Pat says that he's been receiving comments about venturing into political territory. He says it's natural for him to do so because he believes, strongly, in democracy. That's his prerogative. But I do wonder: Why now (only recently)? With 106 videos under his belt -- almost all of them focused on religion -- perhaps he's running out of material or inspiration. What I do know is that he was on much firmer ground when discussing religion. I can't think of a single religion-related post of his that I didn't agree with wholeheartedly. But, with politics, that's not quite as true. I do, however, agree with most of his political rhetoric. He's basing his statements on the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy. And that, to me, is a pretty solid foundation.
Without further ado . . .
Comment
@The Doubter,
I agree with you wholeheartedly. Very thoughtful response. Your last paragraph applies equally well to the U.S. People want fairness. Democracy is not fair if money buys political advantages. That arrangement will always be accompanied by corruption.
I'd like to see the U.S. DOUBLE fines and penalties for ANY crime committed by a public official . . . because they've shouldered the responsibility for public trust and should meet higher standards of conduct.
I'd like to see a social safety net for ALL people who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. No more helpless people living on the streets. The doctors and social workers involved with operating this safety net should follow guidelines that ensure only the truly indigent receive government support and should face severe penalties for any abuse of those guidelines.
And flat-rate federal and state tax systems simple enough to eliminate the need for tax accountants and lawyers. Assuming no tax burden on the poor (however you define the word), individuals and corporations would all pay the same rate. NO OTHER TAXES, LEVIES, FEES, ETC. SHOULD BE ALLOWED. Because of its predictability and simplicity, this system should be accompanied by federal and state balanced-budget requirements.
For fairness sake, it should be illegal for any public worker (on up to President) to receive any kind of benefit (material or otherwise) from private individuals or businesses. Any related violation of public trust should result in immediate dismissal from public service and severe criminal consequences. As long as one is honest, one should not fear these consequences.
Some of these notions might be naive or unworkable . . . I don't know: but I don't think so. There's many other complicated issues involved, like national health care and what, exactly, constitutes essential services and government's role beyond essential services.
I'd love to hear what people think it would take to make government fair and transparent.
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