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ArtCatDom -> Campaign Reform (5/27/2006 5:06:12 PM)
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Here are three things I believe would help the political process in America. If you believe in any of this, write a letter to your Senator, Governor, all legislative reps, etc. Petitions seem nice, but letters count much more.
Push for ballot access have even and fair requirements for all candidates regardless of party and regardless of incumbancy. Ballot access widely varies among the fifty states and heavily favors established parties and candidates. This will be one of the most difficult reforms to pass. Elected officials range in their responses from dismissive, apathetic, frustrated to interested but doubtful of its prospects.
Push to close campaign finance loopholes allowing foreign corporations and corporations of foreign ownership to contribute through subsidaries. This is the one I've received the most positive feedback regarding and probably the best chance of passing. This is a concept, when properly worded, that appeals strongly to both left and right. Liberals seem to take an interest in this from an anticorporate viewpoint. Conservatives seem to take an interest in the protecting American sovereignty from foreign influence viewpoint. For reference, George W. (or an aide) expressed the viewpoint that foreign dollars are already banned, so this is a moot point (nice sidestep). Hillary expressed pretty much apathy and a view that there's no problem to see (head in sand, hand on pocket book).
Push for all presidential candidates registered in a minimum of 45 out of 50 states to participate in "the" presidential debates. Despite the claims about "hundreds" running for President of the United States, very very few make it on that many ballots every year. More recently, it will usually be the Green candidate, the Libertarian Candidate and sometimes one more. Watching the Greens and Libterarians rip apart the two parties on two of their main political bases would do wonders in my opinion. It might actually force it to be something of a real debate. Many politicians express an utterly non-committal, say-nothing stance on this issue. If you fail to confront the issue that only a few candidates will make it in, the age-old meme of "hundreds" being allowed to debate will come out of the chest. A decent minority express some interest, but severe reservation about its likelihood.
Just some thoughts.
*meow*
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