You could survey 20 people, ask them what the most important issue in the U.S. and get 20 different answers. There are plenty. Healthcare, education, air pollution, women’s rights to their bodies, water scarcity, wildfires, racism, immigration courts, and labor, just to name a few. They are all important and deserve a lot of attention. But, with a level playing field, overseen by true democracy and a nudge towards better understanding our fellow citizens, we could put this nation on a hopeful path towards peace, prosperity, and an eye toward the future.
STEP 1: Level the political playing field
As our current federal laws allow, donations to political action committees (PACs) are not regulated by a non-partisan organization. An oversight committee does not audit them. They are protected as free speech through unenumerated rights in a Supreme Court decision from 2010 titled FEC v. Citizens United. Campaign spending has increased significantly across both major political parties, quite possibly as a result of the current system rather than the preference of each individual voter. Our system is set up to allow it and, in a way, encourage such spending. Meanwhile, the gap between our nation’s poorest citizens and her wealthiest is getting larger. This potentially allows individuals with more financial resources to exert a greater influence on politics, which raises questions about democratic representation. This system only makes our nation more useful to those with more “rights.” My solution is for Congress to pass a 28th amendment. Currently, in the 118th Congress (2023-2025), the bill is House Joint Resolution 54 and has 55 cosponsors. In the last Congress, this legislation achieved 94 cosponsors. A constitutional amendment could be a solution to limit large financial contributions to the political system and rebalance political power toward average citizens. Which, according to research is what most Americans want. You might think that could mean having a system that everyone can access is an important step, and you would be correct. Which takes me to the second step in this plan.
STEP 2: Open primary elections in all states
When we pay taxes, we expect the government to create an equitable system to serve everyone who pays into it. We pay for the costs involved in running elections. But if you are reading this op-ed from Michael’s newsletter, there is an excellent chance that you are an independent thinker. And perhaps you vote that way, as well. Depending on what state you live in, you may be unable to vote in your primary election (that you help pay for). Check here to see what states have open, closed, or partially open primary elections. In a certain sense, that is taxation without representation. During times of the American Revolution, there were multiple protests in regard to unfair taxation. The most famous was the Boston Tea Party in 1773. When you consider the splitting of parties on the left and right sides of the political spectrum, primary elections have become a little more important than they were in recent years. Every citizen that can vote should be able to in every election. It shouldn’t matter if it’s a general, special, run-off, or primary election.
You might think that people will still dig their heels in, remain in their echo chamber, and never change their minds. And you might have a point. But, this third step attempts to legislate the political gap in the U.S.
STEP 3: A civil service draft requirement
We have had military conscription in our country for six different things. Starting with the Revolutionary War to the most recent time, the Vietnam War. And to this day, The Selective Service Act is still active legislation. It requires all 18-year-old men who haven’t reached age 36 to register with the Selective Service. We could expand this framework to include all U.S. citizens and expand the type of service they can perform. It could consist of such things as our park systems, hospitals, food distribution, police, ambulance, fire, rescue, blood, and organ donations, etc. The service is needed. We need to come together. And I’m not sure it will happen naturally. With the digital age bearing down upon us, the ability to remain in your bubble is becoming easier and easier. This makes a divide-and-conquer situation quite possible. In fact, it is already happening. And our government (Us) needs to lead the way towards becoming united again.
If this system is set up correctly, we could rebuild this country to become stronger while strengthening our relationships with each other. It will have lasting, multi-generational, multi-cultural benefits in political, social, and psychological ways. Once people serve their country, they defend their serving brothers and sisters. So let’s get this country back to the prominent place it rightfully deserves to be.
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Dane Winkler
Dane Winkler is an IT professional who lives at home with his wife, two children, and three pets. He spends his time working from home for an American manufacturing company, playing hockey, hiking, camping, and being obsessed with gardening, animals, coffee, beer, and rock music. He can be reached via https://linktr.ee/danewinkler
