For almost 2 decades this country has been massively divided and divided to the point of a possible no return.

It is sad that a country that use to be a beacon to the world has become a laughing stock to that same world.

Can we fix what is broken?

First, citizenship is far more than just voting….that one simple fact escapes so many Americans…..

On the eve of a big national election, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of presidential politics. The White House, after all, is often called the “highest office in the land.” But in all the turbulence that comes with campaigning, it can be too easy to lose sight of the enduring things that really matter. As if to remind us that we should not overly focus on presidential politics, Justice Felix Frankfurter once said, “In a democracy, the highest office is the office of citizen.” This is a lesson we would do well to remember.

Of course, this suggests the importance of voting in a presidential election – or any election at any level of government. “We the People” hold in our hands the decisions about the representatives who are to conduct the daily work of governing. That’s why every vote matters – and of all people I would know. I won my first election for the Washington State House of Representatives in a recount by a mere 29 votes out of 52,000 cast.

But even with the signal importance of the act of voting, there is far more to being an American citizen.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2024/11/02/citizenship_is_about_more_than_voting_151890.html

But how can things change?

I think the problems are several but leading in my mind is the Electoral College and party primaries….but here is a piece from theconversation.com

Now that the elections are over, you might be left feeling exhausted, despondent and disillusioned – whether your preferred candidate won or not. You are not alone.

Survey after survey has found that Americans agree that the political system is not serving them.

Americans say they are angry at the political dysfunction, disgusted with the divisive rhetoric, weary from the lack of options, and feel unheard and unrepresented. I am a mathematician who studies quantitative aspects of democracy, and in my view, the reason for this widespread dissatisfaction is evident: The mechanisms of American democracy are broken at a fundamental level.

Research shows that there are clear mathematical fixes for these malfunctions that would implement sound democratic practices supported by evidence. They won’t solve every ailment of American democracy: For example, Altering Supreme Court rulings or expanding voting access are more political or administrative than they are based in math. Nevertheless, each of these changes – especially in combination with one another – could make American democracy more responsive to its citizens.

https://theconversation.com/americans-agree-politics-is-broken-here-are-5-ideas-for-fixing-key-problems-243553

I have read many articles along this line….some stellar ideas but that is all they have….ideas….maybe they should pick one and go at it with force.

I believe that those are stellar ideas….the problem is the parties….they will not want change because too many make way too much cash off the system as it is now.

Congressional Progressive Dems have a good idea….

In the wake of U.S. federal elections resulting in Republican control of the White House and both chambers of Congress—in no small part due to Democrats’ failure to win working-class votes—leading congressional progressives are pushing a plan to rebuild the Democratic Party by rejecting corporate cash and uplifting low- and middle-income Americans.

In a memo first shared with Punchbowl News, outgoing Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), incoming Chair Greg Casar (D-Texas), and CPC members Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) urge the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to “rebuild our party from the ground up.”

The lawmakers call on DNC leadership to “create an authentic Democratic brand that offers a clear alternative and inclusive vision for how we will make life better for the 90% who are struggling in this economy, take on the biggest corporations and wealthiest individuals who have rigged the system,” and expose GOP President-elect Donald Trump’s “corporate favoritism” to “create a clear contrast with Republicans.”

• Reform, restructure, and rebrand the Democratic Party from the ground up and commit to a 50-state strategy that builds power through state parties;
• Embrace grassroots donors and reject special interest and dark money, including by reinstating the DNC’s 2008 ban on corporate political action committee donations, and pushing to prohibit super PAC spending in state primaries;
• Rebuild Democrats’ multiracial, working-class base by uplifting poor, low-, and middle-income voices and concerns; and
• Highlight recent electoral successes while working to build broad coalitions to win elections.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/democrats-working-class

These are excellent ideas and I will wait to see which person wins the DNC chair…..I am thinking this will not fly with the new chair…..why?  In DC money speaks the loudest.

Whatcha think?

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”