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.
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").
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
By the way, you'd better have a solid plan for avoiding or defeating the "centrist" Dems (read: bought by and beholden to corporations and the wealthy), or they WILL defeat anything we do.
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. I am sharing this with a friend who is running to represent Kentucky's 6th District in Congress, and with a candidate for Kentucky's General Assembly whose fund-raiser I am attending tonight. The commenters below correctly point out that there are many other discrete problems that need to be addressed, but we have to start with big themes that capture the voters' attention, and I think this does.
100% yes! It's a great foundation! I'm in. Let's get to work for 2026. Is there a working list of candidates we should be talking to? Or of Dems it is a priority to primary?
I think it's brilliant, Corbin. I still would like to see something about a right to a livable environment/climate in it, but I could definitely sign on to this version if there's a good reason not to include that. Thank you for your hard work!!!
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.
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, the common good.
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.
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.
Good point, Peter.
We can't implement any solutions to income inequality if we're completely shut out of power, as we are now.
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.
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.
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.
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?)
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 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
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.
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.
Yes. It's a start in the right direction.
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.
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.
By the way, you'd better have a solid plan for avoiding or defeating the "centrist" Dems (read: bought by and beholden to corporations and the wealthy), or they WILL defeat anything we do.
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!
Also to consider: laws of political responsibility, so politicians who fail to fulfill campaign promises can be removed from office
Love the campaign time limits. In the UK they only have a few weeks and it works out so much better!
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. I am sharing this with a friend who is running to represent Kentucky's 6th District in Congress, and with a candidate for Kentucky's General Assembly whose fund-raiser I am attending tonight. The commenters below correctly point out that there are many other discrete problems that need to be addressed, but we have to start with big themes that capture the voters' attention, and I think this does.
I could stand behind this approach. Our government needs major course corrections.
100% yes! It's a great foundation! I'm in. Let's get to work for 2026. Is there a working list of candidates we should be talking to? Or of Dems it is a priority to primary?
I think it's brilliant, Corbin. I still would like to see something about a right to a livable environment/climate in it, but I could definitely sign on to this version if there's a good reason not to include that. Thank you for your hard work!!!