that - NSA ..er, Big Brother is listening!)

Turnover & revolution? I wonder at what point the level of disgust will get citizens to really demand change.. how bad does it have to get?

:laugh3: (better be careful with that - NSA ..er, Big Brother is listening!)

Turnover & revolution? I wonder at what point the level of disgust will get citizens to really demand change.. how bad does it have to get?

 

I'm wondering the same thing.