The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #73990 Message #1288743
Posted By: Rapparee
04-Oct-04 - 09:45 PM
Thread Name: BS: Is the USA really a democracy?
Subject: RE: BS: Is the USA really a democracy?
Another thing that can and should be done is to hold the elected in EVERY country accountable to the Constitution. Examples:
1. Every conflict the US has engaged in since 1941 has been undeclared war, with the possible exception of Korea. Why? Because Congress (which the Constitution gives the sole authority to declare war) has become filled with gutless wonders. If war is necessary, the President should have the guts to ask Congress for a declaration of war; if not, then don't go to war.
2. The defection of Congress for its responsibilities has brought the US to the brink of economic disaster. The Constitution gives Congress the budgetary authority, but they have handed it over to the Presidency, and the result is a debt load damned near beyond belief.
3. The business of the government is government, not business and certainly NOT to make the rich richer.
4. The War Powers Act should be revoked, since it is both unconstitutional and misused.
So...decentralize the government.
Move the Executive and Legislative Branches out of Washington -- the House and Senate can have offices in their home states and districts and telecommute (I'd rather spend billions for a wonderful telecommunications system than what it's now being spent for). Put at least one office of the Executive Branch in each State, with the poorest states getting the biggest branches (e.g., Defense could go to Alabama) -- the increased wages should do wonders. Move the President's House to the geographic center of the United States. Except for the Supreme Court, DC becomes a tourist mecca and museum haven.
Those serving as legislators are paid the average prevailing wage in their home town, while the secretaries and gofers and assistants are kept at their civil service salaries and benefits (the legislators get exactly the same medical, vacation, and other benefits as their staffers). Salary increases for the members of the Legislative Branch must be approved by at least 55% of the popular vote in a regularily scheduled election.
As for the Executive Mansion -- the geographic center of the US is now located on private ranchland in a rural part of Butte County, SD. The county seat, Belle Fourche, is the nearest town. Good -- South Dakota can use the fame.
Think of the benefits: lobbying would be very difficult, at best; by living at home the constituents could keep a better eye on the folks they elected; by tying their raises to the vote they'd be forced to work for their constituents; terrorists would have the same problem lobbyists would; and the government could survive a nuclear war far better than it can now! And, I suspect, the cost of the government would be less....