Bush as a prime example of a System Gone Wild.

[opihimoimoi]

The system that gave us this loser has got to be flawed.

How in the world can we prevent a repeat?

[imax2268]

1. I don't think

that the system gave us BushCo...they just manipulated the system...

I don't think they are going to be able to do it twice...

[Alerter_]

10. the System gave us Gore

but the system was overruled.

[OETKB]

2. Fixing the System

I was hoping someone would finally bring this subject up. After reading too much news and absorbing DUers commentaries, here's my 2 cents. It is a three pronged and each needs some expansion:

1. Everyone votes who can. The process should be made as simple as pie. Right now if the weather is bad, work schedules interfere, long lines, etc. can influence turnout. There is no true representative democracy until we hear an overwhelming voice at the polls.

2. Transparency and the proper role of the 4th estate. Unless we are privy to all information on a policy or situation there can be no coming to consensus on reasonable policies or laws. I am hard pressed to even think of anything that needs to be kept secret. The main reason Mr. Bush was elected was through the manipulation of facts and corrupt backroom practices. I must say, however, both sides have been guilty of stopping the free flow of information. If we are representative democracy, this openness is absolutely critical.

As a corollary of the above, it is my opinion that the defense, foreign, and intelligence policy of the US should be single. We can argue politically about domestic issues. The committes in Congress that deal with these issues must be made bipartisan and not subject to elections. All intelligence, raw and cooked, needs to be available to these bodies. It should be mandatory that the President meets with the co-chairpersons of these committes on a regular basis. It should only be after full vetting from all sides, and from knowledgible Americans and non-Americans that we come to a definite decision. The President should also be subject to regular questioning by the press. I think the American people are tired of having our foreign policy and security held hostage to whichever party or individuals are in power.

3. Belief in and movement towards international law. This is a two-way street, and if we will have to be willing to face the same scrutiny as our fellow nations. Instead of degrading the UN and the International Court, we should work to make these more effective institutions. This will dim the need to settle differences through armed conflict and allow all nations to share their resources and culture in a positive manner.

I say work for these 3 legs and it does not matter what the issues are, since it will make our representatives a truer reflection of what our society values. It certainly is not present now and, to answer your question, has permitted a person of Mr. Bush's calibre and philosophy to take over a substanial portion of our government.

[goclark]

3. Well stated n/t

[izzie]

4. One thing...All people tend to see things as they wish.

That slants all news and what you read and believe. That is hard to over come.

[OETKB]

6. The Imperfect World

I am taking the most practical idealistic approach in setting out these ideas. There will always be chocolate and vanilla in the world and as long as the participation is there people can take whatever slant they want. Just as I am replying to you, the same should occur on other issues. Taking to task, and skepticism is the mother of progress. We can not control opinions nor all seats of corrupted power, but the mechanisms must be in place to more effectively deal with it. This comes again, in my opinion, through the vote, being informed, and a respect for international law.

[Paradise]

7. Welcome to DU, OETKB. nt

[newyawker99]

5. Hi OETKB!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[RC]

14. Shouldn't that be

...Mr. Bush's lack of calibre...

[Anarcho-Socialist]

8. Potential fail-safe

Standardized literacy tests for all presidential candidates.

[opihimoimoi]

9. The reading comp questions they give Firemen Police recruits

woulda "kill" the Shrub...especially if he had to read and answer the questions on live TV

[Hubert Flottz]

11. Bush is a Veggie!

Reagan is to this day smarter than both Bush and his wimpy daddy! A vinyl ho is smarter than the shrub! The Vinyl ho is more compassionate too! The vinyl ho would not go AWOL! The vinyl ho would be a better leader! And Vinyally, a vinyl ho is far more productive!(more bang for you buck)

[opihimoimoi]

13. Prolly the Nose Miner has 3 dozen or more of them blow up love dolls

His close friends know what models are his faves. Laura is very close to a Stepford Doll. She even reads poems and newspapers to her Bush.

[OETKB]

12. Seriously

I know there is a tendency to attack Mr. Bush, but he is a small cog in what is screwing up our democracy. He is a symptom, not a cause of failed policies. I think we need to have what some people call "a deeper sense of democracy." Imagine the Republicans with 60% of both houses of congress along with the presidency. Any law could be passed, the Constitution could be amended at will by the GOP. Would they do it, I hope not. It is a mistake to alienate 40% of the population, it is the stuff of revolution. To have a functioning country, still a consensus must be sought.

This is why we have protected rights which even the majority have agreed to. To not listen to the opposition, no matter who they are, is to invite disaster. Primary among these rights are freedom of speech, freedom of the press, separation of church and state, and protection of certain privacy rights.

Remember the shoe can always be on the other foot. Government exists to protect selected freedoms and to ensure our security for all the people, not a selected few or a majority.

[opihimoimoi]

15. Hi there Mon, Velcome to the Fray.

Yeah, the Bush is the Puppet. You just know he wouldn't be able to run for Prez by himself. This man needs serious help just to get on a small bike.