Populist Reform of the Democratic Party
In reply to the discussion: Some basic inaugural discussion about goals? [View all]on point
(2,506 posts)It has struck me that what makes the constitution great is it is about principles that stand the test of time. The politicians no longer run on principles, but on specific tactical steps. I think a re-discovery of those principles and an understanding of new ones would motivate voters and help decide larger strategic issues. Here are a couple of ideas for principles:
1. Sovereignty of the Body
The individual, not the state or a church, shall have Sovereignty over their own body.
(Covers the issues of contraception, abortion, draft, drugs, suicide for the terminally ill, others?)
2. Only registered voters in the district of the politician may contribute money to that politician
(Sorry corporations, you can't register to vote so can't contribute nor can people outside the district flood the election)
3. Regulations can be good because they
a) lower transaction costs (think weights and measures)
b) protect the public from predators
c) protect companies from unfair competition by forcing a level playing field
d) protect society from companies that externalize their costs and consequently provide more accurate market price information by making products contain all their costs in the price
These may or may not make sense, and other people may have better ones. But I think we need to get to higher level in our discussions.