Seeking suggestions for a Democratic "Contract for America."

[geek tragedy]

We are where the Republicans were after 1992, more or less. They brilliantly pursued a plan of running against Washington and promising reform.

Of course, some of their ideas just sucked, but this is politics we're talking here. And the Contract for America was incredibly successful.

So, here are some of my proposals--what do others have?

1. A constitutional amendment to reform our election system, including the abolition of the electoral college, which has done more than either party to divide the United states into blue states and red states;

2. A constitutional amendment guaranteeing the personal right to privacy (though exceptions for controlled substances and medical procedures may need to be included);

3. A balanced budget amendment, with supermajority override provisions for cases of real emergency (Republicans just can't be trusted with our money);

4. Passing a law ensuring that states should receive roughly the same amount--no more, no less--of money from the federal government that they contribute in taxes--after all, we are not Communists ;)

5. Port security/intelligence reforms/other anti-terrorism measures neglected by this White House;

6. The elimination of tax incentives for companies to outsource jobs;

7. Establish a Citizens' Commission (not a Corporate Polluters' and Oil Companies' Commission) to put us on the path to energy independence;

8. Creation of a League of Democracies--meant to improve the strained relations between the US and places like Europe while shaming places like Saudi-occupied Arabia, as well as providing an alternative forum to the United Nations;

That's all I can come up with for now. What would others add or change?

[fliesincircles]

1. Tax reform

Give "individuals" the same deductions as a "corporation". Deductions for housing(place of business), clothing(uniforms), heating, insurance, tranportation costs, etc. No argument can really be made against it.

[geek tragedy]

2. I'll add it to my personal list from now on.

Thanks!

[cattleman22]

8. Who will that help?

Would your proposal be very progressive? Don't most low income tax payers simply take the standard deduction? Increasing the things that are deductible helps the well off and most importantly helps corporations that do tax returns.

[slackmaster]

3. I applaud this initiative - great start - one critique

The Electoral College is seen by the smallest states as an important power equalizer. I doubt very much that you could ever get 38 state legislatures to agree to chuck it unless you replace it with another equalizer of equal or greater value.

I'd say yes to some kind of electoral reforms but don't try to gore the sacred cow of the EC.

[geek tragedy]

4. That "small state clout" issue would be central to the debate. However,

we could ask the people of these states when was the last time either party treated them as important:

Alaska
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Vermont
Rhode Island
Delaware
Wyoming
Idaho
Utah

My hunch is that if we nationalize the issue, people will treat it as citizens of the United States, not South Dakotans or Alaskans.

[HootieMcBoob]

5. The Right to Affordable Health Care

For all Americans!

[cattleman22]

9. A right or a benefit?

This may seem like semantics, but to me there is a huge distinction. Most rights are passive. Think abouthe first and second amendments. I have the right to free speach and free press. I do not have the right to be given a press or its modern day equivalent. I have the right to a rm myself, but I do not have the right to force someone else to provide me with that gun.

Be very careful in this area.

[BillZBubb]

6. I disagree with several of your items.

The balanced budget amendment is a HORRIBLE idea. I would vote against ANYONE who supported it. You cannot run a modern economy without flexibility in budgeting. The Democrats should run on fiscal responsibility and use Clinton's era as the model.

My first item would be 1.) Raise the minimum wage to a livable level.

My second item would be 2.) Make health care accessible and affordable to everyone.

My third item would be 3.) Restore environmental protections and develop sustainable energy alternatives.

There are several more items along this line that I would include.

[geek tragedy]

7. I can see your point on the balanced budget amendment, though

something clearly needs to be done--Republicans just can't be trusted with our money. Something needs to protect us from them in the future.

Which other items did you disagree with?

I like your proposals as a personal matter, but I'm not sure they work politically. #1 probably works, but #'s 2 and 3 can easily be spun into "big spending liberal government that wants to overregulate everything."

Note: we don't have to put all of our cards on the table . . .