Saint Tim's Rant
My first rant, and I hope my last.
For decades, since the Republican implementation of the southern strategy in the 70’s, the Republicans have pushed to the right with bold steps. They have dragged their party and the country so far to the right they have now incorporated the lunatic fringe. They now enjoy the support of groups like Qanon , KKK, Proud Boys and actual Nazis. They now have concentration camps for illegal border crossers, most of whom could qualify for asylum. They now have sterilization of “undesirables”. We are an oligarchy that is so far to the right that centrist views are looked on as far left crazy shit. I am tired of over representation of empty (low population) red states telling me how to live. I am tired of centrist Democrats spending their entire time in office just polishing the turds left behind from the republicans. They are falling for the two Santa Clauses tactic. A link for those of you who need to know what that is https://www.salon.com/2018/02/12/thom-hartmann-how-the-gop-used-a-two-santa-clauses-tactic-to-con-america-for-nearly-40-years_partner/ .Yah, Bill Clinton cleaned up Their mess, just so they could do it again (bigger the second time).
It is time for far more bold action. On day one of new congress the Democrats need to take a hostage and a big one. Repeal Reapportionment Act of 1929 and refuse to replace it. Hold it hostage for; A constitutional amendment deleting the electoral college. It is really hard to gerrymander a district of 30K. Then ending of presidential signing statements. Reclaiming powers usurp by the presidents. Implementation of voting rights and regulations for all federal offices. Felons do not loose their right to vote in federal elections even while in custody. All elections must be auditable with a paper trail. No voter purging with in 90 days of an election and votes must be allowed to verify their registration on line. Long prison time for election and voter registration shenanigans. Write expected Presidential norms into law. Then when you get this done you can offer something like the “Wyoming Rule” as a compromise.
I would add split office of VP into two positions (foreign and domestic) each with own budget and tax base. Military comes under foreign budget including debt responsibility. Non running mates, each position is stand alone, and succession for president would be domestic VP.