General Discussion

PETRUS

(3,678 posts)

41. Interesting subthread

Mon Jul 9, 2012, 01:09 PM

Jul 2012

Our system does put the brakes on the popular will, which could be good or bad depending on your point of view and the issue at hand. Polls consistently indicate that not only a majority of Americans but a 2/3rds or more majority would prefer policies other than what we're delivered on some issues. For example, the tax code - most people want it to be more progressive.

If we had direct democracy, proportional representation, or perhaps a different voting system (ranked choices, instant runoff, whatever) we would almost certainly have a different set of policies. MineralMan's question is a very good one: would you be pleased with the results, or not? Quite possibly, you would. Studies show that proportional representation generally results in more left-leaning policy than the US system (single member district). There's reason to believe that our structure of government increases the influence of the right wing.

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We need a new system [View all] Taverner Jul 2012 OP

But what do we replace it with? LARED Jul 2012 #1

The methodology should be the Scientific Method Taverner Jul 2012 #2

I think there is some science in my idea LARED Jul 2012 #7

What system do you recommend, Taverner? MineralMan Jul 2012 #3

Like I said, take the best elements from 20th century political theory Taverner Jul 2012 #5

Ah, hodgepodgism. MineralMan Jul 2012 #9

Want exact solutions? Here: Taverner Jul 2012 #16

Sounds like way too many 'ism's to HappyMe Jul 2012 #10

Well, heck, then. Let's just have anarchy. MineralMan Jul 2012 #12

Anarchism =/= Libertarianism Taverner Jul 2012 #19

And how did Makhno's anarchist Ukraine work out? MineralMan Jul 2012 #20

Well the Red Army destroyed it Taverner Jul 2012 #25

Yes, they did. That was another Revolution by MineralMan Jul 2012 #32

Anarchism actually eschews large governments Taverner Jul 2012 #34

I can't imagine any consensus from that coalition you suggest. MineralMan Jul 2012 #39

You would think a Parliamentary system could never find a consensus then.... Taverner Jul 2012 #42

Well, I haven't seen any parliamentary systems controlled by MineralMan Jul 2012 #44

Singapore built a state utilizing multiple theories Taverner Jul 2012 #17

Singapore? Have you checked their civil rights history? MineralMan Jul 2012 #21

But, but, but the roads are good! HappyMe Jul 2012 #27

Well, there is that. MineralMan Jul 2012 #28

That wasn't my point - I never said it was optimal Taverner Jul 2012 #36

I think it should be a system for we, the people.... kentuck Jul 2012 #4

We, the people includes MineralMan Jul 2012 #11

It would still have to be decided in a democratic way... kentuck Jul 2012 #13

Ah. Well, then, there's the rub. MineralMan Jul 2012 #14

Well, if you don't like my system, then vote for the status quo.... kentuck Jul 2012 #15

Interesting subthread PETRUS Jul 2012 #41

They lack class consciousness Taverner Jul 2012 #18

OK. Education. That's always a good idea. MineralMan Jul 2012 #23

Culturejamming, Killcap, Education, Occupy Taverner Jul 2012 #24

So, post a link to adbusters.org here. MineralMan Jul 2012 #33

It's not "the system" that's broken; it's our values. "The system" is ruthlessly efficient Romulox Jul 2012 #6

I think you are right, but I would LARED Jul 2012 #8

Duthchas MichaelMcGuire Jul 2012 #22

Its not the system thats the problem Drale Jul 2012 #26

Demarchy gets rid of the politicians and money. Tierra_y_Libertad Jul 2012 #29

It works when it comes to juries Taverner Jul 2012 #30

Think if a Noam Chomsky or Joan Baez gets chosen. Tierra_y_Libertad Jul 2012 #31

This is true, but are there more Chomskys or Metzgers in the world today? Taverner Jul 2012 #35

Beats me. But, I do know that they're are a lot politicians on the take. Tierra_y_Libertad Jul 2012 #37

Yes, true Taverner Jul 2012 #38

I say we link the tax code for the top 1% to the unemployment rate. Ganja Ninja Jul 2012 #40

That I can get down with Taverner Jul 2012 #43