Jun 09, 2008 03:43AM GMTJune 09, 2008 03:43:23
Posted by Nikki

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85 comments
raves +12  
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What can we do to protect this country from the crooked politicians? PLEASE VOTE & LEAVE A COMMENT?

Both Democrats and Republicans are not for the PEOPLE.
They become rich off of our hard earned tax dollars.
You must be rich to afford to live and the poor are taken care of.
Why do the middle class always have to pay a price.

Both parties had their terms nothing accomplished for the middle class. Our country is in trouble.

Democracy is a system of government by which political sovereignty is retained by the people and either exercised directly by citizens or through their elected representatives. It is derived from the Greek δημοκρατία ([demokratia] (help·info)), "popular government"[1] which was coined from δήμος (dēmos), "people" and κράτος (kratos), "rule, strength" in the middle of the 5th century BC to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states, notably Athens.[2]

In political theory, democracy describes a small number of related forms of government and also a political philosophy. Even though there is no universally accepted definition of 'democracy',[3] there are two principles that any definition of democracy is required to have. The first principle is that all members of the society have equal access to power and the second that all members enjoy universally recognised freedoms and liberties.[4][5][6]

There are several varieties of democracy, some of which provide better representation and more freedoms for their citizens than others.[7][8] However, if any democracy is not carefully legislated to avoid an uneven distribution of political power with balances such as the separation of powers, then a branch of the system of rule is able to accumulate power in a way that is harmful to democracy itself.[9][10][11] The "majority rule" is often described as a characteristic feature of democracy, but without responsible government it is possible for the rights of a minority to be abused by the "tyranny of the majority". An essential process in representative democracies are competitive elections, that are fair both substantively[12] and procedurally[13]. Furthermore, freedom of political expression, freedom of speech and freedom of the press are essential so that citizens are informed and able to vote in their personal interests.[14][15]

Popular sovereignty is common but not a universal motivating philosophy for establishing a democracy. In some countries, democracy is based on the philosophical principle of equal rights. Many people use the term "democracy" as shorthand for liberal democracy, which may include additional elements such as political pluralism, equality before the law, the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances, due process, civil liberties, human rights, and elements of civil society outside the government. In the United States, separation of powers is often cited as a supporting attribute, but in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the dominant philosophy is parliamentary sovereignty (though in practice judicial independence is generally maintained). In other cases, "democracy" is used to mean direct democracy. Though the term "democracy" is typically used in the context of a political state, the principles are also applicable to private organizations and other groups.

Democracy has its origins in Ancient Greece.[16][17] However other cultures have significant contributed to the evolution of democracy such as Ancient Rome[16], Europe[16], and North and South America.[18] Democracy has been called the "last form of government" and has spread considerably across the globe.[19] Suffrage has been expanded in many jurisdictions over time from relatively narrow groups (such as wealthy men of a particular ethnic group), but still remains a controversial issue with regard disputed territories, areas with significant immigration, and countries that exclude certain demographic groups.
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raves +6   by Jamie (goofygirl)

Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

If more people would try to understand local politics, then move on to state and national, there would be an uprising in this country.
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  • raves +1   [-] by kevracer

    Answered Let our candidates know we will not vote 'UNLESS"

    It's time to get mad and tell the politicians that we are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore- Demand and receive accountibility! If your elected representative votes against your beliefs, let them know and then don't ever vote for them again. Donate money to candidates and demand public campaign financing, so they don't need to accept money from special interests
  • raves     [-] Nikki replied to kevracer
    Thanks you great comment
  • raves     [-] by rr lyrae

    Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

    That Americans realize the richest Interests have figured out how to make $ the dominant force in our political system and that it is thus time to restore the levers and entirety of political power to its owner: "We,the people". The quickest way to do this is to take advantage of our "one man -one vote" democratic system while restoring the political arts . This could be done by putting a much heightened value on each and every vote by installing PR(proportional representation) as in Europe. That way the full spectrum of human political choice is again on the idea market. The smaller parties will have to ally with larger ones to gain enough power to promote policy effectively. Thus individual votes become much,much more important and sought -after. Parties that carry broad messages will have to sharpen their points to get votes as single issue parties can get traction only by allying with the larger parties and all must become more responsive to narrower ranges of interest.

    Best would be if National elections occur based on policy, not term. The ruling party calls the election when it needs more power to get a policy looked at it favors and ineffective parties which command not enough support trigger "NO confidence!" votes in the Legislature(wouldn't THAT be GREAT!?) whose p...
    That Americans realize the richest Interests have figured out how to make $ the dominant force in our political system and that it is thus time to restore the levers and entirety of political power to its owner: "We,the people". The quickest way to do this is to take advantage of our "one man -one vote" democratic system while restoring the political arts . This could be done by putting a much heightened value on each and every vote by installing PR(proportional representation) as in Europe. That way the full spectrum of human political choice is again on the idea market. The smaller parties will have to ally with larger ones to gain enough power to promote policy effectively. Thus individual votes become much,much more important and sought -after. Parties that carry broad messages will have to sharpen their points to get votes as single issue parties can get traction only by allying with the larger parties and all must become more responsive to narrower ranges of interest.

    Best would be if National elections occur based on policy, not term. The ruling party calls the election when it needs more power to get a policy looked at it favors and ineffective parties which command not enough support trigger "NO confidence!" votes in the Legislature(wouldn't THAT be GREAT!?) whose passage means new elections. The very complexities of modern social and economic life demand this greater flexibility and responsiveness from government to treat them effectively and TIMELY.
  • raves     [-] by Bun

    Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

    I guess we can't just kill all the repugs...... or can we?
  • raves +1   [-] Nikki replied to Bun
    House Democrats: Passed Largest Tax Hike in American History 2008-03-25 11:50:00
    Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) recently sent out an email which highlights one area where the difference between Republicans and Democrats still remains stark: raising taxes.Congressman Cantor:Before adjourning for recess, House Democrats passed the largest tax-hike in American history; a rate hike that will soak an average of $3,120 from every family. In an economy reeling from a slowing housing and job market, this is a burden that American families and small business owners simply cannot afford.Let's be clear – this Democrat tax hike raises the tax burden of every American, particularly the middle-class. Their budget, which they voted to pass this week, includes the following tax assumptions: * Raises the current "10 percent tax bracket" to 15 percent. This would increase the burden on all.
  • raves     [-] Bun replied to Nikki
    You are some faithful follower!
  • raves     [-] kevracer replied to Bun
    Wasn't it in Henry VI by WIlliam Shakespere where the character suggested killing all the lawyers? That would be a start!
  • raves +1   [-] by JO4USA

    Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

    I just voted for my local primary noise in Seattle WA, you know judicial, county and so on. Took my time and actually read the entire voting pamplet. I found myself non-partisan for the first time. So tired of the political KA-KA. Passion to the people!
  • raves +1   [-] by Keywest Jeff

    Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

    Minimum Wage x 2 for all of DC. We own them. Not the other way around.
  • raves +2   [-] by Jwalden

    Answered None of the above

    vote out the incumbants for the next 4 election cycles.
    Study independantly American history - not just our biased opinions of, but all of the depths of the complete history.

    Research the earliest founders of America and demand that the candidates be comparable to those who died for America


    http://www.sodahead.com/quest... Sixteen African-American men served in the United States Congress during the Reconstruction period.
    httpwww sodahead comquest sixteen african-american served united congress reconstruction period
  • raves +3   [-] imscared replied to Jwalden
    BINGO WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!

    Voting out incumbants sends a huge message. The message is this...

    YOU ARE DOING A PISS POOR JOB AND I'M FIRING YOU!!
  • raves +2   [-] by RightWingDog - PROUD AMERICAN

    Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

    and the most important thing VOTE and encourage others to do the same!

    RWD

    Vote BIG MAC 2008
  • raves +2   [-] by notfunny

    Answered All of the above

    But the real "thorn in our side" is the Federal Reserve, who handles our money. The same money these politicians lie, cheat, steel, and kill for. The FR is who runs our country, not capital hill.. We need to abolish this "non-federal" unconstitutional form of currency, and replace it with a new one. One that does not work off of interest rates, and fractional reserve banking..

    It's not legal, and we need to get rid of the greed...
  • raves +2   [-] Nikki replied to notfunny
    Great comment. Thank you.
  • raves     [-] rr lyrae replied to notfunny
    Then it is agreed that it is greed that we all face as the enemy? This greed that springs historically fr the capitalist system itself when it is unfettered, unregulated and unmoderated by the political,social and economic entities in its environment? As when the US and the world moved fr a primarily agricultural socio-cultural producing base to an industrial base in the late 19th century and the Robber Barons and monopolists who were able to "work the system" got a hold of too much power, we again see greed reflected in the move fr national to global markets and labor resources which benefits the Extra-national Corporates. Multi-Nationals who now hold their national population bases hostage, as virtual "employees", until their political representatives, now complicit in the "takedown" of political power by these Mega-Giants, lobbied more and more effectively and inclusively till the blur between the National interests and Corpoprate interest disappears , WAKE UP and serve We, the People!? So we are agreed?
  • raves     [-] notfunny replied to rr lyrae
    Agreed? If you're saying that the people who fought to free a nation and provide a sanctuary for liberty and prosperity are totally different then the people who are running this Country today, we are...Capitalism works when a individuals heart is not consumed by selfishness, and greed. I am no better than you, nor you me. (Example) Because I own six moving companies, doesn't give me the right to own the people who helped it grow, nor do I have the right to squash the competition by force or other means.
  • raves +1   [-] rr lyrae replied to notfunny
    notfunny,
    I am saying that,but you are living it.I would support you this day or any to represent "We, the People".Thank You.
  • raves +4   [-] by mary

    Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

    Call and write your local politicians. The President doesn't do much without congress.
  • raves     [-] by Princess Mononoke

    Answered Get a Third Party

    I've been thinking about pushing for what I like to call 'American Liberation Party'. We so desperately need one right now. I have already urged Hillary to run Independent or consider creating this new party. Fingers crossed as the plot thickens!
  • raves +1   [-] by Chef

    Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

    See the group I want to start...
    Thanks, Chef
    http://www.fairvote.org/
  • raves +1   [-] by patblue1947

    Answered None of the above

    Be aware of the issues. Demand honesty in government. Always vote.
  • raves +3   [-] by Mike

    Answered None of the above

    Vote All incumbants out of office every election until they get it right, and if they screw up early in your district, RECALL THEM immediatley
  • raves +2   [-] Nikki replied to Mike
    Thank you Mike
    mike
  • raves +1   [-] by Carol McCain-Palin

    Answered Get a Third Party

    Until we have more than a two party system running for president, nothing is going to change. Its politics as usual.
  • raves +4   [-] by GailJ ~ God is in Control ~

    Answered Get a Third Party

    The Republicans and Democrats thrive on disagreement. When they pit "us against them" we are divided as Americans. They win, meaning they get to slide through their agenda. When you retire, what kind of healthcare and retirement fund do you have? Check what they get. See my point. To serve your country by being elected to office use to be a financial sacrifice. Now it is the road to the

    Photobucket

    My brother has already jumped that train for a third party. I might not be far behind.
  • raves +3   [-] Nikki replied to GailJ ~ God is in Control ~
    Great post Gail, thank you.
  • raves +1   [-] Chef replied to GailJ ~ God is in Control ~
    What a about Election Reform?
  • raves +6   [-] by Jamie (goofygirl)

    Answered Let's get our message out to the politicians

    If more people would try to understand local politics, then move on to state and national, there would be an uprising in this country.
  • raves +3