Discussion Strengthening Checks and Balances: Corruption

[interchange]

Firstly, I don't have illusions that what I might suggest is actually achievable. With that established, I would still like to have a discussion on what we think would be the best way to redesign or reinforce our institutions to best honor the intent of the constitutional framers.

Although corruption principally in the executive is the impetus for this discussion, I'd like to separate from current events and imagine that corruption may accumulate anywhere, as was the viewpoint needing consideration when the government was designed.

That task is too broad, so I will limit the case to the pursuit of criminal behavior by a sitting President while considering the case that such pursuit may be completely unfounded.

For that to work, we need to optimize:
- expedience such that delay/obstruction by any party is limited
- protection from any pursuit of information being justified prior to its request
- preservation of potential evidence
- immediate consequence for acts of obstructing the regular legal process so that politicizing proceedings cannot operate to undermine the valid pursuit of justice
- coordination with what may happen at the state level

I have some ideas, but am running out of time to post them. More later. But perhaps discussing the goals first is better than proposing an intervention anyway.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Firstly, I don't have illusions that what I might suggest is actually achievable. With that established, I would still like to have a discussion on what we think would be the best way to redesign or reinforce our institutions to best honor the intent of the constitutional framers.

Although corruption principally in the executive is the impetus for this discussion, I'd like to separate from current events and imagine that corruption may accumulate anywhere, as was the viewpoint needing consideration when the government was designed.

That task is too broad, so I will limit the case to the pursuit of criminal behavior by a sitting President while considering the case that such pursuit may be completely unfounded.

For that to work, we need to optimize:
- expedience such that delay/obstruction by any party is limited
- protection from any pursuit of information being justified prior to its request
- preservation of potential evidence
- immediate consequence for acts of obstructing the regular legal process so that politicizing proceedings cannot operate to undermine the valid pursuit of justice
- coordination with what may happen at the state level

I have some ideas, but am running out of time to post them. More later. But perhaps discussing the goals first is better than proposing an intervention anyway.

Few off the top of my head:

• Term limits for senators + congressmen + SCOTUS
• Impeachment Process Should be a hell of a lot easier. Questioning the morality and actions of our leaders that represent us isn't exactly complex.
• Get Rid of 2 Party System - This would be the best thing and lead to the most progress, because ideally we could get rid of partisan gridlock of "We need to defend X person because he is on our side regardless of it being shady". Wishful thinking and won't ever happen though.
• Any and all whistleblowers should have full immunity at all times - regardless of how the information is released (unless released to a foreign power, etc.)
• Limit Advertisement and campaigning for running for government positions. Make it something like a fixed dollar amount that can be spent on campaigns (overall low number) and limit the amount of things like TV Advertisements (e.g. allowed one 30-second commercial that is aired only during the 3 months leading up to the election. Only allowed to give your stances, not air bullshit about the other competing candidates)

 

[cirrrocco]

^^ great points Someonesmind.

-Also more robust timebound whistle blower amendments.
- get back property brought through graft even if owned by Family, LLC. if even a single corrupt dollar was used in buying something, it should be taken away.

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

I'd add a primary/secondary vote system, permitting people to vote for a primary candidate (for whatever office, doesn't matter which) that they'd prefer to see, and a secondary that they think might end up the actual winner, just so there's no 'don't throw your vote away' garbage fires.

This should enhance the capacity of voters to pick a candidate they want rather than the one that ends up bolstered by the party, removing some of the control of a given position from them and handing it back to the people.

 

[dank69]

Few off the top of my head:

• Term limits for senators + congressmen + SCOTUS
• Impeachment Process Should be a hell of a lot easier. Questioning the morality and actions of our leaders that represent us isn't exactly complex.
• Get Rid of 2 Party System - This would be the best thing and lead to the most progress, because ideally we could get rid of partisan gridlock of "We need to defend X person because he is on our side regardless of it being shady". Wishful thinking and won't ever happen though.
• Any and all whistleblowers should have full immunity at all times - regardless of how the information is released (unless released to a foreign power, etc.)
• Limit Advertisement and campaigning for running for government positions. Make it something like a fixed dollar amount that can be spent on campaigns (overall low number) and limit the amount of things like TV Advertisements (e.g. allowed one 30-second commercial that is aired only during the 3 months leading up to the election. Only allowed to give your stances, not air bullshit about the other competing candidates)

I like all of this except term limits for congressmen and senators. My highest priority would be overhauling the election system with instant runoff followed by the advertising limitations. Getting money out of the political process as much as possible would also be at the top of my list. Money should not be speech and corporations should not be people.