Posted on 11/19/2008 3:56:29 PM PST by wagglebee
In this we are in agreement, life comes first. Term limits and financial gain from lobbyists are the only way to end the corruption on the hill. Here is what I see as some possible solutions to the problem
1. Term limits to one or two terms
2. 0 dollars can be earmarked or lobbied for on the hill, lobbyists should be limited to the same methods to speak to congress as we are, phone, fax, email ONLY to plead their case
3. Each congresscritter gets a salary equal to the state they represents median income. That way, they are incentivized to raise their states standard of living if they want more cha ching.
4. The state they represent should purchase a home in DC for USE of each congresscritter while representing us, like the pres and vp have. No “special interest or lobbyist influence there.
5. Congresscritters should not be able to profit from their time on the hill for at least 2 years after serving. Should be a cap to the amount they can make on speeches and the like if capitalizing on their time in congress.
6. Public funds for campaigns ONLY, no more of this 1 billion dollar election crap
7.Full vetting of all candidates, presidential and otherwise in an easy to read format available to all constituents
8. Full disclosure for all candidates MANDATORY and in an easy to read format for all state local and national elections run by the Supervisors of Elections. Disclosure of all positions on things like gay marriage, abortion, stem cell research, illegal immigration, and tax positions. A questionnare could be assembled and required of all who run.
9. Each state would vote on an appropriate “ expenditure” budget for what they feel would be proper representation for example, travel allowance, clothing allowance, entertainment allowance etc. that the representative would recieve to properly represent the state they came from ( I forgot to add that underneath the salary part, as I know they do have abnormal expenses for the job and they should not come out of pocket. They would however, learn real quick to live within a budget themselves, which might help them to learn to create and stick to a balanced one in Washington)
Sorry this is so long, and your point well taken, but most of America will not take the time, or even have the ability to vet these candidates, so more severe restrictions placed on Washington is the only way to keep the corruption somewhat at bay. I know that with all the information and misinformation flying around, and the 24 hour news cycle, even my head was spinning this year, and I am a political junkie!
I truly believe that keeping the payscale at bay in the way I mentioned above would also disuade money hungry career politicians from running and let more regular joes with some common sense and a true concern for others get in the game.
Return to the Spoils System so the corruption is open and can be identified. And before term Limits or anything else that won’t reduce the unelected government’s power over the nation, how about getting some real reform and repealing this:
Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act (1882)
Female “pastoral associates” are notoriously liberal; they all believe women should be ordained.
I attended Mass at the neighboring parish the Sunday after the election, and the pastor lauded the election of BHO during his homily. Afterwards, I witnessed a parishioner speaking with him apparently voicing her concerns, and he replied, “Yes, I understand there are moral issues, but.... this was a victory for equality, justice, etc..... blablabla.”
Imagine a priest arguing down one of the faithful on Morals vs. “Social Justice!!!” But that is exactly the L.A. mindset.
Oh, they don’t get money from me. I brought a bag of pull tabs for the kids’ Ronald McDonald project. That was my donation:-)
What happened is that ACORN is in this state big, we have a Dem state government that is pretty bad, and the unions hated McCain for being a “free trader”.
Ethanol didn’t help, but most guys saw that it was going down with the corn prices anyway.
The idea that the Pius was in on it with Hitler or whatever was the creation of Soviet Agitprop in the 60’s. Read paragraph 4 of the above encyclical, delivered to Germany in 1937 by Pope Pius. William L. Shrier's book isn't addressed directly at this issue--as it wasn't dreamed of when he wrote it--but does shed a lot of light on the relation of church and state in general in Nazi Germany.
Pope Benedict already HAS spoken out against abortion at every opportunity, in Mexico, in Brazil, in the US, etc. Just as he spoke, as Cardinal Ratzinger, against “liberation theology” years ago and as a Vatican official basically banished it. I'm not a Catholic, so I might have this wrong, but it is my impression that each diocese is supposed to run mostly on its own and that the Vatican is not inclined to micromanage dioceses. Only if a diocses fails to properly deal with a grave mater after a time would it tend to intervene--the big bad church is too authoritarian and then even worse for not being authoritarian enough.
In closing, a word of wisdom: "To remedy these wrongs the socialists, working on the poor man's envy of the rich, are striving to do away with private property, and contend that individual possessions should become the common property of all, to be administered by the State or by municipal bodies. They hold that by thus transferring property from private individuals to the community, the present mischievous state of things will be set to rights, inasmuch as each citizen will then get his fair share of whatever there is to enjoy. But their contentions are so clearly powerless to end the controversy that were they carried into effect the working man himself would be among the first to suffer. They are, moreover, emphatically unjust, for they would rob the lawful possessor, distort the functions of the State, and create utter confusion in the community." Written in 1891 by Pope Leo, sounds like a speech by Reagan.
You can skip all the verbiage. Simply put, I never said Pius was “in on it.” What I said was, that Pius lived through the war, when better men than him died fighting. Yeah he got lot’s of accolades from the Jews, because they didn’t risk their asses either. For my part, the soldier who risked his neck on Omaha beach or at Anzio or anywhere else in the war, did more than Pius, because they actually fought against the enemy. Then, after the war, when it is safe, Pius threatens to excommunicate Italian Catholics who vote Communist. Seems to me he shuts up when his ass is on the line, and talks big when he is safe. That equals cowardice in my book. YMMV.
Petronski: it’s true, so why shouldn’t it be said. Catholics in large numbers voted for a pro-choice candidate. V’s wife.
Good post! V’s wife.
What’s true?
Exit polling is scientifically flawed.
The exit polling closely followed election results this year as I understood them. V’s wife.
I hope you are right, but I wouldn't bet on it.
People believe what they want to believe.
Nope, not quite.
It’s hopeless. Don’t waste your time with this guy. Facts and argument mean nothing. He just likes talking to himself.
Exit polls are not articles of faith, my dear. V’s wife.
This is why I reject them, sweetums.
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Guest Opinion: Fr. Jay Scott Newman in the Lion's Den
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Pew Study Finds Less Than One Percent of Election Coverage Included Abortion
Douglas Kmiec: Barack Obama More Catholic Than Previous Pro-Life Presidents
Newman in the Lion's Den (For taking care of business.)
How Tom Daschle Might Kill Conservatism [Obamacare: make us dependent, then how to shrink gov't?]
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Cardinal Stafford Stands by Criticism of Obama
Catholic Church Warns Obama of War between administration and Church
Kmiec: Barack Obama More Catholic Than Previous Pro-Life Presidents (Total Moron Alert)
Bishop discusses reasons behind cutoff of ACORN funding
A Pro-Life Nughtmare: Daschle Appointed as the new Secretary of Health And Human Services
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S.C. POLITICIAN RIPS CATHOLICISM
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Pro-life movement: Both ends against the middle
Abortion: Obama’s nightmare.
A Pro-Life Nightmare: Daschle Appointed as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services
(Not Embryonic)Stem Cell Method Seen as Success (New York Times Buries the Story)
(Anti-)Catholic slur draws ire from council colleagues (South Carolina)
Catholics Who Vote for Freedom of Choice Act Could Face Automatic Excommunication ( 'bout time! )
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Catholic Bishops finally step up against abortion Democrats
The Coming "War" Between the Obama Administration and the Catholic Church
Catholic Caucus: How to Fight FOCA with all resources of the Church
Fr. Newman Responds to Diocesan Concerns about Pro-Abortion Voting Letter
What Catholics Can Expect
Election Part I: “We Have No King But Caesar [Obama?]” (Reality Alert)
Pope says Catholics in politics must follow faith
Vatican cardinal: Obama is 'Aggressive, Disruptive and Apocalyptic'
AmP Poll: Was SC priest right to suggest confession for Obama voters? [Catholic Caucus]
OKAY OF EMBRYONIC CELL RESEARCH WILL INTRODUCE HIDDEN DANGER..PROPHESIED AS 'COMPARABLE' TO ABORTION
Finally, a Religious Leader with Guts
Bishop Blasts Pro-Choice Politicians (Bishop from Biden's "hometown")
SC priest: No communion for Obama supporters
Our Pastor is in the news because of this article
SC priest: No communion for Obama supporters
Voting bishops [Catholic Caucus]
On the end of Catholic Hospitals
Catholic professor'Kmiec] draws protesters Conservative voted for Obama
Catholic Church drops ACORN funding
Obama has first telephone conversation with the Pope
Catholic bishops will fight Obama on abortion
Catholics gird for fight with Obama on abortion, Paterson, NJ bishop takes a leading role
Jill Stanek: Moving On After Barack Obama, How a Disabled Boy Restored My Pro-Life Fire
Catholic Bishops Urge Huge Anti-FOCA Campaign to Stop Abortion Expansion (Might Close Hospitals)
Abortion and Euthanasia Bringing about the Demise of Catholic Health Care: Catholic Obstetrician
To accept abortion is to challenge God, Lord of all things...
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Cardinal [George]: Obama's Presidency Heals Racism, Now Time to End Abortion
CNN’s Rick Sanchez: Does the GOP ‘Have to Be Anti-Abortion’?
Catholic bishops plan to forcefully confront Obama
Niece of Martin Luther King Jr.: "The Dream" Is Not Yet Fulfilled
Barone: Media wanted Palin abortion
New York Subway Riders Respond to Ad and Share Post-Abortion Grief, Agony
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's Niece{Dr. Alveda King]: Abortion Means Obama Doesn't Fulfill Dream
Bishops to present concerns on abortion, other issues to politicians
Kneeling Before the World [Catholic Caucus]
Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life Receives Post-Election Death Threat
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BISHOPS APPROVE BLESSING FOR CHILD IN THE WOMB
FIRST THINGS: Obama and the Bishops
Head of U.S. bishops says no compromise on abortion
Washington Post Admits Bias for Obama, Calls Pro-Life Policies "Offensive"
Washington Post Admits Bias for Obama, Calls Pro-Life Policies "Offensive"
Novena for the Protection of the Unborn
Carving Out a Better Respect Life Position
Prez Herod (post election reflection)
Wash Post: Pro-Life Views "Ideologically Offensive"
Election of Obama a Disaster for Pro-Life Fight in EU and Africa: Prominent Kenyan Physician
Bishops will not skip debate on abortion and politics
Obama's Startling Reaction to Funeral Service for Baby Killed After Failed Abortion
MCCL [MN's largest pro-life organization] achieves nearly all pro-life goals in 2008 election
No "Presidential sleight of hand" on stem cells
Voting for Reproductive Freedom (NYT pro-abort alert)
Abortion Groups Confident Obama Will Push His Pro-Abortion Agenda
Obama reviews Bush orders on stem cells, drilling
Obama reviews Bush orders on stem cells, drilling (Be prepared for the gas prices to go up)
Let us Celebrate Barrack Obama, Let us Celebrate Life
Obama Positioned to Quickly Reverse Bush Actions Stem Cell, Climate Rules
Pro-Life Dem Breakthroughs (Bad News for FOCA?)
Stopping FOCA: EWTN TV w/ Gianna Jessen, Sister Nirmala, Archbishop Burke, among others(?)
Dr. Alveda King to Pro-Lifers: Forward, March
What America Has Done (Was the election about racial equality or the right to life?)
The Freedom of Choice Act: Radical Attempt to Prematurely End Debate over Abortion
Becket Fund to Award Canterbury Medal to Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap.
Doug Kmiec to give election ‘post-mortem’ at Calif. seminary [Catholic Caucus]
Fighting FOCA (the time to act is now!)
Billy Graham Won't Advise Obama Because of Strong Pro-Abortion Position
Bishop Carlson: Our witness must grow stronger (Statement on election results)
Back to the Drawing Board (several bishops calling for Faithful Citizenship to be overhauled)
On Eucharistic Consistency (Florida bishop urges Biden to examine conscience before Communion)
Future Obama abortion legislation will violate conscience rights, PRI president says
THERE IS STILL A GOD IN HEAVEN!
Bill Berkowitz: Religious Right Down but Not Out
Freedom of Choice Act - Election Implications
A Post – Election Reflection: Pray, Plan and Participate
Payback Time: What Planned Parenthood Expects from Barack Obama
Life will not go on
Catholic Leaders React to Obama Victory, Offer Advice
Archbishop Chaput Eager to See Kmiec Deliver a Pro-Life Obama
History, Hyperbole and Horror (Eye opening)
[Electing Obama] A Grave Mistake and an Abiding Hope
Fight FOCA (Unlimited Abortion) Sign the Fight FOCA Petition ASAP Get Involved!!
Douglas W. Kmiec on 'Obama's Miracle'
"The Killing Must End”: Christian Defense Coalition to Launch Major Post-Inaugural Pro-Life Campaign
Pro-Life Advocates Urged to Renew Efforts Against Abortion After Election Loss
Obama Pushes Abortion on Day One With Emanuel Pick
Warriors with Our Eyes Fixed on Heaven (Bishop Finn's Excellent Column) [Ecumenical]
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