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ConsistentLiberal

(9 posts)
Sun Dec 18, 2011, 06:21 PM Dec 2011

The Original Progressive Reforms...

Imagine if we had proportional representation, instead of simply majoritarian elections; recall elections instead of unresponsive semi-annual ones; citizen-initiated legislation to be voted on by the public rather than top-down control from elite interests.

The implications are mind-boggling. Right now, Democrats and Republicans would be--most likely--neck-in-neck in the House, with smaller Progressive, Conservative, & Libertarian parties competing as well. With recall elections, major blunder like foreign wars, baillouts, and unsatisfactory healthcare legislation would yield a change in leadership; by waiting 2 years the government is lost to the people, who often shift priorities after major events pass.

With a national initiative, citizens could push through the types of reforms they see as necessary without the failings of the political elites and their incentives to go against public interest and go in the direction their campaign contributors direct them.

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The Original Progressive Reforms... (Original Post) ConsistentLiberal Dec 2011 OP
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