1. Long Term vs. Short Term Perspective Politically

This week I was on the radio in Ottawa, Ontario (Live 88.5 Start-Up Morning News with Katfish and Kornicky. www.livelifelive.fm ). By chance, the day before I was on the air I saw an article announcing elections will take place in Canada October 14.

Well, gee whiz, Larry, so what? Ain’t you heard we got our own election going on? How come you’re not writing about Sarah Palin, or any of the stuff people are in frenzy about?

There are two reasons I’m not writing today about our election’s daily feeding frenzy topic. First, I practice what I preach. I am focused on principles and outcomes, not issues and personalities. I don’t get blown around by the prevailing winds of what the issue of the day is. I know where I’m going every day and I don’t get distracted.

Second, talking about Canadian politics with Canadians reminds me of one reason why there is such a feeding frenzy in this country. That reason is pent up demand. About 70% of this country wanted rid of George W. Bush by the start of 2006. The 70% might argue about who should replace him, but they nevertheless wanted rid of him. In other words, 70% of this country has been waiting for well over two years to fire George W. Bush.

If we had the Canadian Parliamentary form of government, we would not have had to wait. Parliamentary forms of government have a thing called a crisis of confidence vote. The ruling party rules by forming a coalition with other smaller parties. So long as the ruling party is performing reasonably well and doesn’t step on the toes of the desires of the smaller parties, everyone is happy. If the ruling party gets too far out of line, however, those smaller parties can shift their loyalty to the opposition parties. A crisis of confidence vote is held in the Parliament. If the ruling party fails to maintain a majority, then an election is scheduled within a very short period of time (60-90 days). Voters can then either affirm what the ruling party is doing by returning it to power with a stronger percentage of representatives or slap it down by voting for their opponents.

Just for fun, imagine what it would be like if the US Congress had been able to have a crises of confidence vote in January of 2007. We would likely have had a Presidential election in April of 2007. Would the Republicans have nominated George W. Bush to run to complete his term? Would they have nominated someone else? Who would Democrats have nominated given the short time span to the general election? If we were to adopt such a system, would we be able to retain our Primary system, or would we have to adopt some other form of nominating process?

The point is, we would not be experiencing the pent up desire to see a change we have now. Of course, if the members of Congress took more seriously their duties as the co-equal branch and put first their responsibility to support and defend the Constitution, rather than supporting and defending their political party, then that could make a difference, too.

Regardless of which system is in play, I remain committed to the concept of Instant Runoff Voting as the key to overcoming polarization in our politics.

Know this fact. If you were dissatisfied with your choices in 2000, 2004 and now in 2008, then you are going to continue to be dissatisfied in 2012 and beyond. Why? Because the same system will continue to give you the same results election cycle after cycle. You will not get a better choice until you demand and get a better system.

To get a better system, you need to start having conversations with your friends and relatives about what needs to change about the system and how to change it. Persuade them the thought that what we have is all there is and the best that is possible is simply wrong. Change the system and you will get both better choices and better results.

Next time I will talk about Independent voters voting for Third Party Congressional candidates.

Regards,

Larry

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2. Short Term Items of Note

As I say above, I am in the long term committed to seeing America make some needed changes to its political system. In the short term, we have an election less than 55 days away as I write this. For voters trying to make a decision, my book could definitely help sort out the issues and the candidates. Given the short time horizon, some people need something even shorter and sweeter. Accordingly, I am trying to help by writing a White Paper called Ten Tips for Independent Nonpartisan Voters. I’ll be posting an excerpt from it shortly and will have it available on my web site shortly after.

I will be traveling next week to attend the Third Infantry Division’s Reunion in Columbus, GA. That is the city adjacent to Fort Benning, often referred to as Benning’s School for Boys. I’m interested in being able to meet some old comrades and talk to current veterans of the conflict in Iraq.

I will stop on the way Thursday, Sept 18, I to be in the studio as a guest of Harry Douglas’ Car Concerns show in Knoxville, TN, at 9:00 EDT. See more at www.CarConcerns.com. Harry is mobilizing American motorists for this election.

There’s also a chance I may be on the radio in Nashville September 16th. Watch my blog for details as they become available.

Because of my travels, there will not be an Ezine next week and my entries in my Blog may be a bit erratic. I apologize in advance and hope you’ll bear with me.

Other coming events include being on the radio in Connecticut October 4 and giving a talk at the Des Moines, IA Library October 29th.