Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This would end most, if not all, wars. [View all]JayhawkSD
(3,163 posts)43. Well, they sound good, but...
"In 1916, a proposed amendment to the Constitution read that all acts of war should be put to a national vote. Anyone voting yes would have to register as a volunteer for service in the United States Army."
Direct democracy has never been known to work, which is why the founders created a representative democracy. California's version of direct democracy resulted in 80% of "propositions" calling for government spending being passed, while 70% of those calling for taxation failed, and drove California into the brink of bankruptcy for years. That is beginning to reverse itself under Brown, but could be temporary.
Not to mention that with a secret ballot, how do you enforce the part that requires volunteering for military service if one votes in favor of war?
"1876: the forbidding of religious leaders from occupying a governmental office or receiving federal funding "
The constitution forbids any religious test for any office in this nation. There was at one point a law banning federal funding for religious organizations, but George Bush voided that with his "Office of Faith-Based Initiatives," or something like that and Obama continued the process after he was elected.
"1933: an attempt to limit the personal wealth to $1 million "
Limiting personal wealth? You have to be kidding. Aside from the utter impossibility of enforcement, Karl Marx would be giddy withy delight.
Direct democracy has never been known to work, which is why the founders created a representative democracy. California's version of direct democracy resulted in 80% of "propositions" calling for government spending being passed, while 70% of those calling for taxation failed, and drove California into the brink of bankruptcy for years. That is beginning to reverse itself under Brown, but could be temporary.
Not to mention that with a secret ballot, how do you enforce the part that requires volunteering for military service if one votes in favor of war?
"1876: the forbidding of religious leaders from occupying a governmental office or receiving federal funding "
The constitution forbids any religious test for any office in this nation. There was at one point a law banning federal funding for religious organizations, but George Bush voided that with his "Office of Faith-Based Initiatives," or something like that and Obama continued the process after he was elected.
"1933: an attempt to limit the personal wealth to $1 million "
Limiting personal wealth? You have to be kidding. Aside from the utter impossibility of enforcement, Karl Marx would be giddy withy delight.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
67 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
Americans have never, ever voted for something really stupid or contrary to their best interests.
Buzz Clik
May 2013
#3
" a substance that is - very consistently - the most harmful to human health and social fabric."
JayhawkSD
May 2013
#41
1971: American citizens should have the alienable right to an environment free of pollution.
arcane1
May 2013
#4
Including world war 2, which would mean I wouldn't be here, so no thanks.
Donald Ian Rankin
May 2013
#5
well if the 2 people that comprise your parents didnt meet that doesnt mean you wouldnt be here
leftyohiolib
May 2013
#55
A National vote would be interesting, as I don't believe we ever had one .....
oldhippie
May 2013
#19
The ERA not on the list.. came so close, then the stupid Americans took over.
mountain grammy
May 2013
#15
Ha, good one! It oughtta be a law! When my son enlisted I did not give my permission
mountain grammy
May 2013
#37