The Olive Branch -

WeToddDid2

WeToddDid2

To all,

I was thinking (I did hurt myself a little) why not try to do something productive. I also thought this would be an interesting social experiment.

Can liberals and conservatives agree on any political/economic policies?

You hear all day everyday on TV about the polarization in Washington. Are they really just a reflection of us? As of right now, I am leaning towards that they are a reflection of us on this forum.

Can we do what we are asking our politicians to do in Washington? Can we come to an agreement on a political/economic policy? Obviously, in most cases, this will require some give and take on both sides on the aisle.

If at all possible, please refrain from name calling, snarkiness and foul language.



go
 
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Okay, I will go first.

I think that there should be term limits for members of congress and senators. I do not think that politics should be a lifelong career. I think many politicians on both sides of the aisle view politics as a lifelong career to build relationships and stuff their pockets rather than a service to their country.
 
Our political polarization is a reflection of our underlying inequality. One party (presumably) trying to spread privilege, the other party trying to conserve. Term limits, while it might have other benefits, does not address this problem (and may institutionalize inexperience).
 
Ricter said:
Our political polarization is a reflection of our underlying inequality. One party (presumably) trying to spread privilege, the other party trying to conserve. Term limits, while it might have other benefits, does not address this problem (and may institutionalize inexperience).
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I get your points above. However, I think that the longer the politicians stay in Washington the more inequality of power occurs. Some of the politicians become just too powerful. Furthermore, I believe that the longer they stay the more they become controlled by special interest on both sides of the aisle.

I was thinking about the inexperience part when I made the post above. I think you are correct on this point. However, I do think that there should be some term limit. Perhaps the inexperience part can be remedied by setting a reasonable limit that is not too short. Do you have a number that you would be open to?

Also, I think that it will be difficult to come to an agreement on any grand plan so maybe we can just focus on smaller policies in which we can agree.
 
Ricter said:
Our political polarization is a reflection of our underlying inequality.
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Regarding inequality, are there any economic policies that you are willing to share that in your opinion a conservative may be open to?

Again, I do not think that we will agree on a general economic policy. Why not try to agree on smaller policies in which we can find agreement that will help US citizens.

For example, I agree with several of Senator Elizabeth Warren's policies. One of her policies that I agree with is that some form of the Volcker rule should be in place. I am extremely upset with the repubs inserting into the budget to get rid of the current version. I know the Democrats did make some noise but in the end they did help get it passed. Obviously, I am not including Warren in that. So it is both their faults in my opinion (I am not looking to debate blame).
 
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WeToddDid2 said:
Please reread post above. I added to it. Like to hear your thoughts.
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I don't think banks should be able to gamble (as opposed to invest, fine point perhaps) with depositor money, particularly if taxes via bailouts will be use to cover the losses, and I'd like to think that left and right can agree on that.

I support progressive, high tax rates on top tier earnings, and I'd like to see the monies collected spent on something like "make work" for the unemployed masses, say a new WPA for our crumbling infrastructure. This would cap the top and raise the bottom. If a high income man can't get out of bed in the morning for only a million a year (or more, to be debated) then there's something wrong with him. Yes, I'm willing to pay more on the top tier of my own income. No, I'm not going to volunteer the money today and carry the burden alone--we'll carry it together. After all, if the little guy has money to spend, I can make sales.
 
WeToddDid2 said:
"...Can liberals and conservatives agree on any political/economic policies?
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Not really. The Libtards want to "suck all the blood out of the makers", and the makers don't want all of their blood to be sucked out.

Where's an agreement to be made?
 
I would prefer one long term limit. Maybe 6 years for rep and 12 years for senator. The way it is now, the first thing they do when they get elected is try to get re elected (and 6 years for pres)
 
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