propose your own ten-point Democratic agenda!

[ulysses]

Criticism of Harry Reid's "Ten Mild-Mannered Suggestions for Nice Americans Who Don't Want to Be Offended" agenda has, per the norm, brought out countercriticism that the left has nothing positive to offer. So, progressives, let's make our proposals.

I'll start us off. Changes, addenda, etc are, of course, encouraged. Since I teach at an inner-city school facing sanctions under NCLB, I'll go there.

1. Education Realize that many students begin school already developmentally behind their peers, and revamp the No Child Left Behind Act so that the focus is no longer on punishing educators but on improving the economic status of "at-risk" students and their families so that they arrive at school prepared to achieve. Explicitly address the connection between poverty and school performance.

Next? :D

[IrateCitizen]

1. 2. REAL campaign finance reform and end to Gerrymandering

Recent surveys have indicated that the American public ranks politicians lower than prostitutes with regards to integrity and respect in society. Perhaps this could have something to do with the legalized bribery that passes for "campaign finance" in this country.

Immediately call for a national "Clean Elections" system that would enable candidates for office to receive public funds for their campaign on the condition that they forgo all private contributions. The system would be modeled on those already in use in ME and AZ.

Furthermore, end the Gerrymandering process that makes the vast majority of Congressional Districts uncompetitive. Leave the redrawing of districts to non-partisan boards according to regulations that eliminate the kinds of districts developed by the Texas legislature and Tom Delay.

In short, give people reasons to believe that government is there to represent them, as opposed to an outside entity they have no control over.

[ulysses]

3. nice.

Thanks, Chris. :hi:

[Cats Against Frist]

2. Oh, you asked for it

1. Nationalize the utilities, all energy corporations and natural resources and re-dole them out in the form of cooperatives that actively encourage alternative energy production, banking, etc.

2. Federalize this place -- meaning get rid of the federal income tax, and cut the military by about 50 percent, close down all federal departments. Charge everyone a very small flat tax for federal government ops. It's states from now on. But all states are still subject to the U.S. Constitution, which, by decree, shall only be interpreted by the new "supreme court:" One right-wing whack-job, two libertarians (one left, one right), one Green, one moderate Republican, one moderate Democrat, and three very centrist centrists.

3. Arrest and try the Bush administration, the neocons in the Pentagon and top loonie religious leaders for insurrection, treason, war crimes and insufferable bullshit peddling.

4. Fire all current Senators and Representatives and install term limits on all of them. Anyone who has any interest in a corporation -- holding, managing, former or present consulting, relatives, etc., shall be UNABLE to hold public office.

5. Get IRV for every election, and limit all campaigning for federal and state positions to $2 million.

6. Re-instate the fairness doctrine.

7. Return government-held lands in the west to Indian tribes, and all national parks to the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, et. al.

8. End the public school system, but collect state taxes to use as vouchers, so EVERYONE can go to private schools of their choosing.

9. Apologize to the world, and stop stealing natural resources.

10. Launch an agressive campaign to find sustainable alternative energy sources, and pay people who use wind or solar power.

can I have a bonus?

11. Clear up this first amendment once and for all: Freedom of religion is freedom FROM religion, and the "separation of church and state" MEANS exactly that.

*I realize that Democrats might not agree with all of this stuff, but this is a "thinking site," no?

***oh, and I forgot -- corporations are stripped of human status in the courts and there are no such things as subsidies and bailouts.

[ulysses]

4. hey, we're thinking out loud here.

:)

I can't agree withn your #8 (wouldn't that just recreate public schools with less oversight and a different name?) but that's me.

Thanks!

[tk2kewl]

5. Fiscal Responsibility

Mandatory balanced budgets and a deficit reduction plan. Borrowing for infrastructure projects only. The first major infrastructure project must be alternative energy production.