If you had the power to enact federal policy, what would you do, why would you do it, and what would the ultimate goal be?

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:39:35 -0500

Response by TSgt David L. made Feb 21 at 2018 9:52 PM

TSgt David L. — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:52:19 -0500

Interesting question. The flavor of the week is gun control. I wonder what else we could accomplish? Reform the tax system? Social Security? Welfare? Congressional Term Limits anyone?
Thanks, SGT Joseph Gunderson.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 10:10 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 22:10:42 -0500

Restructure our Congressional and POTUS election system. Term limits where they apply, outlaw lobbyists totally, abolish any campaign contributions made anonymously by loopholes or law (super pacs, Citizens United etc). Not one dollar should be contributed to any campaign that cannot be associated with an individual person or corporation, and there should be reasonable limits for both categories. Make voting mandatory and verification of eligibility universal and easier. Register to vote when registering for Selective Service. Voting should be a requirement of citizenship like the draft, taxes, jury duty etc. Goal is to put the power back in the hands of the voters instead of big money and special interest groups. This because currently the wants and needs of the 99% are secondary to that of the elected officials and the 1% that finance their staying in office.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 10:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 22:12:59 -0500

I would have the federal government do a lot less.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 21 at 2018 10:29 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 22:29:20 -0500

To sunset every federal department, agency, bureau, etc not specifically authorized by the Constitution. Organizations such as the US Department of Education, et al not only usurp powers reserved for the States, but also detract from the proper functions of the federal government

Response by CW5 John M. made Feb 21 at 2018 11:04 PM

CW5 John M. — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 23:04:09 -0500

Oh WOW! For starters, Get rid of many of the regulations, decrease government “footprint”, keeping it within Constitutional bounds. Return much of the powers the States once had, fiscal responsibility, balanced budget, strictly control and-or “eradicate” parasites and abusers of “the system”, educate the citizenry with accurate US/World/Constitutional History, teach our citizenship/civic responsibility, border/drug control, discourage apathy and “entitlements”, emphasize the US as a “melting pot” (one “official” language), encourage LEGAL immigration, emphasizing their positive contributions, rather than “freebies” and welfare abuse. Oppose all groups that want to “take down” our Constitutional Republic, outlaw “sharia law” as a tool working against our system of law.
Strong military without the waste and abuse, remake the IRS and the tax code, Remake prisons and require strict interpretation of the Constitution for the legal system (firing abusers). Recognize “political correctness” for what it REALLY is - a “club” for secular humanism. Encourage free speech with responsibility for truth and accuracy. Chastise the main stream media HARD for their obvious bias and “spin”. I could go on and on.... but I’m totally out of breath. Thanks for the post. Do I really think we’ll ever see these things? Nah! But I CAN dream still..... like, build a rocket to send a few million hard core radicals to try their poison out on another planet. :)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 11:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 23:14:21 -0500

Ban any and all lobbying, ban all donations to politicians from any entity other than adult US citizens, and strictly enforce the $2700 maximum (bye bye Citizens United). Tax churches. Enact California/Arizona style citizen led congressional districting with oversight to end partisan gerrymandering.

Most importantly, protect our elections by creating a Federal elections agency, administer all elections for federal office (house, senate and POTUS) with consistent federal regulations and make election a mandatory, federal holiday with early voting for a number of days applied consistently across all states. Use paper ballots or if must be computerized, use only NON-NETWORKED voting machines.

Regulate the news and social media sites bringing back the fairness doctrine.

Strictly enforce the emoluments clause against self-dealing.

I’m sure I can think of a whole lot more, but ending gerrymandering is the big one. It is a very sad state of affairs that a party can lock up control of so many state legislatures and congress despite lacking a majority of the votes in those states.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 22 at 2018 9:26 AM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 09:26:48 -0500

In the interest of levity and to avoid debate (although Im sure some commie, heathen scum will disagree with me) I would institute Taco Tuesday as a federal holiday. Tuesday would be a day off but employers could make employees come in only if they serve tacos at the companies expense. I would work in partnership with Taco Bells and Taco Johns as well as Qdobas and Chipotles to ensure that no American man, woman or child would go with out their favorite taco or taco based product on that day. I believe that through the uniting strength of Tacos we can once again make America really, really good again.

Response by SFC Stephen Atchley made Feb 22 at 2018 10:04 AM

SFC Stephen Atchley — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 10:04:26 -0500

1. Eliminate unnecessary federal agencies.
2. Eliminate the redundancy in the federal law enforcement community.
3. Term limit all elected federal positions.
4. Ban lobbyists.
5. Eliminate campaign contributions from other than identified individuals. No donations permitted from corporations, special interests, or PACs.
6. Eliminate federal income and corporate taxes. Transition to a federal sales tax. NO exemptions.
7. Require photo ID for all voters.
8. Mandatory 20 year sentence for any crime in which a firearm is used, pointed, or presented.
9. Secure the borders.
10. Prosecute employers who utilize undocumented aliens.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 10:50 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 10:50:43 -0500

Restructure the electoral college system so that every congressional district gets 1 electoral vote completely independent of the rest of the districts in the state.

Why? Every eligible voter's vote should be equally important. At least in theory-- every congressional district represents roughly the same number of individuals. Why should Florida and Ohio (and a couple other 'swing states') have so much power with the vast majority of the States taken for granted by either one party or the other? What about all of the conservative districts in California or liberal districts in Texas whose voice is never heard?

I would also impose a requirement for a mathematical relationship relating the circumference of any given district to its total area thereby minimizing the effect of jerrymandering.

I would not go to a straight popular vote system because that would be too ripe for fraud.

I would empower each district to pick the electoral policies that work for their district (obviously with agreement from all major parties involved in the interest of fairness). One-size-fits-all federal registration and voting laws don't work. Hell, statewide laws might not really work in particularly diverse states (think San Diego vs. the upper Mojave Desert). If early, mail in, phone-in (in cases like very remote Alaskan villages accessible only by sled-dog) voting makes sense for a district-- go for it. If requiring voter ID makes sense in a district (with a lot of migrant labor, for example)-- cool. If same-day, in-person voting makes sense for those districts within dense populations where the district only covers 7 city blocks-- that works, too. If a district requires a voter to show proof of residency in that district (a utility bill to an address within the district for example) to minimize 'migrating voters'-- a substantial problem in places like FloriBama and Northern Kentucky/Ohio (crossing the border from a reliably red state to a 'swing state' where your vote counts for more)-- great.

What to do with the 100 EC votes associated with senators: I'm agnostic. You could either award those 2 EC votes per state to whoever won the state-- like Maine does now-- or throw them overboard entirely.

The whole point is to make our national elections truly reflect the will of the people as fairly and honestly as possible.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 11:01 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:01:18 -0500

I would also get rid of the popular election of Senators and go back to the original system of senators being appointed by the state's legislature to represent the interests of the state. The House of Representatives has the 'voice of the people' covered. The Senate needs to be able to speak for the interests of the state.

Also-- get rid of all federal funding for Congress except for the utility bills and maintenance/ security for the Capitol building itself. Let the states pay for their own representation. If I am a representative from say Idaho-- who do I work for? I should work for Idaho, right? So Idaho should sign my paycheck-- and get to set my salary and retirement terms and benefits as well as foot the bill for my office expenses, living expenses, staff, etc. (Just like a parent command footing the bill for TDY.) I'm okay for the feds chipping in a 'bonus' for key positions-- Speaker of the House for example-- so as to not penalize States for having their guy/gal picked to be the leader, but that should be about it.

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Feb 22 at 2018 12:09 PM

SPC Joseph Wojcik — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:09:50 -0500

I don't think anyone would want me to have that much power, I would end up turning America into some sort of Galt's Gulch or AnCapistan.
I guess if I could enact any policy, I would lift the ban on human cloning with the aim of filling every political position with a Ron Paul.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 12:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:10:16 -0500

My goal would be to ensure every American had as close as possible to an equal opportunity to "be all they could be" and do everything within my power to protect those opportunities for future generations. One of the first things I would do is disengage US forces from the Middle East and Europe, followed by a freeze in Defense spending. I would put hard limits on political spending by corporations and eliminate dark money in politics. I would begin investing heavily in infrastructure, low earth orbit satellites that would provide free high speed internet to all, a modern electric grid that derived at least 75% of its power from renewable energy sources, a modern high speed rail system designed to reduce reliance on flying, improved roads and bridges. I would expand Medicare to all Americans, and allow Medicare to bargain with drug companies. I'd bump the minimum wage up to $15 an hour and index it to inflation. I'd open the borders and allow anyone without a violent criminal history to come to the US and obtain a worker visa, however employers would be required to pay into a special fund that covered potential medical and repatriation expenses and ensured that hiring US citizens and green card holders to work was always less expensive than using someone with a worker visa.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 22 at 2018 1:21 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 13:21:38 -0500

Restore the Assault Weapons Ban

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Feb 22 at 2018 1:38 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 13:38:13 -0500

I would enact stronger focus in rendering increased medical, dental, and counseling services on our American Indian reservations throughout our country. Why? Because our American Indian has suffered more than the average citizen is willing to recognize and accept from the days of the sale of Manhattan Island and the massacre of innocent Sioux on 29 Dec 1890 by the U.S. Cavalry.
In 1973, Russell Means, Indian advocate, did much to bring to the surface much of the malpractice and mistreatment of the Indian but that has all faded away.
I understand that the government has enacted positive laws and assistance, but in my view, more could be done. There are many church-sponsored schools operating now for the Reservation Indians, but they never have enough supplies, clothing, and incentives.

The ultimate goal I have in mind is to bring back our utmost respect and willingness to help in their medical, counseling, and school needs. Much has been accomplished, and in one example I have a niece who has served faithfully for 30 years in the dental needs of our reservation Indians. But much more could come about to end alcoholism and drug addictions through increased assistance and counseling. Of course, corrections to all the ills and problems our Reservation Indians face won't appear overnight.

Full awareness and then quality action toward remedying the plagues our American Indians face is a positive step.

Please note that I don't use the politically-correct term, "Native-American" as I am also a native-American, born in the New England states of European ancestry.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 5:06 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 17:06:32 -0500

What a dangerous question (muah ha ha).

Well, we're probably all blessed it's entirely a hypothetical scenario...but if "I" could enact federal policy, unilaterally, without the beauty of the Separation of Powers...here goes:

1. I'd make a definitive statement, in writing, and enshrine it in national law that the United States government recognizes the existence, authority and unique identity of God. This statement would include a confirmation of the provisions of the 1st Amendment, stating clearly that while in God We Trust, the individual citizen's right to define and practice their beliefs, to include the choice to hold no spiritual belief, would be inviolate. Congress could pass no law that infringed upon the free exercise of any definition and or practice of faith (or the absence thereof). Where conflicts arose, only in the instance where a belief precipitated destruction or theft of property, bodily injury, death, conspiracy against the common good, or treason...would federal laws be applied.

2. I would impose a requirement for minimum two years federal service for all male citizens over the age of 18, with provision to volunteer for said service with guardian consent at 17. Exemptions for religious, medical, or reasonable hardship would be generously considered. Training would encompass one year of a syllabus directed at infantry skills, with members being branched off, according to performance, aptitude and desire to other advanced infantry skills. Upon completion of second year of training, members would be allowed to resign with full occupational training paid for by the Government...or immediate accession into an active component with enlistment minimum of three years. From these, specialty branches to support all other combat arms and support would be filled. Those failing to complete training would be returned to the private sector. All support roles that could feasibly be manned from civilian employees would be filled by the Federal Services Corps; constituted of highly skilled tradespeople, technicians, professionals and entry level workers. Priority for these positions would be given first to honorably separated AD, then recently honorably separated 2-yr service graduates, then other categories.

3. Completion of 2 year military service would result in certification of qualification for the standard long arm and side arm, to include concealed carry permits for any public location, with stringent standards for exemptions for private locations open to the public. These weapons would be issued and registered on life-time lease to these members, even if electing not to join the active forces. Citizens exempted (whether by gender, choice, or determination) from mandatory service would not be able to apply for a concealed carry handgun permit without completing an equivalency course focusing on weapons skills, safety, psychological/emotional stability. All citizens would retain the right to bear arms, but carrying any weapon, regardless of classification, in a concealed manner with the intent to conceal, would be considered a felony without the above classifications. Purchase of any firearm other than single shot, black powder weapons would require a federal background check. Active warrants, convictions for violent crimes within past three years, proven association with any listed terrorist organization (foreign/domestic), serving of incarcerated sentence for violent crime within five years would be immediate grounds for rejection. Current treatment or federal benefit for emotional/psychological distress, citizenship within one year, arrest for DUI/controlled substance, conviction for non-violent crime within three years, or being a person of interest in any police action within three years would result in in-depth review of application by Federal LE agencies, but would by no means be grounds for immediate rejection. Decisions would be open for appeal process with oversight by Federal agencies.

4. Elected officials to be chosen via a progressive municipal, state and federal electoral process open to any citizen, regardless of financial status, education, association or legal affiliation. This process would require each successive level of government to be filled from a pool of willing members of the immediate lower position. For example, Mayoral races would be filled by sitting City Council, State Senate from sitting Mayors, Governors from sitting State Senators. This process would take place every 12 months for positions below State Senate, and every 24 months for positions through to Governor. Congressional positions would be subject to replacement every 36 months, with a "cap" of the same period for any period of federal elected office below President. Eligibility for local elections through to Presidential campaigns would be determined by three factors: 1) Completion of Mandatory Military Service or Federal Service Corps equivalent. 2) Minimum age of 30 years old. 3) Property owner (to include mortgages) within city or state of application in good standing (i.e. non in default) 4) Petition signed by no less than 1% of municipal population, or endorsement by no less than 25% of county commissions of a state, or 25% of state legislatures of all fifty states, if for Presidential or Vice Presidential elections. From there, each election to be based upon a vote as defined by the Electoral College.

...So many more...but I'm spent.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 9:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 21:09:08 -0500

Policy regarding?

Response by 1LT Rick Burwell made Feb 27 at 2018 4:38 PM

1LT Rick Burwell — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 16:38:39 -0500

I would change the age to get retirement benefits for National Guard and Reservists. I retired Dec 2017 with 25 years 5 months service with 1 tour in Iraq. I am 50 years old but have to wait until 60 to get any retirement. It is not right to have to wait that long. A lot of my fellow soldiers who retired with 30 years of service died by age 70. They barely got paid anything for retirement and we’re too old to enjoy what they did get.

Response by PO3 Grant Skiles made Mar 24 at 2018 2:20 PM

PO3 Grant Skiles — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:20:12 -0400

I would pass a law that make it illegal to have a budget that is negative and in the red. The only thing that spending can rise for is the military and security for the country not security for individuals. All line items in the budget will be cut the same percentage until it is a balanced budget and the country does not owe any money.

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Mar 24 at 2018 9:05 PM

PO1 Mary Vermont — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 21:05:55 -0400

Close all borders let no one in or out until we can get all illegals out, then id make sure we had people who care about our country mre than their pockets, to control who came in

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Mar 26 at 2018 2:14 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 02:14:45 -0400

Overturn all anti-gun laws, and imprison any politician or media pundit who attempts to foist new anti-gun legislation for crimes against the Constitution (which would be a capital offense). Like imprison purveyors of Political Correctness (pols, media, school admins alike) for crimes against the Constitution.

Response by SSG Joseph Dowell made Mar 26 at 2018 1:20 PM

SSG Joseph Dowell — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 13:20:50 -0400

After reading through many of the posts, most of my top ones were covered. However, After a lot of talk with some of my other Military and Veteran friends, I would add two more things.
1. Upon ETS, any veteran with a Re-enlistment code of 1 and an annual voluntary Mental exam, I would issue a Federal Conceal Carry Permit. Allowing for the purchase of any caliber or size of weapon, with the ability to carry even into a "Gun Free Zone" (They would follow the same limitations as Federal law enforcement). This would be a law enforcement multiplier as well as protect the population from crazies in areas were guns are not allowed. And nobody is better trained at weapon safety and use then the American Warfighter.
2. I would streamline the Veterans Healthcare system in two ways. First, I would streamline the ETS physical system, one exam carried out by both Military and/or Veteran Physicians. All records would be handled by the DOD, and the exam would also include typical future problems based on any occupational specialties that the veteran served. This would allow a Paratrooper or infantryman (my personal pet peeves) to receive compensation for Knee and back issues which develop after ETS, but can be directly attributed to the veterans service (this could also include Carpel Tunnel syndrome for you clerical types as well). Second, by having the DOD in control of all medical records (both Active and Veteran) a veteran could seek medical care at the closest hospital whether Military or Veteran. They would also be able to keep their Doctor if the military physician did a good job. That way as they transition into civilian life, there is one less thing to worry about, they can be assured that at least their healthcare is not interrupted because they have to find a whole new medical team. Also the Veterans Administration would have better access to the Military health records getting a better picture of what is going on with the patient.

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Apr 2 at 2018 11:55 AM

CWO2 James Mathews — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 11:55:49 -0400

I am not a politician or much of a diplomat! It seems that as you rise in rank, at least in the Navy, those talents seem to look elsewhere for usage. And since most of my wishes and desires have already been covered by the excellent comments put before this question by my military friends, I have only one problem that I see that no-one has touched on in detail. This is the apparent two level justice system in the US today. In my view, a selected few of the very wealthy and the very influential people in our nation, and the people that they "protect" have one level of justice, while the remainder of us (generally known as the "deplorables") have quite another. A good example of this is the violation of the security of classified Government Data. When I was in service, I had a Top Secret clearance and was well aware of the penalties for careless use of these documents. Yet many people walking the streets of the US today, have the freedom of the world and were totally guilty of such infractions, known to be so by recovered documentation. This I do not understand. Oh, I am aware that some lawyers work for themselves, and not the law, while some work for the law and the remainder have not yet been determined as to their path under the temptation or threat of interference of some kind. Then there is the wealthy and Influential people who intercede, shield, finance and agitate in a variety of ways, including pressing forward with wild, vocal rampages about things of little importance to the US, determining which laws they will or will not obey, and using innocent people for their own purposes. To me, this has resulted in a two-level justice system as described above. So not really understanding how the government works in Washington as opposed to what I learned in school, I would assemble a commission of long-trusted legal minds to work out a system by which we could be assured of a single justice system for all, and on that basis make whatever policy changes needed to be made, to bring this about!

Response by Sgt Leonard Giaramita made Apr 10 at 2018 9:26 PM

Sgt Leonard Giaramita — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 21:26:10 -0400

Tough question.

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Apr 15 at 2018 7:50 AM

Capt Michael Halpin — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 07:50:48 -0400

I would return the Judicial Branch to being being subject to the Constitution by stripping them of their self given right to amend it by re-interpreting it meaning. Article V is the only legal way to legally change the constitution and that requires 3/4 of the states to approve. We are on the road to a Judicial Tyranny and must stop it now.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Apr 20 at 2018 2:56 PM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 14:56:49 -0400

I would direct a substantial percentage of the Country's income to fund the Public Education System. It's a simple fact that an education is vital in order to survive in the world we currently live in. The current Government has forgotten their role and duty as Civil Servants, especially when they voted for and signed the current tax plan into law. That law benefits the wealthy. The role if government is to provide opportunities for the MANY.

Response by SSgt Max Gonzales made Apr 30 at 2018 6:32 PM

SSgt Max Gonzales — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 18:32:17 -0400

I would limit all presidential candidates to 4 yrs in office. Also they would have to have at least 3 years military experience.

Response by CPO James Plunk made May 6 at 2018 12:37 AM

CPO James Plunk — Sun, 06 May 2018 00:37:02 -0400

Federal Policy? All members of State and Federal Government must commit to two years of military service or civil service not associated with political service prior to any political position. Ban all lobbyist and special interest groups opposed to any part the Constitution of the United States. All members of political office Local, State, Federal Government elected or appointed gives a oath of office. That oath is to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States . If the person is not able to fulfill their oath as stated in their acceptance of their position, SHOULD be immediately removed from their office. Policy, Laws are to be enforced, example: use of firearm and/or death during commitment of crime receives maximum, if a person is caught in the act committing a crime, undeniable evidence or undeniable confession; prosecuting officials must enforce available laws, not make plea deals. Everyone is treated the same, Lady Justice is blind, not dumb. Illegal aliens are illegal, not here by accident. If a child was brought to this country illegally by a parent and was here for more than a year after their eighteenth birthday with out making a substantial attempt to become a citizen should not be protected.
Federal Policy: Should first conform to the Constitution, not what should or could have been written but what is written. Example: It has become the Policy of Congress not to pass a balanced budget prior to the start of the new physical year, It has become the Policy of Congress to spend more time arguing then doing their jobs, It has become Policy for Organizations or Companies to demand Constitutional change: Anti-gun groups, Illegal aliens support groups, Big business over citizens: Protecting bank institutions for destroying the economy and thousands of family financial futures., It has become Policy for the United Stated Government to become the Soul supporter of the Non-Working, Criminals, and Congress: Free money, Free Jobs, and Free rights.

Response by SN K Walling made May 14 at 2018 3:09 PM

SN K Walling — Mon, 14 May 2018 15:09:13 -0400

Restructure the government as a democratic technocracy, uphold all constitutional laws. Illegalize lobbying, political parties, and all talk of faith god and worship in politics and schools. Revamp prison systems to near 1960s boot camp standards and disband all private prisons. Make government service madatory for citizenship; literally any service will do not just military. Make it only possible to get welfare once you're a citizen. Restructure the entire education system to produce people with skills! Subsidize those who show great potential in such skills at secondary schools (if you're a math genius the gov will help you go to school for something math related, if you choose) there's so much more I could write, but for now I'm done.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2018 7:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 May 2018 07:51:00 -0400

The very first thing I would do is ensure that if there is ever even one single Government Shutdown, even for a minute, that every elected official automatically goes back on the ballot for that years election. Yes we could elect a new President every year if we have a shutdown, as well as all of Congress and the Senate. That would take care of their term limits as well. If they cant do the job they were put there to do, lets see if they get re-elected. This includes everyone from the President down. I'm so tired of the infighting and those of us in the military or retired don't know if they can train or pay their bills. Then my next stop is to completely reconfigure the IRS, why we pay millions upon millions to dead people every year just blows my mind.

Response by Jon Schneider made Jun 15 at 2018 10:55 AM

Jon Schneider — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 10:55:23 -0400

Dismantle the Federal Reserve.

Response by SPC Marcus DeMatos made Jun 20 at 2018 8:13 AM

SPC Marcus DeMatos — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 08:13:02 -0400

There are many things in a vast organization that need correcting, restructuring, or eliminating. I think the first thing we need to address is the sage adage "follow the money"... If the Income Tax Amendment were to be repealed, it would put us back to the way taxes were raised before it gave a blank checkbook to all levels of government. During that time all revenue had to be raised by specific laws endorsed by the people for a purpose and defined duration; with renewals having to be passed if things didn't get completed. This was a way of keeping government honest and financially responsible. When our Congress can manage to convince fellow politicians to pass an Amendment to give themselves the right to perpetual raises, but won't accept a balance budget amendment or find it transparent to post who is giving them money, then we have an institutional corruption issue, which of course we know as the "trough". Congress is empowered with powers of the purse, when we take that then we as the people regain some control, and then we can address other changes.