Last Saturday night, CNN held a mini debate on the viability of Donald Trump as a presidential candidate, along with the feasibility of adding a third party.
All of the talking heads had an opinion, but this is really a matter that needs to be taken to the people of the United States.
There are more issues that need to be reconsidered and updated when it comes to the political process.
First, should the Electoral College remain as the deciding factor in the presidential election?
This body of representatives was put together in a time of slow, hand-delivered communications.
Being that such is no longer the case, effectively, the EC has outlived its usefulness.
Second, should the party system be eliminated completely?
It stands to reason that the two party system is the source of extreme power and financial backing. It is likened to the intrigue of the royal courts of old. “You help me, I help you, I won’t tell on you, you won’t tell on me etc.” If this network was eliminated, it would be more difficult to court favor, and elected officials would possibly be more likely to perform the duties they were sent to accomplish.
Third, should lobbyist groups be allowed to exist in their current form? There is nothing wrong with petitioning representatives for consideration. However, the lobbyist should be prohibited from gifting or giving favors of any value as incentive for voting a certain way.
Fourth, what about across the board term limits? Many in the House and Senate are career politicians. This is another way to learn the ways of courting favor and allowing that power to distract from the representative’s purpose on Capitol Hill.
Perhaps, in order to return the power to We the People, presidential elections should involve more grass root footwork.
All states require a certain number of signatures on a petition or a fee to be placed on their ballots.
If the party system was replaced, candidates would have to solicit and receive sufficient signatures to be recognized as a candidate.
Popular vote of 51 % straight from the numbers of ballots should give victory. The EC would not be needed.
Simplistic perhaps, but, these are the more pressing questions of election overhaul.
Think about it, ask neighbors and colleagues. The present is always a good time to change the world.
Image: http://opinion-forum.com/index/2010/02/third-party-in-2012-campaign/
