Forum Post: Our One Demand
Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 15, 2011, 2:34 p.m. EST by Gylliwyn
(22)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
We should present to the nation a contract, simply called THE PEOPLE'S CONTRACT. Put it into law and show it to the public. Then ask anyone willing to run for office on that contract to step up, sign it and they will have the backing of the masses.
THE PEOPLE'S CONTRACT will contain a list of REPEALS the people DEMAND:
1.The Reagan income tax cut of 1981 that benefitted the rich, but made it necessary to sharply raise all other federal taxes, paid mostly by the poor and the middle class, to finance that tax cut.
2.Unenforced antitrust laws, leading to mergers among large and profitable firms, but killing high-paying jobs in numerous industries.
3.Permitting the oil industry mergers in the 1990s that are now preventing oil prices from falling in the worst slump since the 1930s.
4.Permitting relentless mergers among pharmaceuticals and health insurance companies, so that America, far more than any other nation, now spends almost 15 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health care that is mediocre by European and Japanese standards.
5.Unchecked use of outsourcing that kills high-paying jobs in manufacturing and services.
6.Ignoring the growth of the trade deficit that has destroyed our manufacturing base.
7.The 1999 repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act under President Clinton that led to reckless lending by bands and an unprecedented housing bubble, which collapsed in 2007 to trigger the ongoing slump.
8.The Bush tax cuts and bailouts that further benefitted the rich while nearly doubling the government debt.
9.The decimation of the real minimum wage by President Reagan and other Republicans. (In 1981, the hourly minimum wage bought $8 worth of goods compared to $6 by the end of Reagan's presidency in 1988, and to a mere $5.15 in 2006 under Bush.)
In addition to these repeals, a clause in this contract will be included regarding the absence of money to influence anything within the government's system.
This legal contract will become law immediately upon election of this candidate!
This is what we protest for and have made our cause, OWS:
THE PEOPLE'S CONTRACT
This is our demand:
THE PEOPLE'S CONTRACT
A couple of constructive suggestions for an excellent and well-informed list.
First, in my role as frustrated editor, I'll say that staring off with the "Reagan income tax cut of 1981" gives a first impression that the list is rather dated. I fully agree with your points about restoring the progressivity of the federal income tax (which you address in 1 and 8) but the tax code has been changed so many times since 1981 (including during the Reagan administration, most notably by the Tax Reform Act of 1986) that that specific reference is unnecessary and perhaps counterproductive.
To me, one of the most unconscionable things about our tax code is that capital gains are taxed at a maximum of 15%, while "earned income" (as the IRS itself calls it) can be taxed at over twice that rate! There is no justification for this. Numerous studies have shown that it does not encourage investment. It's also a myth that it helps average people save for retirement, since retirement accounts are tax deferred anyway, and 99% of the retirees needn't worry about paying high bracket rates.
Second, I might suggest an item about enforcing federal law. Search on the name "William K. Black" for authoritative information on this. He was with the OCC (one our many bank regulating offices) during the S&L crisis and helped obtained over 1000 criminal convictions against S&L executives for control fraud. He's aghast that no one has been prosecuted for this during the current crisis, which makes the S&L crisis look like peanuts. Again, I remind you that we're not even talking about new laws, or laws that were repealed, but about existing statutes, backed by case law, that neither the Bush nor Obama administrations have bothered to enforce.
Here's my dream:
Today Congress we are here to start the wheels of governing turning in a different direction. It’s pretty obvious to me and the American people that our voice has been lost in the rambling of lobbyist's hard cash throughout the Halls of Justice.
So we are here to take back our government and restore its fundamental principals to the American people. That this government is for the people, and by the people, and not by the rich anymore.
Here’s how we plan on accomplishing this. First, ladies and gentlemen of the US Congress, we are setting up a nationwide interactive website devoted to understanding (if possible) why you vote on a particular issue, and if that vote benefits the American people the most, or one of your campaign contributors? After every vote in Congress, the American people can now see what you are thinking, or not. How? These results will be broadcasted nightly on all of the major networks and on the web.
Secondly, to maintain an even playing filed, we will next enact campaign Position limits on a maximum of $100 for any person or corporation or so forth; so hopefully now we have an even playing field, which now the lawmaker will hopefully pick what’s right for the American people, verse big business!
Next, it gets better, we are introducing a bill that would require all lawmakers to take a lie detector test if they are asked why they voted on a particular bill.
I’m sorry to say Congress that it has come down to this, but when you deal with children, sometimes you are forced to act according.
Thanks you for your time.
The problem that lead to all the above problems is what needs to be addressed first. these are all good points. But fixing parts out of a broken machine still leaves you with a machine that produces broken parts.
What needs to be done first:
1) Get money out of politics.
2) Make the politicians represent the people again.
3) Create a way for the people to keep a tab on politicians and on what is really going on in govt.
My suggestions for this( cause someone always ask): http://occupier777.angelfire.com/
Demand #:2,4,5
In regard to your needs: 1) Get money out of politics. That's in there: In addition to these repeals, a clause in this contract will be included regarding the absence of money to influence anything within the government's system. 2) Make the politicians............ That IS the contract 3) Create a way for the people............. That is the voting process
Gylliwyn,
Excellent list, but I must agree with anotherone773 that getting the money out of politics should be emphasized more. Certainly it should be on the numbered list. I'd even suggest putting it first, because without that all the other things won't happen (or at least they won't last). Publicly financed campaigns get a lot of support from real people because they know how that large campaign contributions are bribes.. Despite rulings by a corrupt, agenda driven Supreme Court, publicly financed campaigns are possible.
Let me explain why I emphasize campaign finance reform. People who run for elected office are people who want power. That isn't necessarily a bad thing as power can be used for many purposes. As people who like power they want to stay in office, and the ones who do whatever is necessary under the current system are the ones who'll stay in power. These days that means whoring for money. But given publicly financed campaigns it means doing what the voters want. Some people call that "whoring for votes", but so what. That's exactly how representative government is supposed to work, and what we need in this country.
1) Ok i found that one at the bottom after the numbered entries.
2) No that is fixing problems WITHIN the system not the system. That doesnt make politicians do what you want in the future. Just what you want now. Their is nothing stopping them from going back on all this in 5 or 10 or 20 years.Thus we have to keep putting bandaids on an amputation.
3)No the voting process is simply what allows you to pick a candidate to represent you. It means absolutely zilch to what they actually do when they get elected. The current politicians are prime examples of this. Your govt should be transparent. You as an inherited owner of this country should know everything your country is doing(within reason, obviously). It is your country. All the deals in govt take place behind closed doors and the bills are all ridiculously long. I believe the Obamacare bill was something like 900 pages. The founding fathers made a complete govt on about two pieces of paper. It is completely out of hand. That is why agencies are so expensive. They are filled with a bunch of unnecessary BS that does nothing but waste time and money and reduce effectiveness.
I like your thinking! Unfortunately, I commented on your litany of ideas and inadvertently deleted them when it was almost complete. Eeeek! I will respond later. Gotta dash.............
Love this, I sum part of it up as this:
Here's how we can easily Reform Wall Street: Take away their powers "once again." And a Million People March on The Hill will help a lot!
"We are here Congress because we want to bring REINSTATE the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 http://www.investopedia.com/articles/03/071603.asp#axzz1aPEc3wX which help saved our country from the Great Depression by preventing investment companies, banks, and insurance companies from merging and becoming large brokerage firms; instead of just being Banks and Insurance companies--can't we learn a history lesson here Congress? Btw, why did most of you vote for its repeal in 1999? http://www.counterpunch.org/2008/09/19/shattering-the-glass-steagall-act
Think about where we are now, it all started in 1999 with the subprime loans Senator Phil Gramm was peaching on Senate floor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKQOxr2wBZQ&feature=related
Furthermore, we also want you to CHANGE the Commodities Future Modernization Act of 2000 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodity_Futures_Modernization_Act_of_2000 BACK to where it was before 2000, which since has deregulated energy markets and consequently allowed for such scams as The Enron Loophole; whereas in the early 2000's Enron Corp. was charging 400 bucks plus for a kilowatt hour...They all when to jail for this. But, the Enron loophole is still not closed, for example, allowing speculators to resell barrels of oil over and over again before it reaches the gas station owner. It's basically, legal gambling at our expense. What were those lawmakers thinking then? What are you thinking now? Either do the right think, or you're part of the 1%."
Why are oil prices high? The Enron Loophole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbdtTGYQBMU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNp0y0SjOkY&feature=related
Rolling Stones Reporter: Truth about Goldman Sachs--how they have cornered the markets--basically, The Enron Loophole and the Repeal of Glass-Steagall Act in 1999. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waL5UxScgUw
Let's get focused and bring back Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, they got it right 1933, we don't need to REINVENT the wheel because bringing this Act back will create an even playing field once again....and let's finally Close the Enron Loophole, which allowed Enron to charge what they wanted for energy; they went to jail for this; but no one closed the loophole, why? Re-election Monies from the banks and oil companies! The writing is on the wall.
Excellent points about Glass-Steagall and the CFMA. I fully agree that "we don't need to REINVENT the wheel". We had a much better system for years and it was pulled apart to let finance rip us off.
One historical note: various features of Glass-Steagall were repealed starting in the 1980. In 1999 they just finished the task. The motivation was that Citi and Travelers had merged, in violation of Glass-Steagall. So instead of enforcing the law they repealed it.
how's this sound:
...Btw, why did most of you vote for its final repeal in 1999? http://www.counterpunch.org/2008/09/19/shattering-the-glass-steagall-act
yes, so right, two words, Phil Gramm
thanks. Right on, and I believe Carter took away the first layer. Please stay in touch, we are on the same page...
Here's my lofty dream:
Today Congress we are here to start the wheels of governing turning in a different direction. It’s pretty obvious to me and the American people that our voice has been lost in the rambling of lobbyist's hard cash throughout the Halls of Justice.
So we are here to take back our government and restore its fundamental principals to the American people. That this government is for the people, and by the people, and not by the rich anymore.
Here’s how we plan on accomplishing this. First, ladies and gentlemen of the US Congress, we are setting up a nationwide interactive website devoted to understanding (if possible) why you vote on a particular issue, and if that vote benefits the American people the most, or one of your campaign contributors? After every vote in Congress, the American people can now see what you are thinking, or not. How? These results will be broadcasted nightly on all of the major networks and on the web.
Secondly, to maintain an even playing filed, we will next enact campaign contribution limits on a maximum of $100 for any person or corporation or so forth; so hopefully now we have an even playing field, which now the lawmaker will hopefully pick what’s right for the American people, verse big business!
Next, it gets better, we are introducing a bill that would require all lawmakers to take a lie detector test if they are asked why they voted on a particular bill.
I’m sorry to say Congress that it has come down to this, but when you deal with children, sometimes you are forced to act according.
Thanks you for your time.
Wow thanks for sharing. I appreciate the time you took, and all the effort in your life it took to come to this point. Keep sharing that wonderful mind of yours. The movement needs you. Support the occupation movement and its artists. Cheers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reazEr_AIBk
I am merely a messenger! But, thank you; I care, too!
you'rr like me, let's spread the word on how to get it done right. thanks
Thanks partner! Keep spreading your great words!
My letter to Congress:
This financial reform movement has been a dream of mine since 2008, after hearing the Congressional Hearing on Energy Reform and on how Financial Deregulations hurts the hard working Americans, and turns undeserving brokers/executives into overnight Millionaires!
So I feel (and many others) that only way we can get back on safe financial footing again is to close the Enron Loophole, created for energy/oil speculators, and bring back The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which prevented the current banking and insurance loopholes/scams. After all, it worked great until late 90's, until when Congress threw it out. Since then, like prior to 1933, we are experiencing what our country went though then, total Wall Street Greed with no Penalties, its all legal Gambling now...thanks to the architects of our new system in 1999, President Clinton and Rep Senator Phil Gramm. Think about where we are now, it all started in 1999 with the subprime loans Gramm was preaching on Senate floor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKQOxr2wBZQ&feature=related
And for the Free Trade Movement, bringing back the Glass-Steagall Act will not hurt our financial markets or hinder Free Trade, as the GOP rhetoric claims, instead with this back in PLACE bankers can still make millions a day, but not the trillions as they do now on the accounts of hard working Americans.
Bankers need more regulation, not less. Don't let the Bankers new Game to charge for debit cards as the results of the Dodd/Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act surprise you. Right after it passed, we have the banking lobby on national TV saying that "we" will pay for it, after we bailed them out, What nerve! So this is their response to having it their way since 1999: We have have to find a way to give out Executives their way out of line bonuses: Bingo, charge for debit cards! This is the banks throwing their influence over our Elected officials, that are suppose to work for us, after all we voted for them to do the right thing, which doesn't include the banking lobbyist agenda....
Let's get focused and bring back Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, they got it right 1933, we don't need to reinvent the wheel because bringing this Act back will create an even playing field once again....and let's finally Close the Enron Loophole, which allowed Enron to charge what they wanted for energy; they went to jail for this; but no one closed the loophole, why? Re-election Monies from the banks and oil companies! The writing is on the wall.
Letter don't always work with most of Congress anymore. They're like banging your head against the wall because your letters don't line their pockets! Of course, not for all, but those that still have ethics are in a minority; sad. The system needs some shaking up and OWS is here to provide that en mass!
A March on DC! This letter is to be read before Congress
people action will help a lot!
should be posted here https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&pli=1&formkey=dFlNNHJTRlZwMWs5ZjlhTWN0NlZReHc6MQ#gid=0
or here http://blog.richardkentgates.com