Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey, everyone,

I think more than anything what would help us would be a list of politicians that supported these bills and when to vote them out of office.

When does Bill Nelson come up for re-election?
I live in Florida and can't WAIT to vote him out.

Also, we should go after those two republicans that are pushing the new Florida bill banning all ROCs completely. That's the best way to do it I think.

How can we find this out?

Aaron
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www.voodoomagicboas.com

I've received responses from both Senators here in Michigan. Carl Levin is a co-sponsor to the Senate bill. Debbie Stabenow did not commit either way, saying only that she would "take my views into account". I responded to both by saying that they would no longer have my support, should they support this legislation. Neither has responded back.

Brian.

saova.org/

Bill Nelson is up for re-election in 2012. He only got voted in because Bill McCollum sat on his hands in the initial election between him and Nelson to replace Connie Mack who was an incumbent republican. If Mccullom had actually campaigned instead of sitting on his duff and thinking he would waltz in and take Connie Mack's seat being that he was a republican (rino if you ask me) we would not have this pinhead Nelson for a Senator right now. I mention this so that other Fl. voters remember this since McCollum is running for Governor here this year. Lee Conatantine is the Senator behind the state bill behind banning roc's his district is the northern half of Orlando I believe. He does not represent me. He is getting a rep among republican voters as a rino so I'm guessing his jig is up one way or another when he comes up for re-election. A LOT of republicans are not happy with the performance of their party here in Fl. as of late. Some of us have moved on to parties like the Libertarians (myself) or the Tea Bag party.

I might take the "Brewster's Millions" approach this November. NONE OF THE ABOVE!!! As far as I'm concerned, EVERY politition in Washington, and in my home State, has failed the American people.

Brian.

"Vote third party if nothing else"

That's more or less what I meant. Not voting is one of the most irresponsible things one can do as an American.

Brian.

Realistically --- push for TERM LIMITS and CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM.

Waited a good while for the opportunity to insert my campaign finance reform idea into the discussion. So here it is:

Campaign finance reform could easily be accomplished by applying a tax to any and all campaign finance contributions.

The revenue generated could be used for "campaign finance equalization". That being, monies applied to other less wealthy campaign coffers.

Or, the revenue could be used for any number of fiscal problems we face such as, Social Security/Medicare/healthcare funding/reform, education improvement, retirement of the debt, infrastructure repair/public work projects to stimulate the economy, military expenditures, etc. What ever WE decide.

Let's say the tax rate was 50%. That would be backed out of the total contribution. Example: $1,000 campaign contribution would yield $500 for the candidate and $500 to the Govment.

The program would be overseen and run by the IRS. Campaign contributions would be sent directly to the IRS. The IRS would then divide the sum as appropriate and disburse accordingly. Authorized individuals/groups/identities would qualify, register, and be under the purview of the IRS with the Tax Code.

Mandatory reporting would be in real time on the Internet. We would then know who our Politicians' masters were. We would clearly see with whom they were bought and paid for.

Penalties and enforcement would be within the jusisdiction of the IRS and the Tax Code.

Contibutions would be considered a "gift". They would not be allowed as an "expense", business or otherwise.

But wait you say, this would be a violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution...a violation of Freedom of Speech. I say no, it would not be, as it would be equally applied throughout the nation. No groups would be discriminated against. The tax would be applied to voluntary discretionary "Gifts", as it were. The rule should stand any Constitutional challenge, just like so many other laws have, this court being the exception, of course.

That's pretty much it. Applied equally, revenue generating, real time exposure on Internet, IRS managed/Tax Code enforced. Simple, straight forward, and... what's that wonderful new buzz- word they love to throw around so much?...ah, yes...not opaque, not translucent...it would be...TRANSPARENT! Yeah, that's it.

Too damned simple. Last time they had the big Campaign Finance Reform thing with John McCain I sent this plan off to John and several others, but was ignored. Now we need a new plan (already). Maybe my idea can get some traction. Let's just "keep it simple, stupid".

jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

"Realistically --- push for TERM LIMITS and CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM."

I would like to see CFR go much further. Our system of Government cannot function when working in the legislature is such a "good career move". With politics being so profitable these days, people, for the most part, don't get into politics because they want to serve the people; people now get into politics because of the money and power that comes with the job. While in office, the world is basically their playgroud. Lavish gifts, vacations, comps wherever they go, more time off than I could even dream of, health care for life, and they bring home a hefty salary to boot. Then it gets really good, because when they leave, they can go strait to work for a lobbying firm; where they are paid hansomely, and have just as much, if not more, influence that they had while in office. Is it any wonder that these "perks" are attracting the type of scum that we currently have in Washington? Why should the size of your bank account have any bearing on how much access you have to the lawmaker's ear? Campaign contributions should be outlawed, period. Lobbying should be outlawed, period. When a person chooses to run for office, they should be given a set stipend, and an alloted ammount of advertising time. That way EVERYONE is on a level playing field. Maybe then we will actually elect our representatives based on their qualifications, as opposed to who has the best propaganda machine.

In regards to term limits, be careful what you wish for. I was a huge supporter of term limits when the push was made to enact them on our state legislature, but not any more. Term limits have proven to be an absolute disaster in the State of Michigan. We now have lawmakers that constantly have to learn on the job, and that make the same mistakes over and over. By the time they actually figure out what they're doing, they are forced out. I don't think, however, that we should allow some of the "career politicians" to occupy the same position for 30 years either. 10-15 years would be appropriate.

Brian.

I only bring this up because realistically the threat of campaign finance reform and government reform in general is just one more way to get their attention, kinda like threatening to vote them out, only more long term and more universal in scope.

Term limits -- remove the professional politicians. Put the Peoples' service back into Public Service.

Campaign finance reform -- remove the politicians bought and paid for by special interests.

Line item veto -- No quid pro quo compromises. No special deals for votes. No unrelated riders/last minute insertions that have nothing to do with the bill at hand.

Sunset provisions -- on all if not most legislation with mandatory "yes" vote majority for renewal.

We need to clean up the sausage factory to cut out the pork...the graft, demagoguery, hypocrisy, and corruption.

I don't even want to get into fiscal issues, balancing the budget, tax policy, and all...or monetary policy either, at this point.

We live in a country of laws. That means we live in a litigious society. Unfortunately, that is why law-making is such a good gig to be in. Business is too good.

jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

campaign finance reform (just dealt a crippling blow by the Supreme Court), Term Limits, and in particular a Line Item Veto would work wonders to make our democracy more than just one in name only. But good luck getting any of the above-I first voted in the 1978 elections, and all three were issues back then-and still are no closer to realization.
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

Breeder of:
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