MOQer on and All, I do tend to over simplify. But I also believe that thorny problems can yield to simple solutions. In that spirit I present a few simple steps that could be implemented to correct a great many problems in contemporary society. I do not present much in the way of detail partly because to me the implications of these measures are self evident. I am probably wrong on this score but here they are:
1. Open government No More Secrets! In my state whenever two or more public officials or the boards of organizations who receive public funds meet to discuss public business, the public must be notified and invited. There are a few exception but they are few and typically of limited duration. The public's business should be conducted in public! Exceptions should be subject to congressional oversight and the burden of justification should be on those requesting the exception. No More Lies! 2. Public elections I would favor total public financing of public elections but there are certain issues of free speech issues. In any case, media operations are licensed to operate in the public interest and should absolutely not be allowed to charge candidates for media time and election advertising. 3. Local media I call for local control of media and a return to FCC regulations that required public access, local ownership and fairness doctrines. Put the public interest back into the public airwaves. I would include cable and satellite media under the same regulations. Internet access is already very democratic and available to all and should remain exempt. 4. Income tax only on the top 20% of incomes. This would make 80% of American households exempt from federal income taxes and leave more than 50% of US income taxable. In fact about 7% of household account for more that 30% of US income. Tax rates on taxable income should be high and progressively higher as incomes rise. Social security and Medicaid taxes would be unaffected and states would remain free to tax state citizens however they see fit. 5. Freedom of ideas Current copyright laws are obscene and should be repealed. Copyright should only be granted upon specific request and should extend no longer than 15 years. Current law is nothing less that a theft from the public domain. 6. Informed Juries Jurors under US law have the right to judge the law as well as to judge the accused. Jurors can and should vote their conscience during jury deliberation. Most states have laws the restrict access to information on this point. It would be nice to get the list to 10. Any ideas? Krimel Moq_Discuss mailing list Listinfo, Unsubscribing etc. http://lists.moqtalk.org/listinfo.cgi/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org Archives: http://lists.moqtalk.org/pipermail/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org/ http://moq.org.uk/pipermail/moq_discuss_archive/
