Great beginning to a new plan of action. Check the areas the Rebuplicans and big businesses are attacking (because they see them as threats) those should also be pillars of your platform: public education and higher learning; the environment and climate change; the Arts; freedom of speech; peace; diversity; redistribution of wealth (instead of unbridled capitalism); love and compassion for the "other" (focus on what unites us instead of what divdes us, and how we're all in this boat together on planet earth instead of a divisive discourse where we're all in competition and there are "winners" and "losers").
We need commitment to our immigrants and a path to citizenship. We need equal rights for women and LGBTQ. Ŵe need to take care of our disabled, mentally ill, homeless and single parents. We need childcare. We need to be sure that everyone is fed and not dependent on charity. The kids should have 2 free meals at school and counseling. So much more is needed. I am into this if all the issues are addressed!!!
Yes, we'd all benefit from what you're suggesting. You're right, our governments should take better care of our most vulnerable and prioritise the health and well being of our children and youth.
This is a great observation. Look at what Republicans attack, and we will see the strenghths that need to be protected to prevent everything coming down again.
Yes, they've worked long and hard to forge their plans. None of what they're doing is arbitrary. If they think its worth attacking, it is probably worth defending.
I understand that we need to be careful not to let the perfect become the enemy of the good, and we may need to strategically focus on a robust common denominator for an effective and broad coalition, maximizing the chances for a near-term win, while maintaining the integrity of a comprehensive long-term vision and other, more partisan but urgent matters (like the climate crisis, or regulation around gun ownership). At the same time, it is painful when controversial/polarizing issues need to be deprioritized temporarily. But there is hope that once the trajectory has been shifted towards better alignment with science and reality, with human decency and democracy, it will become easier again to find agreement (or to agree to disagree) on those issues where too many people are currently badly misinformed, thanks do anti-social media and artificial non-intelligence.
This is how we not only build better, but also build TOGETHER...a bunch of rich landed slave owners provided the outline - excluding the common people.
We must invite those who have been hurt and fell for trump-tripe so their needs are also heard and addressed.
We also need a seriously progressive income tax. Someone making $100M per year would not notice any difference at all in their life with a 90% tax rate.
When you fail to maintain a progressive income tax system bequeathed by earlier generations, how likely is it that the same will be restored under conditions that increasingly substantial swathes of the population reconsider the legitimacy of the state?
No seriously!
Were the state not already duly constituted, do you really think there is sufficient consensus to make it so?
In 2023 MA implemented a “millionaire’s tax” (4% higher tax rate on portion of earnings above $1M). Of course, opponents said the wealthy would flee to other states like nearby NH, thereby taking their monetary power elsewhere. So far, that hasn’t happened. It appears all income levels prefer a more equitable system.
I think this looks solid, but there's an oversight here that will get us in worse trouble than we are already in right now if it isn't addressed in the proposal.
If there's no provision for environmental sustainability, no provision for protection of public lands, protection of clean air and water, this proposed manufacturing and industry boom will come at the cost of environment. The environment isn't a luxury. We haven't ever gotten this part right before and if we don't get it right this time, a rebirth of democracy won't matter. We will be right back to scapegoating, fighting for scraps, and falling for dictators.
Any solution right now will come at the cost of environment sustainability, whether its bombs and bullets from a civil war, or construction and infrastructure from a massive goose to the economy instead of spending a trillion dollars a year building bombs, missiles and guns.
You aren't wrong, but even still the solution also doesn't mention seizing investment lands or properties from businesses who's only purpose for existing is rent-seeking behavior, which means we're literally paying a tax to businesses who used money from Republican tax cuts over the last 50 years to buy up America. Put another way, we're paying people to reward them for corruption and crimes against the government and all of its people. Seems like a bad way to get started on a "new foot".
There are no shortage of shortsighted and short stinted solutions in this document, and its just further evidence that if we want a solution to create an actual democracy, we should be engaging political scholars, not media influencers. The founding fathers suffered from a similar problem, but at least there were SOME educated scholars among them.
I think you are correct about the corporate and billionaire land grab. Bill Gates owns the most farmland by an individual, but no one knows how much land Cargill owns or controls. How much land has John Deere seized because of bankruptcy by farmers who took out loans from them to buy farm equipment? What about Koch Industries? Just like graduated income tax, there needs to be a mechanism to limit the concentration of non-monetary wealth in private and corporate hands, but I am not talking about ownership by the state. I think there is a big role for locally based cooperatives in this.
I would pay folding money to any candidate who promised to allow the US postal Service to operate as a bank and require them to make loans to create publicly owned cooperative businesses.
The policy wonks and thinkers are not living in the real world. I am glad that Corbin’s voice is being heard. He’s not saying he has all the answers but at least he’s addressing some options for a new path forward. This is not short term. We need to be bold and think beyond the next election cycle. It’s hard. Right now seems particularly fraught with fear, demonization and a lot of anger. Lots of “influencers”
Out there for sure but you can make your own judgements as to whether they project clarity or are muddling the issues to get “likes”
Who will step up to the challenges and come up with solutions and coalitions for change? I’m glad we have lots of people that want change. And we all know change is hard. Yet we cannot go on with the current system….
I agree. We got a bit of a start on sustainable energy under Biden but that’s now squashed. If we don’t include climate and environment then we’re doomed and any progress made will be short term.
Good catch. I made my comment on the same theme before I saw yours. We have a lot of resources on environmental issues, climate change, overshoot, resource depletion and alternative energy. They need incorporation into any plan that will work in the short or long term. Drawdown resources are a good place to start.
The income inequality will be reversed as the other facets of this plan are implemented. The essential first step is to gain power. That power will only be granted by a public that believes in the plan.
I agree. They must be dual major goals, presented upfront to people. But there is what the proposed plan says:
"Restore Affordability Through Supply and Competition"
There is no way to address inequality merely through supply and competition. Those assume that we have a relatively level playing field that they economic, political and legal processes are in reasonably good shape.
And they won't believe in this plan until there is moral language in it that touches the emotional reality of idealistic promises that were/are being broken.
Think of all the problems now facing the country as a metastatic cancer. We want to get rid of all the cancer because it is aggressive and can kill the person. However, it is unwise to remove all the metastatic cancers all at once, in one operation, because the trauma of several surgeries could also kill the patient.
We remove the primary site of the cancer; then begin treating the auxiliary cancers with radiation and chemotherapy to reduce them, and to give the body a chance to heal, before we remove the auxiliary cancers.
Absolutely we need to address income inequality. We need to address the primary cancer which is:
- Trump's increasing authoritarian and lawlessness;
- Our kleptocracy (both Republicans and Democrats are complicit in this);
- Trump's economic policies which are very likely going to result in a severe recession or quite possibly a Second Great Depression.
Trump, his Administration and MAGA are the source of the primary cancer. Once we get them out of the picture and can move things back closer to normal, then we address auxiliary cancers such as mistreatment of immigrants and income inequality (both of which are also serious problems).
Poor analogy. The more you let serious cancers go, the more they are debilitating to the host. I should know: I have 3. You work on them all at once, as I am.
Immediate work on income inequality is needed for success on the "main" goal(s).
Wipe out student loan debt ASAP. Require public financing of elections (though this still leaves loopholes for the wealthy). Close the high income loophole for Social Security. Raise taxes (not necessarily income taxes) on the wealthy. And that's just a start.....
I'm also a cancer survivor. I lost a third of my colon and two feet of small intestine from cancer. I'm glad doctors did chemo and radiation on the tumors which had spread, because I really need the remaining four feet of colon!
I don't disagree with wiping out student loan debt ASAP (the interest rates are deliberately confiscatory). I'm on board with public financing of elections; closing the high income loophole for Social Security AS WELL AS demanding payback for any loans taken by the government from Social Security to pay for unfunded mandates such as wars; and making wealthy people and corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
Student loan debt elimination immediately helps the bottom-up economy, relieves immense amount of desperation and financial squeeze on what's left of the middle class. Want people to be able to SUPPORT this initiative financially? Better give them some disposable income.
Social Security reform is even easier and immediately helps seniors.
Definitely triage our country's economic system, correct what needs to be done ASAP!
Treat as a person's household budget, prioritize savings, payments, etc. And starting with getting rid of "citizens united" and instituting campaign finance reform are the way to stabilize that end of our government.
Not that I'm vindictive or anything, I'd like to see any Congress person that made money from lobbyists and insider trading be forced to return those funds to their constituents/state for free school lunches and other local needs for families and children. (I can DREAM can't I?)
I figured you were speaking from experience. So glad you're on the mend and hoping you'll remain cancer-free.
I've OFTEN thought of cancer as the perfect analogy for our country's deterioration. When removing a tumor, the surgeon often leaves a margin, taking a bit of non-cancerous tissue to make sure there's only healthy tissue remaining.
Politically, I guess that means removing Congress people who have done some good, but have also garnered illicit wealth from lobbyists, stock market activity, etc. They'd have to be voted out, of course.
One of the most important things this document leaves out is that no person holding public office should have neither the right to due process nor the right of freedom of association. People holding public office should be constantly under public investigation and their records should be transparent, in order to prevent the systemic corruption that's always been present. If they are indicted for a crime by their constituencies then their defense should BEGIN with resignation of their office. If we can't trust the people holding public office (and we certainly can't at the moment) then they shouldn't be in that office.
If they believe those rights are more important than public service, then they shouldn't BE in public service. If they can't do their job while living under a microscope, they shouldn't be doing their job.
The reversal you want is not possible until we gain the power to reverse it. It's the whole aim of the 10 point plan which requires everyone to drop their personal reasons and come together to vote in the government that will deal with income inequality because we've learned time and time again "it's the economy stupid". When the economy works for everyone you see the biggest changes.
Take the 60's for example. Democrats held veto proof power and pushed through the Civil/Voting Rights Acts and even the GOP even agreed in creating the EPA.
Step 1: Come together
Step 2; Stick with Step 1 until we win the right number of legislative seats at the state and federal levels.
As I pointed out already, the plan itself does not deal (at least in any satisfactory way) with reversal of income inequality. Thus, my point about dual goals.
It goes without saying that one can do little (except grassroots-level changes) until one gains power. It also goes without saying that it is increasingly difficult to gain power without the massive amounts of money that the 1% have and hoard. How are we going to get the money? You think ordinary Americans, living (at best) paycheck to paycheck, can fund the movement??
I argue all 10 of his points address the problem of regaining the power to affect the changes you want. You’re jumping to dessert and haven’t addressed the main course. The people have the power. Corbin is working to make that power a viable source for change. Sorry we don’t agree but that’s no reason not to work together for a common goal to achieve power through the hard work and accepting that we have to learn to work with those we don’t agree with 100% but want the same goal of a free democratic system that can level the playing field to lift up those at the bottom.
You keep putting words in my mouth, and I keep hoping it's because you don't understand. HOW ARE WE GOING TO FUND A GRASS-ROOTS MOVEMENT WHEN INCOME INEQUALITY WILL LIMIT WHAT PEOPLE CAN GIVE? People power still takes money---and lots of it. That doesn't mean we solve inequality before gaining power. It means we face income inequality on our way TO power.
It takes sweat. Raising revenue is a goal all movements have to work out for themselves.
So you tell me where is the money that can’t be used to fight for income equality? Money is everywhere, you have to find it. Or do you expect someone to just fork it over?
You talk like this is hopeless or impossible.
We’re never going to outspend the oligarchs and we don’t have to. We only need to get the right information to the right people.
Pessimism never solved anything that I know of.
This is the last I have to say. I’ve bigger fish to fry.
It’s a good start, but our biggest problem is our “two party system”. If our Republic can survive, we really need to promote an Independent Party that is not beholden to corporations and lobbyists.
Maybe a Progressive Democratic Party would do the trick? But I take your point. We used to joke that the reason the American Eagle can't fly is that it has 2 right wings.
Perhaps once we include an accurate history of how this mess evolved, through education, people MIGHT see ranked choice as a good way of selecting the proper candidate for the job.
I dunno. Why do we need to select a 2nd and 3rd pick for one job? I'd rather vote for the person who best reflects my interests and be done with it. Rank Choice Voting is a confusing mess and I don't believe that the average voter is really parsing candidates at that level. I can't imagine ever thinking "Oh that person would be my 3rd choice for President"...
Rank Choice Voting could be started at the Educational Level and used to teach critical thinking skills as well as reasoning. Start with something like fruits and vegetables (which values/likes/dislikes may change with a person's personal experiences and growth.
The idea is to lay the foundation FOR Rank-Choice-Voting (decision making in ALL aspects of life) so it's a natural think for a person to do.
For instance, in choosing something to wear for a day, you may look and see what the weather's going to be or what you'll be doing.
RESEARCH: Scientific or Historical data (The weather channel).
Check to see what items of clothing you have to address (sorry
'bout the pun) the forecast for the day.
OPTIONS: Are you going to layer clothing to account for the day's weather
forecast or do you dress specifically for one type of weather or
activity. (or any other options that apply to the weather and/or
activity for the day
DECISION: What you may decide is to select one specific item for the day's
weather and activity. OR you may decide to balance the
decision and chose an item that would has multiple uses.
This is a sample of the formula to make an informed choice and rank the candidates (or making any OTHER choice/decision)
Based on "researching" and reasoning you can make a pretty good decision on what you'll need to wear (or what will "fit") for the day and its activities.
2. Make your decision based on your accurate knowledge and research.
I would rather see a parliamentary system. It seems to me that in areas that are heavily influenced by one party, ranked choice completely leaves the other one out.
I believe in the idea of a Progressive Party, that can modify platforms as needed with an eye to current needs and future possibilities - endow the ability to change/update constitution as necessary.
I stand behind this plan. And I strongly believe campaign finance reform is the root solution for every other issue you've outlined. I've been with Ben & Jerry's Stamp Money Out of Politics campaign for years.
Yes I would sign this and I will share. We must also address the corruption in the Supreme Court. The six aren't even trying to hide their utter loyalty to Donald Trump. The extreme use of the Shadow Docket proves that.
All dysfunction starts with campaign finance and corruption which is reaching epic proportions. Start there and a lot if these points will begin to fall into place as elected officials once again become accountable to the electorate.
Unfortunately, this approach is nothing but putting patches on a totally worn out coat. In my opinion, the core of the problem is the ownership of means for production and capital. For as long as it is in the hands of the very few no solution will change the path we're on, which is reaching the point where the whole country will be owned by one man. No matter what is the law or rules those will be bent just like it was the case throughout history to favor individuals that have the most. Sofistication of that bending will change to hide intentions but it will never be eliminated if ownership of means of production and capital are in the hands of the very few. Transferring the ownership of means of production and capital from employers to employees is the only viable solution that will secure continuation of civilized life on this planet. And it can be done providing we accept the inevitability of that solution. Employees can buy out employers and run the company enjoying benefits of the ownership by using parts of the company's value they own and carry it from job to job as they change companies they work with, that is, own. For more details read my book MORNING AFTER.
A very good start to build on. Also consider: 1) Add term limits and/or a mandatory retirement age for EVERY governmental employee - no more “lifetime” appointments for ANYONE, especially judges on any court. 2) Set time limits on when individual candidates can start fund raising and campaigning for their next term (so tired of fund raising and pre-campaign work for reelection starting the day they are sworn into the office they are elected to!). 3) Require all broadcast stations, both radio and TV, to provide a set, and EQUAL, number of hours of air time, at no cost, to every candidate at every level of government. (Give the broadcasters tax breaks of some sort to compensate for this.). 4) Set limits on the amount of money that can be spent on any campaign. 5) Require some sort of licensing for podcasters - especially those who are primarily politically motivated - in order to attempt to control foreign interference.
I’m sure others can come up with more suggestions. Yes,this is getting down closer to the ground - but if things are kept too broad, there are those who will find too many loopholes!
I think, instead of a set of new and detailed rules gto modify our current political campaigns, we ought just to say all campaigns will be publically financed. Period! No more "money is protected speech!" No more "corporations are people!" No more opportunity for private money to corrupt the political system! Also limit the time for campaigns to a few months. And end gerrymandering. I think these are gthe sorts of things that need to be done, rather than trying to reform our present (and very much corrupted) system.
yes and let's remember that we do not have to reinvent the wheel herr. There are nations that have figured much of this out. I am looking at the Nordic countries . The basis of their economy is grounded in the paradigm of fairness to all. Period. Their worth or right to eat and work is not questioned. The value of each is not challenged but assumed. And the social agenda reflects this. Our value expressed as "pull yourself up by the bootsteps" and "each man for himself" (gender is intentional) is incredibly destructive and is at loggerheads with some of these ideas.
I wholeheartedly agree Beverly! The basis for limiting the time for campaigns comes from my time living in Australia; and I am aware of many Nordic countries with very fair and humane policies that should be explored extensively to use in our country!
“Protect Free Elections: Pass federal voting rights legislation to end partisan gerrymandering, stop the flood of dark money into our politics, and ensure every American’s voice is heard.”
Sorry for returning to this, but there is no solution gained by passing legislation that SCOTUS will turn around and rule unconstitutional based on prior monied interest precedent(s).
One more time; pass a constitutional amendment which will overrule the aforementioned precedents, and prevent further adverse rulings by eliminating the twin concepts of corporate personhood and money as speech.
HJR-54. Contact your Congressional representatives. MoveToAmend.org
Yes SCOTUS reform is key. Expand the court, impose ethics requirements, and add term limits. Whatever is done, the Roberts Court’s behavior is a five-alarm fire and needs to be highlighted and addressed.
End Citizens United. Restore the Voting Rights Act. End presidential immunity.
I think we probably need a new constitution, but what we can’t do is let the MAGA cult get their hands on it. A dilemma.
The MAGA cult is no more monolithic than the Democratic liberal cult or the centrist cult. Sure, the racists and capitalist elites who lick Trump’s ass as a means to a fascist end are locked in, but I’m of the belief that many in the MAGA tent will exit if provided an actual policy off ramp that they can sense will provide some actual economic relief.
I’m not talking about a constitutional convention here; that would, as we both fear, be susceptible to Heritage Foundation influence and yet more liberal cowardice, and probably end badly.
A specific amendment, in this case HJR-54, would be easy to both defend and pursue, and provide a means to shift the tribal narrative from ‘owning the libs (or MAGA)’ to owning the monied interest elites who are screwing all of us.
I agree - only one nagging issue for me and that is no mention of our Climate and the challenges we face. I feel certain that the majority are concerned about this as we try to move forward. I am so appreciative of your efforts. Please keep on.
I agree with this entire covenant, though I think it doesn't go far enough. But I think FDR-style social programs are crucial.
ALSO, I would like to see Congress required to use Social Security for their retirement plan, and Medicare for their healthcare program. They have voted themselves gold-plated retirement and medical that put them above and outside of the needs of the American people, and they should be required to join with us in a shared interest in those crucial programs.
Maybe then we'd get vision, hearing, and dental added to Medicare.
Also fix the USPS, and make it possible to bank at your local post office like other countries do.
I'm on board! Lots of detailed questions about specific legislation and structural reforms we could promote, but I think your plan presents an excellent overview for organizing and moving forward!
Question: how do we accelerate the plan from an interesting and enticing essay to a broad movement?
All great ideas, however, none of this will come to pass unless the people who did this to our country receive swift and unequivocal justice. Justice and accountability must come before other reforms are possible.
But can we also have the discussion of whether any human being can be a trillionaire or billionaire and still be considered a part of the human family? Isn't that an obscenity to the rest of us on the planet?
Great beginning to a new plan of action. Check the areas the Rebuplicans and big businesses are attacking (because they see them as threats) those should also be pillars of your platform: public education and higher learning; the environment and climate change; the Arts; freedom of speech; peace; diversity; redistribution of wealth (instead of unbridled capitalism); love and compassion for the "other" (focus on what unites us instead of what divdes us, and how we're all in this boat together on planet earth instead of a divisive discourse where we're all in competition and there are "winners" and "losers").
Yes, Mireille, we need more than economic parity.
We need commitment to our immigrants and a path to citizenship. We need equal rights for women and LGBTQ. Ŵe need to take care of our disabled, mentally ill, homeless and single parents. We need childcare. We need to be sure that everyone is fed and not dependent on charity. The kids should have 2 free meals at school and counseling. So much more is needed. I am into this if all the issues are addressed!!!
Yes, we'd all benefit from what you're suggesting. You're right, our governments should take better care of our most vulnerable and prioritise the health and well being of our children and youth.
This is a great observation. Look at what Republicans attack, and we will see the strenghths that need to be protected to prevent everything coming down again.
Yes, they've worked long and hard to forge their plans. None of what they're doing is arbitrary. If they think its worth attacking, it is probably worth defending.
Yes, the common good.
I understand that we need to be careful not to let the perfect become the enemy of the good, and we may need to strategically focus on a robust common denominator for an effective and broad coalition, maximizing the chances for a near-term win, while maintaining the integrity of a comprehensive long-term vision and other, more partisan but urgent matters (like the climate crisis, or regulation around gun ownership). At the same time, it is painful when controversial/polarizing issues need to be deprioritized temporarily. But there is hope that once the trajectory has been shifted towards better alignment with science and reality, with human decency and democracy, it will become easier again to find agreement (or to agree to disagree) on those issues where too many people are currently badly misinformed, thanks do anti-social media and artificial non-intelligence.
The current administration is doing exactly what they want, the alternative should also be a comprehensive and bold vision.
This is how we not only build better, but also build TOGETHER...a bunch of rich landed slave owners provided the outline - excluding the common people.
We must invite those who have been hurt and fell for trump-tripe so their needs are also heard and addressed.
Great start.
We also need a seriously progressive income tax. Someone making $100M per year would not notice any difference at all in their life with a 90% tax rate.
When you fail to maintain a progressive income tax system bequeathed by earlier generations, how likely is it that the same will be restored under conditions that increasingly substantial swathes of the population reconsider the legitimacy of the state?
No seriously!
Were the state not already duly constituted, do you really think there is sufficient consensus to make it so?
In 2023 MA implemented a “millionaire’s tax” (4% higher tax rate on portion of earnings above $1M). Of course, opponents said the wealthy would flee to other states like nearby NH, thereby taking their monetary power elsewhere. So far, that hasn’t happened. It appears all income levels prefer a more equitable system.
I think this looks solid, but there's an oversight here that will get us in worse trouble than we are already in right now if it isn't addressed in the proposal.
If there's no provision for environmental sustainability, no provision for protection of public lands, protection of clean air and water, this proposed manufacturing and industry boom will come at the cost of environment. The environment isn't a luxury. We haven't ever gotten this part right before and if we don't get it right this time, a rebirth of democracy won't matter. We will be right back to scapegoating, fighting for scraps, and falling for dictators.
Any solution right now will come at the cost of environment sustainability, whether its bombs and bullets from a civil war, or construction and infrastructure from a massive goose to the economy instead of spending a trillion dollars a year building bombs, missiles and guns.
You aren't wrong, but even still the solution also doesn't mention seizing investment lands or properties from businesses who's only purpose for existing is rent-seeking behavior, which means we're literally paying a tax to businesses who used money from Republican tax cuts over the last 50 years to buy up America. Put another way, we're paying people to reward them for corruption and crimes against the government and all of its people. Seems like a bad way to get started on a "new foot".
There are no shortage of shortsighted and short stinted solutions in this document, and its just further evidence that if we want a solution to create an actual democracy, we should be engaging political scholars, not media influencers. The founding fathers suffered from a similar problem, but at least there were SOME educated scholars among them.
I think you are correct about the corporate and billionaire land grab. Bill Gates owns the most farmland by an individual, but no one knows how much land Cargill owns or controls. How much land has John Deere seized because of bankruptcy by farmers who took out loans from them to buy farm equipment? What about Koch Industries? Just like graduated income tax, there needs to be a mechanism to limit the concentration of non-monetary wealth in private and corporate hands, but I am not talking about ownership by the state. I think there is a big role for locally based cooperatives in this.
I would pay folding money to any candidate who promised to allow the US postal Service to operate as a bank and require them to make loans to create publicly owned cooperative businesses.
The policy wonks and thinkers are not living in the real world. I am glad that Corbin’s voice is being heard. He’s not saying he has all the answers but at least he’s addressing some options for a new path forward. This is not short term. We need to be bold and think beyond the next election cycle. It’s hard. Right now seems particularly fraught with fear, demonization and a lot of anger. Lots of “influencers”
Out there for sure but you can make your own judgements as to whether they project clarity or are muddling the issues to get “likes”
Who will step up to the challenges and come up with solutions and coalitions for change? I’m glad we have lots of people that want change. And we all know change is hard. Yet we cannot go on with the current system….
Thanks for allowing me to write my thoughts.
I agree. We got a bit of a start on sustainable energy under Biden but that’s now squashed. If we don’t include climate and environment then we’re doomed and any progress made will be short term.
Good catch. I made my comment on the same theme before I saw yours. We have a lot of resources on environmental issues, climate change, overshoot, resource depletion and alternative energy. They need incorporation into any plan that will work in the short or long term. Drawdown resources are a good place to start.
It's a good start. Doesn't go nearly far enough. Nothing that reverses the income inequality that is killing the country?
The income inequality will be reversed as the other facets of this plan are implemented. The essential first step is to gain power. That power will only be granted by a public that believes in the plan.
That's a naive reply. Income inequality is a pillar that PREVENTS us gaining power. That should not be in dispute at this point.
That’s certainly true, but there is NO way of doing anything about income inequality without first gaining a threshold amount of power.
I agree. They must be dual major goals, presented upfront to people. But there is what the proposed plan says:
"Restore Affordability Through Supply and Competition"
There is no way to address inequality merely through supply and competition. Those assume that we have a relatively level playing field that they economic, political and legal processes are in reasonably good shape.
Good point, Peter.
We can't implement any solutions to income inequality if we're completely shut out of power, as we are now.
And they won't believe in this plan until there is moral language in it that touches the emotional reality of idealistic promises that were/are being broken.
Think of all the problems now facing the country as a metastatic cancer. We want to get rid of all the cancer because it is aggressive and can kill the person. However, it is unwise to remove all the metastatic cancers all at once, in one operation, because the trauma of several surgeries could also kill the patient.
We remove the primary site of the cancer; then begin treating the auxiliary cancers with radiation and chemotherapy to reduce them, and to give the body a chance to heal, before we remove the auxiliary cancers.
Absolutely we need to address income inequality. We need to address the primary cancer which is:
- Trump's increasing authoritarian and lawlessness;
- Our kleptocracy (both Republicans and Democrats are complicit in this);
- Trump's economic policies which are very likely going to result in a severe recession or quite possibly a Second Great Depression.
Trump, his Administration and MAGA are the source of the primary cancer. Once we get them out of the picture and can move things back closer to normal, then we address auxiliary cancers such as mistreatment of immigrants and income inequality (both of which are also serious problems).
Poor analogy. The more you let serious cancers go, the more they are debilitating to the host. I should know: I have 3. You work on them all at once, as I am.
Immediate work on income inequality is needed for success on the "main" goal(s).
Wipe out student loan debt ASAP. Require public financing of elections (though this still leaves loopholes for the wealthy). Close the high income loophole for Social Security. Raise taxes (not necessarily income taxes) on the wealthy. And that's just a start.....
I'm also a cancer survivor. I lost a third of my colon and two feet of small intestine from cancer. I'm glad doctors did chemo and radiation on the tumors which had spread, because I really need the remaining four feet of colon!
I don't disagree with wiping out student loan debt ASAP (the interest rates are deliberately confiscatory). I'm on board with public financing of elections; closing the high income loophole for Social Security AS WELL AS demanding payback for any loans taken by the government from Social Security to pay for unfunded mandates such as wars; and making wealthy people and corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
Student loan debt elimination immediately helps the bottom-up economy, relieves immense amount of desperation and financial squeeze on what's left of the middle class. Want people to be able to SUPPORT this initiative financially? Better give them some disposable income.
Social Security reform is even easier and immediately helps seniors.
Harder to reform the health care system.
Do what we can do that will have the most impact.
Definitely triage our country's economic system, correct what needs to be done ASAP!
Treat as a person's household budget, prioritize savings, payments, etc. And starting with getting rid of "citizens united" and instituting campaign finance reform are the way to stabilize that end of our government.
Not that I'm vindictive or anything, I'd like to see any Congress person that made money from lobbyists and insider trading be forced to return those funds to their constituents/state for free school lunches and other local needs for families and children. (I can DREAM can't I?)
I figured you were speaking from experience. So glad you're on the mend and hoping you'll remain cancer-free.
I've OFTEN thought of cancer as the perfect analogy for our country's deterioration. When removing a tumor, the surgeon often leaves a margin, taking a bit of non-cancerous tissue to make sure there's only healthy tissue remaining.
Politically, I guess that means removing Congress people who have done some good, but have also garnered illicit wealth from lobbyists, stock market activity, etc. They'd have to be voted out, of course.
One of the most important things this document leaves out is that no person holding public office should have neither the right to due process nor the right of freedom of association. People holding public office should be constantly under public investigation and their records should be transparent, in order to prevent the systemic corruption that's always been present. If they are indicted for a crime by their constituencies then their defense should BEGIN with resignation of their office. If we can't trust the people holding public office (and we certainly can't at the moment) then they shouldn't be in that office.
If they believe those rights are more important than public service, then they shouldn't BE in public service. If they can't do their job while living under a microscope, they shouldn't be doing their job.
The reversal you want is not possible until we gain the power to reverse it. It's the whole aim of the 10 point plan which requires everyone to drop their personal reasons and come together to vote in the government that will deal with income inequality because we've learned time and time again "it's the economy stupid". When the economy works for everyone you see the biggest changes.
Take the 60's for example. Democrats held veto proof power and pushed through the Civil/Voting Rights Acts and even the GOP even agreed in creating the EPA.
Step 1: Come together
Step 2; Stick with Step 1 until we win the right number of legislative seats at the state and federal levels.
As I pointed out already, the plan itself does not deal (at least in any satisfactory way) with reversal of income inequality. Thus, my point about dual goals.
It goes without saying that one can do little (except grassroots-level changes) until one gains power. It also goes without saying that it is increasingly difficult to gain power without the massive amounts of money that the 1% have and hoard. How are we going to get the money? You think ordinary Americans, living (at best) paycheck to paycheck, can fund the movement??
I argue all 10 of his points address the problem of regaining the power to affect the changes you want. You’re jumping to dessert and haven’t addressed the main course. The people have the power. Corbin is working to make that power a viable source for change. Sorry we don’t agree but that’s no reason not to work together for a common goal to achieve power through the hard work and accepting that we have to learn to work with those we don’t agree with 100% but want the same goal of a free democratic system that can level the playing field to lift up those at the bottom.
You keep putting words in my mouth, and I keep hoping it's because you don't understand. HOW ARE WE GOING TO FUND A GRASS-ROOTS MOVEMENT WHEN INCOME INEQUALITY WILL LIMIT WHAT PEOPLE CAN GIVE? People power still takes money---and lots of it. That doesn't mean we solve inequality before gaining power. It means we face income inequality on our way TO power.
It takes sweat. Raising revenue is a goal all movements have to work out for themselves.
So you tell me where is the money that can’t be used to fight for income equality? Money is everywhere, you have to find it. Or do you expect someone to just fork it over?
You talk like this is hopeless or impossible.
We’re never going to outspend the oligarchs and we don’t have to. We only need to get the right information to the right people.
Pessimism never solved anything that I know of.
This is the last I have to say. I’ve bigger fish to fry.
Thanks and good luck.
Once again, I'm not pessimistic, and you keep attributing ideas to me that I don't have. Please stop that.
This is a manifesto not a treatise. It needs to be short and it could be shorter in my opinion.
It’s a good start, but our biggest problem is our “two party system”. If our Republic can survive, we really need to promote an Independent Party that is not beholden to corporations and lobbyists.
I also love ranked choice voting,but it will never happen.
Maybe a Progressive Democratic Party would do the trick? But I take your point. We used to joke that the reason the American Eagle can't fly is that it has 2 right wings.
Oh, so true!
Perhaps once we include an accurate history of how this mess evolved, through education, people MIGHT see ranked choice as a good way of selecting the proper candidate for the job.
I dunno. Why do we need to select a 2nd and 3rd pick for one job? I'd rather vote for the person who best reflects my interests and be done with it. Rank Choice Voting is a confusing mess and I don't believe that the average voter is really parsing candidates at that level. I can't imagine ever thinking "Oh that person would be my 3rd choice for President"...
Rank Choice Voting could be started at the Educational Level and used to teach critical thinking skills as well as reasoning. Start with something like fruits and vegetables (which values/likes/dislikes may change with a person's personal experiences and growth.
The idea is to lay the foundation FOR Rank-Choice-Voting (decision making in ALL aspects of life) so it's a natural think for a person to do.
For instance, in choosing something to wear for a day, you may look and see what the weather's going to be or what you'll be doing.
RESEARCH: Scientific or Historical data (The weather channel).
Check to see what items of clothing you have to address (sorry
'bout the pun) the forecast for the day.
OPTIONS: Are you going to layer clothing to account for the day's weather
forecast or do you dress specifically for one type of weather or
activity. (or any other options that apply to the weather and/or
activity for the day
DECISION: What you may decide is to select one specific item for the day's
weather and activity. OR you may decide to balance the
decision and chose an item that would has multiple uses.
This is a sample of the formula to make an informed choice and rank the candidates (or making any OTHER choice/decision)
Based on "researching" and reasoning you can make a pretty good decision on what you'll need to wear (or what will "fit") for the day and its activities.
2. Make your decision based on your accurate knowledge and research.
I would rather see a parliamentary system. It seems to me that in areas that are heavily influenced by one party, ranked choice completely leaves the other one out.
I too believe rank choice voting would be a better option.
I believe in the idea of a Progressive Party, that can modify platforms as needed with an eye to current needs and future possibilities - endow the ability to change/update constitution as necessary.
I stand behind this plan. And I strongly believe campaign finance reform is the root solution for every other issue you've outlined. I've been with Ben & Jerry's Stamp Money Out of Politics campaign for years.
Are they having any effect?
I honestly don't know, but I enjoy stamping all my cash to raise awareness.
😀😀
Yes
Yes I would sign this and I will share. We must also address the corruption in the Supreme Court. The six aren't even trying to hide their utter loyalty to Donald Trump. The extreme use of the Shadow Docket proves that.
All dysfunction starts with campaign finance and corruption which is reaching epic proportions. Start there and a lot if these points will begin to fall into place as elected officials once again become accountable to the electorate.
Unfortunately, this approach is nothing but putting patches on a totally worn out coat. In my opinion, the core of the problem is the ownership of means for production and capital. For as long as it is in the hands of the very few no solution will change the path we're on, which is reaching the point where the whole country will be owned by one man. No matter what is the law or rules those will be bent just like it was the case throughout history to favor individuals that have the most. Sofistication of that bending will change to hide intentions but it will never be eliminated if ownership of means of production and capital are in the hands of the very few. Transferring the ownership of means of production and capital from employers to employees is the only viable solution that will secure continuation of civilized life on this planet. And it can be done providing we accept the inevitability of that solution. Employees can buy out employers and run the company enjoying benefits of the ownership by using parts of the company's value they own and carry it from job to job as they change companies they work with, that is, own. For more details read my book MORNING AFTER.
A very good start to build on. Also consider: 1) Add term limits and/or a mandatory retirement age for EVERY governmental employee - no more “lifetime” appointments for ANYONE, especially judges on any court. 2) Set time limits on when individual candidates can start fund raising and campaigning for their next term (so tired of fund raising and pre-campaign work for reelection starting the day they are sworn into the office they are elected to!). 3) Require all broadcast stations, both radio and TV, to provide a set, and EQUAL, number of hours of air time, at no cost, to every candidate at every level of government. (Give the broadcasters tax breaks of some sort to compensate for this.). 4) Set limits on the amount of money that can be spent on any campaign. 5) Require some sort of licensing for podcasters - especially those who are primarily politically motivated - in order to attempt to control foreign interference.
I’m sure others can come up with more suggestions. Yes,this is getting down closer to the ground - but if things are kept too broad, there are those who will find too many loopholes!
Thank you for what you do Corbin!
Love the campaign time limits. In the UK they only have a few weeks and it works out so much better!
Also to consider: laws of political responsibility, so politicians who fail to fulfill campaign promises can be removed from office
I think, instead of a set of new and detailed rules gto modify our current political campaigns, we ought just to say all campaigns will be publically financed. Period! No more "money is protected speech!" No more "corporations are people!" No more opportunity for private money to corrupt the political system! Also limit the time for campaigns to a few months. And end gerrymandering. I think these are gthe sorts of things that need to be done, rather than trying to reform our present (and very much corrupted) system.
yes and let's remember that we do not have to reinvent the wheel herr. There are nations that have figured much of this out. I am looking at the Nordic countries . The basis of their economy is grounded in the paradigm of fairness to all. Period. Their worth or right to eat and work is not questioned. The value of each is not challenged but assumed. And the social agenda reflects this. Our value expressed as "pull yourself up by the bootsteps" and "each man for himself" (gender is intentional) is incredibly destructive and is at loggerheads with some of these ideas.
I wholeheartedly agree Beverly! The basis for limiting the time for campaigns comes from my time living in Australia; and I am aware of many Nordic countries with very fair and humane policies that should be explored extensively to use in our country!
Yes. It's a start in the right direction.
Agree with most everything, except this:
“Protect Free Elections: Pass federal voting rights legislation to end partisan gerrymandering, stop the flood of dark money into our politics, and ensure every American’s voice is heard.”
Sorry for returning to this, but there is no solution gained by passing legislation that SCOTUS will turn around and rule unconstitutional based on prior monied interest precedent(s).
One more time; pass a constitutional amendment which will overrule the aforementioned precedents, and prevent further adverse rulings by eliminating the twin concepts of corporate personhood and money as speech.
HJR-54. Contact your Congressional representatives. MoveToAmend.org
Yes SCOTUS reform is key. Expand the court, impose ethics requirements, and add term limits. Whatever is done, the Roberts Court’s behavior is a five-alarm fire and needs to be highlighted and addressed.
End Citizens United. Restore the Voting Rights Act. End presidential immunity.
I think we probably need a new constitution, but what we can’t do is let the MAGA cult get their hands on it. A dilemma.
The MAGA cult is no more monolithic than the Democratic liberal cult or the centrist cult. Sure, the racists and capitalist elites who lick Trump’s ass as a means to a fascist end are locked in, but I’m of the belief that many in the MAGA tent will exit if provided an actual policy off ramp that they can sense will provide some actual economic relief.
I’m not talking about a constitutional convention here; that would, as we both fear, be susceptible to Heritage Foundation influence and yet more liberal cowardice, and probably end badly.
A specific amendment, in this case HJR-54, would be easy to both defend and pursue, and provide a means to shift the tribal narrative from ‘owning the libs (or MAGA)’ to owning the monied interest elites who are screwing all of us.
I agree - only one nagging issue for me and that is no mention of our Climate and the challenges we face. I feel certain that the majority are concerned about this as we try to move forward. I am so appreciative of your efforts. Please keep on.
I agree with this entire covenant, though I think it doesn't go far enough. But I think FDR-style social programs are crucial.
ALSO, I would like to see Congress required to use Social Security for their retirement plan, and Medicare for their healthcare program. They have voted themselves gold-plated retirement and medical that put them above and outside of the needs of the American people, and they should be required to join with us in a shared interest in those crucial programs.
Maybe then we'd get vision, hearing, and dental added to Medicare.
Also fix the USPS, and make it possible to bank at your local post office like other countries do.
I'm on board! Lots of detailed questions about specific legislation and structural reforms we could promote, but I think your plan presents an excellent overview for organizing and moving forward!
Question: how do we accelerate the plan from an interesting and enticing essay to a broad movement?
The need is huge, and the time is NOW!
Give it a catchy name, for a start. Not that I have any suggestions.
All great ideas, however, none of this will come to pass unless the people who did this to our country receive swift and unequivocal justice. Justice and accountability must come before other reforms are possible.
But can we also have the discussion of whether any human being can be a trillionaire or billionaire and still be considered a part of the human family? Isn't that an obscenity to the rest of us on the planet?
Absolutely! Especially the ones who had a hand in this. The Elon Musks, Murdochs etc.
Here is my proposal.
https://open.substack.com/pub/douglascarlton/p/they-must-be-held-to-account-we-arent?r=1tl5sg&utm_medium=ios
Look at all the other countries that manage to prosecute corrupt leaders. They put this so-called democracy to shame.