Dear talk_politics members: I render unto you a question:

[atasharuku.livejournal.com]

How would you describe your ideal government and its laws and policies?

(Sorry, mods, for making a short post consisting of nothing but a question. I was hoping it could facilitate some interesting and hopefully wank-free discussion ^_^)

Comments

[mintogrubb.livejournal.com]

It would be a government that had all elections campaigns funded by public money, not corporate coffers.

It would be elected by STV, thus reflecting the wishes of the majority of the electorate.

It would set the interests of the environment above the interests of corporations

It would not only protect the workers from abuse, but allow them opportunities to better themselves financially by providing day care for parents and parental leave to parents of both genders, thus enabling more women to go out to work.

It would allow Free elections of course, but also Trade Union membership and freedom of association with any group not attempting to overthrow the stat or to commit acts of terrorism.

It would strive to bring the lowest earners up, not tear the highest earners down..

it would run a mixed economy where the state took on the tasks that yielded the lowest profit margins and yet provided the most needed services.

It would have an elected upper chamber, and a President who was Head of State, but no legislative powers, just the role of figurehead. The president would be chosen by the upper chamber, and be re elected every few decades. They would ideally pick someone who could look good in front of camera and be a figurehead who would cause the minimum amount of embarrassment abroad and hand out awards and open hospitals at home.

The Head of State would would most likely have had a career in TV, Films or Theatre and would be answerable to the Upper Chamber, the Senate for their position.

Everyone in government would also be subject to immediate recall on the basis of a referendum among their constituents, should they become unpopular enough to generate a petition for their removal signed by at least 50% the constituency.

STV?

[sophia-sadek.livejournal.com]

Is that Steve?

I like your entertainer requirement for the frontperson. It reminds me of Reagan and Arnold.

Re: STV?

[atasharuku.livejournal.com]

Kyo of Dir En Grey would be the figurehead of my new world order - but I'd be the one pulling the strings. MWAHAHAHAA!!!!

Re: STV?

[mintogrubb.livejournal.com]

No - STV is the Single Transferable Vote.

A form of proportional Representation that ensures that if you get a mere 37 % of the vote, you don't get 55% of the seats in the House of Commons. Like Tony Blair did last time he got elected.

People laughed at Reagan because of his back ground, but an actor has to project an image with confidence. Reagan did.

An Ideal Head of State, in my world, would be the figurehead that all could unite behind - someone above politics, but hwo can speak to the people, rallying the nation in time of crisis and leading the celebrations in recognition of personal and community successes.

Think of the Mayor of New York, right after 9/11; of Lady Diana Spencer on goodwill trips abroad; of George VI during WW2 - that is what a Head of State should be doing, looking good in front of the camera, saying nice things about people except when they speak out, on behalf of the nation, to challenge the great and unquestionable evils of our times.