INFORMED VOTERS USA

THE GREAT POINT

"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon
to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts." A. Lincoln*
For decision makers, opinion makers, those who read, analyze and think! A revolutionary vision to take back our government... Nothing is more powerful than informed citizens who believe they can make a difference, and who believe a difference must be made.

NOTE THAT THIS WEBSITE IS STILL IN DRAFT FORM -- PLEASE BOOKMARK AND RETURN
All politicians cater to those who put them in office. In Europe it is the ordinary workers and so they have 6 week annual vacations, employment tenure, free medical care and large pensions, etc. In the United States it is the big corporations and very wealthy individuals so we have tax cuts for the very rich, subsidies for numerous industries, high MPG requirements for the more profitable SUV's, a minimum wage that doesn't allow workers an adequate standard of living, much less allow them to buy medical insurance or save for their retirement. In short our political system has failed us in numerous ways because bringing the "real facts" to the people has become irrelevant in modern campaigns, much less the "great point."

The unfortunate truth is today's political experts and most elected officials don't believe in the collective wisdom of the people, but rather believe voters are ignorant, stupid, and easily manipulated... and for good reason: they have won by misrepresenting facts and manipulating emotions. And while many political pros are disgusted with the system and the fundraising that is needed, they are hooked on the power and position the present system affords. Indeed, our political system in the United States has become so dysfunctional and corrupted that if we are not an oligarchy or plutocracy, we are close to it. And while many of today's issues are so complex that few truly understand them -- including the legislators -- a KEY POINT is studies indicate voters don't need in-depth knowledge of each issue or even each candidate since if the real facts are available, voters can make good decisions based on a candidate's record and style as well as "clues" they receive from their affiliations and opinion makers. The great point is, just as in business and all other areas of life, decisions based on real facts are far better than decisions based on ideology, instinct, faith, or selective facts, and simply put, in these very dangerous and changing times, we cannot afford less than the best leaders or knowing less than the real facts.

Fundamentals: Simply put it is irrational to depend on foreigners to purchase our national debt and to rely on oil from the most unfriendly and unstable parts of the world;

The availability of nuclear and other weapons of mass destructions means we are only as safe as the most unstable among us and the weakest part of our defense;

Sheer numbers dictates that with the rise of a middle class in China it will become the preeminent economic and military power,

Since our resources are not unlimited, the fundamental question is if each expenditure is the wisest use of what we have;

The fall of the United States as the preeminent power in the world means those Americans who have the most have the most to lose;

Hedge fund operators who make a billion dollars a year from programs that make stock trades every 5 seconds not only don't create value, they suck value out of the market and funds others rely on for retirement;

AND since the media has increasingly been concentrated into a few owners, and each has a significant vested financial interest in the status quo, change must come from the people.

Part of the problem is how our elections are financed. But just as important is how the money is spent: 30 second television ads that are designed to misinform rather than inform, and distort rather than enlighten. Systemic changes are needed including:

(1) the end of gerrymandering so there are more competitive elections where incumbents must defend their record instead of appealing to the most partisan in their party in primary elections;
(2) truth in advertising laws to eliminate the most blatant misinformation (perhaps via a review by an independent board)
(3) require candidates to participate in forums where issues are discussed and debated including candidate town halls and debates rather than scripted campaign appearances where questions as well as participants are carefully screened
(4) weekly question hours where, if the executive branch can't be forced to participate, legislative leaders from each party must defend their policies and positions;
(5) complete and immediate disclosure of all amounts contributed with donors' names and affiliations;
(6) Loads of free television time and print media to inform the voters

But also it is important to note that most successful democracies are parliamentary, not presidential... and so the out of the box question is whether our presidential system has become outdated and a change to a parliamentary system is at least worth raising.

HOW WE GOT INTO THIS MESS AND HOW WE CAN GET OUT:
Three Fundamental Problems with the Current Political System (and Solutions!)
And Coming Soon: What the Founding Fathers Would Say About our Present System and the KEYS to Restoring and Assuring the American Dream for Our Children (Setting priorities, making rational and pragmatic policies, and forcing government to become far more efficient and effective)... And the innovative Common Sense Czar Project.