Comment

Comment by Atheist Exile on December 2, 2011 at 2:14am

@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.

Comment by The Doubter on December 1, 2011 at 3:10pm

Europe - Far too much potential for the less stable/poorer countries to bring down the 'house of cards' so to speak.....which ironically is exactly what has happened with Greece and Spain. The European Union has undermined the sovereign rights of many of the countries and created so much unworkable legislation that it is slowly sinking in bureaucracy ! Norway refused to join the Euro and my impression is that it hasn’t been a detriment to them…so maybe other countries should follow suit ans leave?
In Europe I think Pat was right to point out that the people of individual countries are effectively being ruled by two sets of government….their own and now by the European union…………and yes the leaders are no doubt sponsored by corporate interests.
I am not sure what the solution is…..but with any system that isn’t working you should start by stripping away the parts that are not needed…..any double legislation for starters and that would mean cutting back the European union/Brussels influence control.
Certainly more transparency in government and more disclosure….and importantly proper penalties for those breaking the law or making decisions for their own/lobbied interests…..a slap on the wrist approach doesn’t work. Also proportional representation in voting systems to avoid first past the post and dis-proportional results.
Just my thoughts :)