We should all run for President - Political Forum

smallgovt1 · 06-26-2007, 06:45 PM

It seems like only those who are rich and politically connected have the opportunity to be president and in most cases, even a different office.

There are always going to be differences between those who contribute to this forum but we are all just as capable as anyone who runs for office.

The problem is we don't have a chance. Those with money and/or media savvy get the attention.

Are these some solutions?
1 - equal free airtime for all candidates
2 - noone can raise money or use their money
3 - everyone gets the same money/organization etc.

That would require gov't and I'm generally for small gov't but the idea of a citizen legislature doesn't exist.

What ideas do you have?

Scribbler1 · 06-26-2007, 07:24 PM

It's more than just airtime. It takes a lot of money to run ALL aspects of a campaign and the only people willing to donate the big bucks are people who want something for their money.
Unfortunately, only the ALREADY rich and well-connected can raise those millions, which makes "2 - no one can raise money or use their money" a moot point.

The ONLY idea I have requires a little bit of intelligence from the idiot sheep. These fools, who have no problem continually griping about the government also have no problem putting the same crooks IN to run things. They see and hear the news but they don't listen. They read the newspaper yet they don't comprehend. They DO pay attention to the campaign ads though, and that is the basis of their entire political knowledge.

You have to pass a test on your knowledge of motor vehicle laws to get your driver's license, but you can be a clueless, drooling idiot and be allowed to vote for people who determine the fate of us all.

That's ONE thing that should change, and fast.

FRYandBENDER · 06-26-2007, 07:31 PM

I agree with Scrib. Make everyone take a test before they are allowed to vote.

emptypepsi · 06-26-2007, 09:08 PM

Hmm, a test to vote, eh? I've heard this idea pitched around before, but I don't see the ends being justified by the means. That is, I think there are ways to fight this issue other than barring indirectly who can and can not vote.

Again, not saying I don't recognize the merits of such a suggestion, but I think it may be too early to have a drastic thing like that be put into effect.

emptypepsi · 06-26-2007, 09:09 PM

Those who are rich and get airtime do not have to get voted in. Idiots who vote for them make it happen. If we communicated better as a society, brought these issues to forefronts of discussion, no test nor special accomodations for running would be necessary. If people voted with their brains instead of their eyes, most of this shit would fix itself.

Sen-Bluecollar · 06-26-2007, 09:51 PM

I think everyone comes from humble beginnings. Not ALL the canidates were rich and powerful before they became political figures. Some had the same radical/rebellious/green-eyed-monster view that most people have and pass it off as level logic.

Scribbler1 · 06-26-2007, 09:56 PM

But the idiot sheep DON'T think for themselves. As long as they don't, some other remedy is called for. It IS drastic, I'll agree, but sometimes tough times call for tough solutions.

As for tests, if memory serves a kind of test was used to keep Blacks from voting in the 40's and 50's. That might be what you're thinking of.

What I'm picturing is neither a means test or even a literacy test (although that last one wouldn't be a bad idea). It would be a political knowledge test. If the idiot sheep knew well in advance that they would have to answer a few simple questions (no adult-education civics class necessary) in order to exercise their privilege to vote, they might make at least the SLIGHTEST effort to cast a semi-intelligent vote.

Purple Tang · 06-26-2007, 11:34 PM

The internet will slowly make people start thinking for themselves.

Ron Paul 2008 — Hope for America

Scribbler1 · 06-27-2007, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Tang

The internet will slowly make people start thinking for themselves.

How do you arrive at that conclusion?

Alun · 06-30-2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRYandBENDER

Make everyone take a test before they are allowed to vote.

A test like "What is the capital of the USA? What is the population of the USA?" judging basic facts about the country.

or

"What is Hillary Clinton's position on x? What is Rudy Giuliani's idea about x agency?" judging facts about candidates.

or

"What does the 3rd amendment do? What is the role of the Justice Department?" judging in depth facts about the country's government.

The difficulty is that the government has to make the test in the first place; each question is going to go down differently in different demographics, which in turn vote for different people and parties. Also...voter turnout isn't that high anyway, so I have difficulty believing the added hassle would help democracy.