The fourth amendment I would want would be against gerrymandering and voter suppression. Could go in with getting unlimited hard/soft money out of politics (i.e. making our elections about fair representation of the people).
When one president and his staff can both CONVINCE and COUNTER what WE RHE PPL AVTUAY WANT? And when THIS Pres can pardon a criminal that was in the wrong and then apooint him head of any agency to create more crime ( and we can't do much until there's a better leader?)
100%. This is the major moment for democracy and Democrats: go big or go home. Go big precisely because amending the Constitution is insanely difficult.
Thanks for liking my comment. However, I did some research on amending the Constitution. I was wrong to suggest it. For nearly twenty years, legal scholars have been writing that the Constitution is virtually unamendable – unable to be amended or changed. For example, see https://doi.org/10.15779/Z38HT2GC7B
Instead, and with apologies for the mixed metaphor, brushfires are brewing on the left and right about convening a constitutional convention. @dlitt: Thoughts?
David Litt, Thank you for writing about battles worthy of the Democratic Party and a voting population that already supports the directions of your amendments. I think my two Virginia Senators and my Congressional Representative would gladly support your proposals.
Let's bring the fight. IMO all three of these proposals could pass if we start the ball rolling now. It also gives Dems something to talk about other than their current impasse.
You are absolutely correct. Excellent piece and good ideas all. Though I will pick one bone. And that us that saying single payer healthcare is unpopular and or unworkable is utter nonsense. Especially in a piece that implores us to “think big”.
It’s only unpopular—if it even really is—because of years of RW propaganda telling us all that (over)paying the middleman was how you stopped socialism.
Actually it was the very powerful donors to both parties that not only stopped consideration of legislation but entirely crushed all rational public discussion of the measure.
Namely it was the health insurance, pharmaceutical, investment banking, and quite a lengthy list of other industries all standing to lose huge and easy revenues under single payer healthcare.
Yes, single payer healthcare would be massively of benefit to both society at large and stability of the economy. But considerable power rests in the hands of the wealthy interests mentioned. They keep politicians. They own legions of top end lawyers. They have an oversized voice in the media. They are indeed like our other national cancers, the direct result of unregulated capitalism.
Barack Obama’s initiative was noble. So quick was the bitch-slap that congressional and media supporters received, that in astonishingly short order the entire matter was sidelined. Attempts at public discussion were derailed by an army of flaks that crowded into town halls to disrupt and distract. We all saw it happening. The familiar phony bugbears were immediately trotted out and sanctimoniously intoned: socialism, communism, anti-Americanism, all under the big lie that somehow democracy and unregulated capitalism are inextricably tied.
Having recently lost control of the Presidency, Republicans were particularly incentivized to more openly don the mantle of fascism and move forward with REDMAP.
Since that time, the fat coffers of those industries most benefited by privatization of all aspects of healthcare have swollen beyond restraint.
Don’t know if it was AI or not, but I read something about republican congresspeople who were rumored to vote against one of the recent bills being threatened with harm if they didn’t vote for the bill.
Also, the positions of senators and representatives were never meant to be careers for life. The terms were established to serve a way that citizens could serve their country then go back and live in their community. Some congresspeople who serve many terms seem to lose sight of what the lives of their constituents are like. I think term limits need to be established.
The Democrats are hopeless when it comes to messaging. As a party, they have done more to support the working class, middle class, and the disenfranchised since the Wilson administration, but somehow THEY have been cast in the role as the enemy of America and its values. They have been completely hapless and ineffective at flipping that switch.
The fourth amendment I would want would be against gerrymandering and voter suppression. Could go in with getting unlimited hard/soft money out of politics (i.e. making our elections about fair representation of the people).
Agree with every post here.
When one president and his staff can both CONVINCE and COUNTER what WE RHE PPL AVTUAY WANT? And when THIS Pres can pardon a criminal that was in the wrong and then apooint him head of any agency to create more crime ( and we can't do much until there's a better leader?)
This is wrong leadership!!!
100%. This is the major moment for democracy and Democrats: go big or go home. Go big precisely because amending the Constitution is insanely difficult.
Thanks for liking my comment. However, I did some research on amending the Constitution. I was wrong to suggest it. For nearly twenty years, legal scholars have been writing that the Constitution is virtually unamendable – unable to be amended or changed. For example, see https://doi.org/10.15779/Z38HT2GC7B
Instead, and with apologies for the mixed metaphor, brushfires are brewing on the left and right about convening a constitutional convention. @dlitt: Thoughts?
Oh, the "Barthelona" line! Just fabulous!
I believe you mean fabulouth, but thank you.
Amendments I would support:
1. The right to clean air, water and soil.
2. Term limits for the Supreme Court, Senate: and House, limits to be determined.
3. The right to own your own data.
You always include great suggestions! Could not agree with you more!
David Litt, Thank you for writing about battles worthy of the Democratic Party and a voting population that already supports the directions of your amendments. I think my two Virginia Senators and my Congressional Representative would gladly support your proposals.
Let's bring the fight. IMO all three of these proposals could pass if we start the ball rolling now. It also gives Dems something to talk about other than their current impasse.
Also an amendment tossing presidential immunity on the dustbin of history.
You are absolutely correct. Excellent piece and good ideas all. Though I will pick one bone. And that us that saying single payer healthcare is unpopular and or unworkable is utter nonsense. Especially in a piece that implores us to “think big”.
It’s only unpopular—if it even really is—because of years of RW propaganda telling us all that (over)paying the middleman was how you stopped socialism.
Actually it was the very powerful donors to both parties that not only stopped consideration of legislation but entirely crushed all rational public discussion of the measure.
Namely it was the health insurance, pharmaceutical, investment banking, and quite a lengthy list of other industries all standing to lose huge and easy revenues under single payer healthcare.
Yes, single payer healthcare would be massively of benefit to both society at large and stability of the economy. But considerable power rests in the hands of the wealthy interests mentioned. They keep politicians. They own legions of top end lawyers. They have an oversized voice in the media. They are indeed like our other national cancers, the direct result of unregulated capitalism.
Barack Obama’s initiative was noble. So quick was the bitch-slap that congressional and media supporters received, that in astonishingly short order the entire matter was sidelined. Attempts at public discussion were derailed by an army of flaks that crowded into town halls to disrupt and distract. We all saw it happening. The familiar phony bugbears were immediately trotted out and sanctimoniously intoned: socialism, communism, anti-Americanism, all under the big lie that somehow democracy and unregulated capitalism are inextricably tied.
Having recently lost control of the Presidency, Republicans were particularly incentivized to more openly don the mantle of fascism and move forward with REDMAP.
Since that time, the fat coffers of those industries most benefited by privatization of all aspects of healthcare have swollen beyond restraint.
Australia just passed legislation severely limiting political contributions. I’m in.
Everyone in public office cannot buy, sell or trade stocks while in office. Owning, well there’s a flurry of new laws.
New requirements for office and cabinet. One bad apple (orange?) leads to more laws, gee, more government, thank you GOP.
Everyone over 18 of sound mind is required to vote or write a statement why not.
Civics and law taught in schools.
Presidents must be able to read, or confess that they can’t, and special aides must be voted in to explain to the president what she or he is signing.
If we must pass tests to attend college…
Don’t know if it was AI or not, but I read something about republican congresspeople who were rumored to vote against one of the recent bills being threatened with harm if they didn’t vote for the bill.
Also, the positions of senators and representatives were never meant to be careers for life. The terms were established to serve a way that citizens could serve their country then go back and live in their community. Some congresspeople who serve many terms seem to lose sight of what the lives of their constituents are like. I think term limits need to be established.
https://prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/AV/PPFA/1/9816/ruYykHmpo_HEdxtXkHFRhf89ganR3Blk_zsBmRqkEBN_archive?cb=MTc0ODk2OTc2NzcwNA%3d%3d
Text 22422. Do not defund planned parenthood
I really like this idea!
The Democrats are hopeless when it comes to messaging. As a party, they have done more to support the working class, middle class, and the disenfranchised since the Wilson administration, but somehow THEY have been cast in the role as the enemy of America and its values. They have been completely hapless and ineffective at flipping that switch.
You are absolutely correct, Word Salad!
Keep up the pressure on the Democratic Party!
It’s our best hope forward!
I agree with your Amendments!
Laws would be easier to pass!
We MUST IMPEACH AND REMOVE THE REPUBLICAN ROBERTS COURT!
Preordered