Is Republicism Passe?

[Lasher]

murex said:

Re-election should be outlawed if the politician is currently in office, but they can be elected again but only after they stay out for one term. This is for two reasons- one is that they have more power to pull strings while running again while in office, and 2, they are neglectful in their duties if their time is concentrated on re-election.

This is good, murex. Makes sense. Also the $100 limit on donations.

Certainly think that each candidate should get a set amount broadcasting air-time free of charge. Ridiculous how it works now.

Basically take money out of the equation.

[murex]

Yes, it's not fair to others who run. All you need is money to become president theese days.

[Lasher]

murex said:

Yes, it's not fair to others who run. All you need is money to become president theese days.

Exactly. And if money inevitably currupts... it's like setting yourself up to fail.

[murex]

We should nominate presidents to run, they shouldn't be able to run at all. This way we can pick some good people who may not be wealthy or corrupt.

[TarotDragon]

murex said:

Yes, it's not fair to others who run. All you need is money to become president theese days.

Really. That's all I been hearing on the news the last couple of days. How much each candidate has raised. I get that you need moeny to run, but like MM said one time, maybe have a set amount for each candidate. Make some fund or something, exact amount for each with no money donations from anyone else. Or if some one does donate, it goes into the communal pot that they all can withdraw from.

Same way with commercial air-time. And get them to stop attacking each other. This election has been generally nice, but they usually turn into mudslinging contests and I personally cannot stand the attack ads.

[piper]

I am suprised we don't hear more about this. We keep hearing that we are going to have campaign reform but lo and behold we are still doing the same ol things. Shoulda learned with Ross Perot that you don't mix politics and money.

To me it is becoming increasingly apparent, and some peeps and I were talking about this today, that we don't need Presidents and all that jazz. I have been following this presidential race and I have yet to know and understand the issues and the differences between the canditates on them, let alone all the complexities of how someone actually does get elected. And we have Internet, how on earth did we elect people before?

Well I think that their shouldn't be allowed any, none, zip, negative or postive adson TV! Just allow candidates to talk about what their policy is and where they stand on issues. Period.

And all they are to be when they are elected are administators of that policy. The people vote on policy and they make sure it gets adminstered. I know that I am oversimplifying things here but you know where I am headed with this. Same place as you guys :-)

[Lasher]

murex said:

We should nominate presidents to run, they shouldn't be able to run at all. This way we can pick some good people who may not be wealthy or corrupt.

I totally agree. I think a position of power is safer on the shoulders of someone who never asked for it. It makes me nervous when someone says they are capable of being the leader of the free world... as if anyone is. Too much of an ego trip. Don't get me wrong... I'm still voting, but ideally...

strictlyplatonic said:

This election has been generally nice, but they usually turn into mudslinging contests and I personally cannot stand the attack ads.

I'm with you TD... not to mention they're totally corny. Just as if you tune into a tv show with hideous acting... it's like, if can't produce something that's not utterly cheesy in this day in age...

piper said:

Well I think that their shouldn't be allowed any, none, zip, negative or postive adson TV! Just allow candidates to talk about what their policy is and where they stand on issues. Period.

Yeah, no one likes to hear anyone patting their own back, and you know you can't totally trust it anyway. Same with negative ads... things taken out of context, and twisted to seem really awful. And there is no real repercussion for the attacker either... you can get away with it.... even if you end up having to retract something or backtrack, the damage is done and it was money well spent.

[MagnetMan]

I think a president should be a ceremonial figure-head at most - like the monarchy in Britain. No person on earth can make personal decisions that affect the lives of hundreds of millions. Nor can any cabinet. Nor can any Congress. It takes all the hundreds of millions to do that.

That is why we have the INTERNET and instant communication. That is the Congress of the New Age.

As stated at the start of this thread --republicanism - any representative government at all - including a president - is passe.

[Kwan Yu]

Republic horse-back philosophy
life now light-speed
agent not needed
everyman now connected
to Global Congress

I speak for myself
of course