I love the idea of recall elections.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dipstick
Yeah, just what we need -- the entirety of the legislature in perpetual campaign mode. They wouldn't get anything done; everyone would be out either campaigning or fundraising (we're already pretty close to this as it is).
If anything, terms need to be longer, not shorter so legislatures can actually do some sausagemaking without having to worry about every minor decision generating 345,422,435 attack ads. (Then you realize it doesn't matter with regards to that, as your opponents will just make up shit as needed). Granted, this is all a moot point until there's some reform in regards to how campaigns are financed (which is happening roughly never, as it would hurt the exact people who benefit from the status quo).
Longer terms? May not be bad if the door is opened wide to a threat of recall elections. Being in perpetual jeopardy of getting ejected at any time by the voters would likely cause elected officials to respect the people more. But no. Since they're safe, so many turn to the dark side, going all Palpatine on us, and following the trail of dirty cash laid out by The Man. Lamer Smith, for example.
As things are now, we can scrutinize the Dark Siders all we want- but they can continue to sit on a jewel-encrusted throne, gloat, and flip the bird at us from their ivory tower with a tall glass of Dom Perignon in their other hand, knowing they're immune to recall (in 32/50 states I believe). That shit needs fixing.
