K
knowltok
Guest
My first thread. I'm looking for a good discussion here. I know that this will be a contraversial topic (I hope) but I want to see what people's reactions are. While my experience with voting is limited to the U.S., I'd like to here from those from around the world too. One last point: this is more of an idea to get rational discussion started that a hard and fast belief, so when you disagree, keep it rational and thought out, even if you are pissed off.
In my experiences I am becoming increasing disenchanted with the concept of one vote for each person. The basis of my thought is that voting is a way of counting the opinions of the populace and finding out what they want. Under the current system all opinions are treated equally. My thought is that some people's opinions should be worth more than others. This is not on any racial, ethnic, gender, or sexual preference basis. I am thinking more of education, service, and contribution to the community.
Here are some of the points of my proposed system: (Keep in mind that this is theoretical, and that practical application of a point may be 'unrealistic'.)
1. Every citizen of 18 years of age gets one vote.
2. Every citizen that has graduated high school gets another vote.
3. Additional votes for a Bachelor's, Master's, and PHD. Only one per level reached.
4. One Vote for Government service. Military, or Government Service Corps (Not yet created. An Org. that works on public projects for the betterment of the nation. Kinda a large volunteer organization that people would commit to for at least 4 years. Basically a substitute for military service for those that don't want it, or if there is more volunteers than military spots).
5. Zero votes for Felons (This currently exists)
6. Temporary suspension of votes for multiple misdemeanors.
7. Minus one vote for special government assistance. (Welfare)
The intention of the system is to promote more social responsibility and higher levels of education. I know that under current conditions this system would favor certain groups over others, but then intention is not to put or keep those groups in power, but to reward productive behavior.
I guess my basic problem comes from the fact that a college educated veteran (I'm not a vet by the way) who works, pays taxes, and obeys the law should have more of a voice in government than an 18 year old high-school dropout on welfare with a couple of misdemeanor drug charges.
Perhaps I have on rose colored glasses, but I don't think that the college educated people not on welfare will use their new power to trample on the rights of the poor and uneducated. Education and opportunity are out there for those that want them.
I know these thoughts will draw a storm, but if you want to point out how this system is unfair, answer whether or not you agree with my problems with the current system.
A note: Some of my ideas are borrowed from Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein.
In my experiences I am becoming increasing disenchanted with the concept of one vote for each person. The basis of my thought is that voting is a way of counting the opinions of the populace and finding out what they want. Under the current system all opinions are treated equally. My thought is that some people's opinions should be worth more than others. This is not on any racial, ethnic, gender, or sexual preference basis. I am thinking more of education, service, and contribution to the community.
Here are some of the points of my proposed system: (Keep in mind that this is theoretical, and that practical application of a point may be 'unrealistic'.)
1. Every citizen of 18 years of age gets one vote.
2. Every citizen that has graduated high school gets another vote.
3. Additional votes for a Bachelor's, Master's, and PHD. Only one per level reached.
4. One Vote for Government service. Military, or Government Service Corps (Not yet created. An Org. that works on public projects for the betterment of the nation. Kinda a large volunteer organization that people would commit to for at least 4 years. Basically a substitute for military service for those that don't want it, or if there is more volunteers than military spots).
5. Zero votes for Felons (This currently exists)
6. Temporary suspension of votes for multiple misdemeanors.
7. Minus one vote for special government assistance. (Welfare)
The intention of the system is to promote more social responsibility and higher levels of education. I know that under current conditions this system would favor certain groups over others, but then intention is not to put or keep those groups in power, but to reward productive behavior.
I guess my basic problem comes from the fact that a college educated veteran (I'm not a vet by the way) who works, pays taxes, and obeys the law should have more of a voice in government than an 18 year old high-school dropout on welfare with a couple of misdemeanor drug charges.
Perhaps I have on rose colored glasses, but I don't think that the college educated people not on welfare will use their new power to trample on the rights of the poor and uneducated. Education and opportunity are out there for those that want them.
I know these thoughts will draw a storm, but if you want to point out how this system is unfair, answer whether or not you agree with my problems with the current system.
A note: Some of my ideas are borrowed from Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein.