Electoral Monkey Business

A few days ago, while working my muscles with some intense lifting of weights, I got to thinking about American electoral reform. The damned blood in my body went to the wrong muscle.

Anyway, I started thinking about how campaign contributions have become such a hot issue, which is why they should be removed entirely. Yes, that's right, no more Super PACs or 501s or any tax-deductible contributions to politicians. Here are my thoughts in gist:

• Remove campaign contributions entirely. Instead, a candidate with a net worth higher than x (say, $1 million) funds his own campaign in addition to a set budget from the federal government that is inversely proportional to his/her net worth. So, for a candidate who has a lower net worth, they would receive more federal funding for campaigns.
• Proportional representation rather than winner-take-all in each state. Simple enough.
• Stipulations for re-election:
• had to sponsor a certain amount of legislation in D.C. with a certain percentage passed. Obviously can be used to oust members whom some may not like, but a minor point.
• had to demonstrate bi-partisanship (needs specifics, obviously)
• had to show a willingness to compromise with other (probably too much to ask, but might as well mention)
• Can't be ignorant of simple science, especially if they sit on a scientific committee
• Pecuniary penalty for citizens who don't vote. Nothing too steep (probably less than $100), but enough to encourage people to vote.
• After losing a house/senate seat, a former congressman cannot become lobbyists for 5 years. Hell, 10 years. Go be a teacher or some other productive member of society.
• Remove federal restrictions on third party funding. (Needing 5% of the electoral vote to qualify for funding)
• Ban on campaign commercials.

I suppose that's it. Opinions?

That's all for now,
Das Flüg

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