Unity 08
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Introduction
I've written about Unity '08 before. I am not sure how this thing will coalesce as the next year unfolds but the sentiment really strikes a chord with me. I think a two party system is bound to create a polarizing environment. An environment where one party's victory takes precedence over sound values. A system where Americans line up to take sides. A zero sum game where one party wins and another loses: where politics often trumps sound policy and public interest. Is America really a nation of us against them? Where half the people are diametrically opposed to the other half. I don't think so, but thats certainly how the two major parties make it feel. It makes sense, they have everything to gain (reelection/power) by making it this way.
Will Unity 08 solve this? I don't know but I support the idea.
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A message from Unity 08
Unity08 is a growing movement of Americans that will combine America’s oldest values and newest technology to change our politics forever. We believe that neither of today’s parties reflects the aspirations of the majority of Americans. Both are unduly influenced by special interests and by money.
We believe that, as each generation before us has done, it is time to re-ignite the torch of freedom and create the re-United States of America.
We are of all parties, all ages, and all ethnicities.
We will not waste time talking about the shortcomings of today’s parties or pointing fingers and bickering as they do.
Instead we will prepare to hold, in June 2008, the first-ever online convention where millions of Americans will nominate a Unity ticket for President and Vice President of the United States. We will work to achieve ballot access for that ticket in all 50 states. We will elect them to the White House in November 2008.
And, we will empower the American people to determine the crucial issues that will constitute the New American Agenda for the next president – and then vote on the key questions about those issues that all candidates seeking the Unity08 nomination will be expected to answer candidly and directly.
We invite all Americans to join us as voting members, to light up their own torch of freedom, and to help us reactivate the true American community – where finding common ground is how true leaders meet crucial issues and prove worthy of both our history and our dreams.
We believe that, as each generation before us has done, it is time to re-ignite the torch of freedom and create the re-United States of America.
We are of all parties, all ages, and all ethnicities.
We will not waste time talking about the shortcomings of today’s parties or pointing fingers and bickering as they do.
Instead we will prepare to hold, in June 2008, the first-ever online convention where millions of Americans will nominate a Unity ticket for President and Vice President of the United States. We will work to achieve ballot access for that ticket in all 50 states. We will elect them to the White House in November 2008.
And, we will empower the American people to determine the crucial issues that will constitute the New American Agenda for the next president – and then vote on the key questions about those issues that all candidates seeking the Unity08 nomination will be expected to answer candidly and directly.
We invite all Americans to join us as voting members, to light up their own torch of freedom, and to help us reactivate the true American community – where finding common ground is how true leaders meet crucial issues and prove worthy of both our history and our dreams.
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Have you seen your country?
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An admirable plan. Everyone seems to agree that changes have to be made to our system. I am with you. However, hundreds of thousands of we old hippies have been proposing such a plan since the 70s. Four days ago, I put up a list called "How to Fix It" In that list, I said, "The answer is campaign finance reform.
It's simple; just make it illegal for any candidate to accept donations from any individual, corporation, or organization.
Increase the campaign donation check-box on the tax forms to $5.00. That would raise $675,000,000 per year, or $1.35 billion per two year election cycle.
Let the candidates all spend equally, and have a dozen or so prime time debates including all parties. A party is defined as any group that files a registration petition with signatures of 5% of the applicable electorate.
Have a national primary in March, with the top four vote getters, in each race, regardless of party moving forward.
Have a national elimination election over the 4th of July weekend. With the top two candidates in each race, regardless of party moving forward.
The general election would take place over the first weekend in November.
Of course all of these would be direct elections by popular vote. The electoral college is stupid and has long outlived it's usefulness." So far, 37 people have read it. 53,677 people have looked a raant's favorite Far Side cartoons. And therein lies the tale.
I've been doing this for forty years, and have been disappointed each and every year since 1972 by the young people; they simply don't vote. They talk about change, but fewer than 10% can name their congressperson, both of their senators, or the secretary of defense. No one wants this more than I, and I'll sign up and work for Unity08, but if they get on nore than 15 states' ballots, and garner 5% of the popular vote, I'll buy you a case of the wine of your choice.
It's simple; just make it illegal for any candidate to accept donations from any individual, corporation, or organization.
Increase the campaign donation check-box on the tax forms to $5.00. That would raise $675,000,000 per year, or $1.35 billion per two year election cycle.
Let the candidates all spend equally, and have a dozen or so prime time debates including all parties. A party is defined as any group that files a registration petition with signatures of 5% of the applicable electorate.
Have a national primary in March, with the top four vote getters, in each race, regardless of party moving forward.
Have a national elimination election over the 4th of July weekend. With the top two candidates in each race, regardless of party moving forward.
The general election would take place over the first weekend in November.
Of course all of these would be direct elections by popular vote. The electoral college is stupid and has long outlived it's usefulness." So far, 37 people have read it. 53,677 people have looked a raant's favorite Far Side cartoons. And therein lies the tale.
I've been doing this for forty years, and have been disappointed each and every year since 1972 by the young people; they simply don't vote. They talk about change, but fewer than 10% can name their congressperson, both of their senators, or the secretary of defense. No one wants this more than I, and I'll sign up and work for Unity08, but if they get on nore than 15 states' ballots, and garner 5% of the popular vote, I'll buy you a case of the wine of your choice.
Mr. Hippie, ask Raant how he got the 53,677 views and put yours there.
I like your plan. No, really, I do. I'm not just sucking up to you I promise. Geez, we finally agree on something and you just don't believe me...
I like your plan. No, really, I do. I'm not just sucking up to you I promise. Geez, we finally agree on something and you just don't believe me...
People would rather be entertained than informed or challenged. Unfortunately that's a fact. And it is undeniable that the youth, and I'm talking anyone under 35, feel disconnected to the government. I'm not sure why. I'm not sure how to fix it. There isn't a strong sense of idealism or energy. It's more apathy. Again, I'm not sure why or how to fix it.
Has the gap grown that big between the people and the government?
BTW I've invited Unity 08, as I will all candidates, to participate with a list (or lists) to define their positions, who the are, what they will accomplish if elected. I am offering them all kinds of incentives to participate like free ad space. I hope to foster some quality dialogue here.
Once the redesign happens I'll invite the rest.
Has the gap grown that big between the people and the government?
BTW I've invited Unity 08, as I will all candidates, to participate with a list (or lists) to define their positions, who the are, what they will accomplish if elected. I am offering them all kinds of incentives to participate like free ad space. I hope to foster some quality dialogue here.
Once the redesign happens I'll invite the rest.
There was Friedman opinion piece yesterday about "Generation Q," as in quiet. He points out that young people are much more "global" these days; they study and live abroad, they volunteer, and do lots of good work. But they just can't seem to get pissed off. Our generation has mortgaged your future, and your children's future, and destroyed social security. Y'all should be livid. It's a good read.
Never sid I didn't believe you, Pam.
Never sid I didn't believe you, Pam.
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