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by Daniel Berger.
Original Post: Three Amendments
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I think I've reached the "our current system of democracy" is broken point. Anyone else?
First problem with the current system: No term limits.
Robin Williams once joked in one of his movies that, "Politicians are a lot like babies's diapers - they should be changed early and often and for the same reason." We laugh because we know it's true. People get comfortable on Capitol Hill. They like the position, the power, and, in many cases, the money, so much that they aren't willing to give it up.
Solution: Constitutional amendment implementing term limits. Six terms in the House, two terms in the Senate, mutually exclusive. Limits corruption, ensures fresh blood.
Second problem with the current system: Campaign finance.
Dear Supreme Court: Money != Speech. I call it what it is - institutionalized bribery. The MPAA, RIAA, or Walt Disney Corporation (just to name a few) want a law passed? No problem! Contribute huge amounts to any particular group of senators and watch it happen!
Solution: Constitutional amendment implementing public campaign financing and a spending cap.
Third problem: Lack of background diversity.
Congress now hovers somewhere around %40 ex-lawyers. Not exactly what our founding fathers had in mind when it comes to actual representation of the American people. This is detrimental in the long run, since it means Congress is relying almost entirely on third party experts for just about everything, since the only thing most lawywers know is, well, law.
Solution: Constitutional amendment (somehow) guaranteeing diversity of background. Perhaps even education requirements for Economics and/or Political Science.
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