It is time to restructure the U.S. federal government

Let’s start this discussion with the assumption that something is obviously, and dreadfully, wrong with the character, substance and structure of the U.S. Federal Government, specifically in the way it functions. Also, in many cases, this same assumption can be made for the majority of State and local governments, but for these purposes, let’s just stick to the Feds for now.

In a phrase, what is wrong is that the outcomes of most governmental decisions at the federal level are rarely, if ever, designed to benefit the general population. Most often, these decisions benefit only those few who have developed an influence over the decision-makers themselves, either through behind-the-scenes deals or more commonly, the simple exchange of money and wealth. Never mind that these decision-makers are supposedly committed to represent those individual voters who elected them to the position they hold. Instead, the decision-makers quickly fall prey to those whose wealth and influence guarantees the decision-maker’s continued position within the structure. In this day and age under this perverted structure, money buys the votes that determines leadership which is a concept the Founding Fathers never dreamed possible nor would they have ever endorsed.

And therein, we find the root of the problem: money most certainly corrupts politics, plain and simple, at all levels, top to bottom, regardless of the individuals involved. Therefore, the solution to the problem, logically, is to better control the money involved in politics. The current structure allows for unlimited corruption without any concern for accountability, in absolute secrecy, for an unlimited period of time. This all needs to change.

For starters, both House of Representative members and Senators must be confined to term limits. They imposed this provision on the presidency after FDR was elected four consecutive times but have failed to impose anything similar upon themselves. I propose that House Representatives, who are currently elected to two year terms be increased to four year terms, but limited to two terms for a total of eight years. Same with Senators – four year terms, maximum of two, total of eight. These figures are certainly negotiable.  

I propose that they be paid well because of the importance associated with what is to be expected of them and to discourage any temptations brought forward by outside influences. The amount and expense allowance is open to discussion but for starters, let’s say a million per year, another half million for expenses. However, acceptance of these funds should carry the condition that no other funds from any other sources other than carefully selected and approved investments will result in graft prosecution, punishable by 20 years in prison, no exceptions. Violation of the public trust should be, and will be, dealt with harshly.

Lobbying can certainly continue but no money or gratuities of any kind can change hands. Lobbyists can submit their ideas and requests to any and all elected officials, as can any citizen, for consideration and review. To offer a bribe to a public servant should, and will, result in a 20 year prison term, no exceptions.

Any and all legislation passed will apply to all citizens, including the elected officials who passed the legislation. The idea that elected officials are either exempt or privileged is unacceptable. Citizens elect public servants, not royalty.

I believe it is necessary to return to the ‘Fairness Doctrine’ begun by Truman in the late ‘40’s but discontinued by Reagan in 1987. By doing so, much of the money wasted on political campaigns can be directed toward other, more worthy, endeavors such as feeding the hungry and securing housing for homeless veterans. In order to function properly and effectively within the American society, all media should be willing participants in the electoral process by donating equal time to all candidates in an open forum structure as a service to the voting population. Failure to do so should result in cancellation of the offending party’s FCC license. This may require important and necessary legislation – long overdue -- to break up media monopolies.  Paid advertising should have limits and should require only direct information pertaining to the candidate’s policy positions. There should be no mention of the opposition in any political advertising. The infamous legislation known as “Citizens United” must be declared null and void.

Elected officials should “put in the time” in the same manner that any other worker does. The basic standard is a 40-hour week with 2-4 weeks of vacation. Current legislators have granted themselves vacation time equal to over 50% of the year. This is unacceptable. Both the elected official and his/her staff will be held accountable to report their activities to their constituents at a periodically agreed upon interval (Daily?Weekly?Monthly?). They will also be required to file comprehensive expense reports relating to their activities. The days of legislators voting themselves raises and exclusive benefits is over.

Legislative business needs to be done for public view and certainly without secrecy. Citizens deserve to know what type of activities and actions their employees are engaged in. A working knowledge of the U.S. Constitution is essential. Prime consideration must be given to economic affairs and proper and effective use of public funds. 

There are probably many other planks that could be discussed/added/deleted to this proposed political platform but the big question remains:  How does one make such a platform, radical as it admittingly is, viable to voters?

The answer to that is actually rather simple, if one gives thought to it. It merely requires one person in each of the 435 legislative districts and two persons per each state to step forward and declare themselves to be proponents of this afore mentioned legislative platform and be willing to sign an oath of allegiance in support of it.

Voters can look at this thoroughly different option and decide for themselves whether it merits consideration or they can continue to live within a two-party system of government that has been corrupted beyond reason.