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Suggestions for the Democratic Party’s Foreign Policy Platform
OP ED
by: U.S. Resist News
Diving into the complexities of contemporary foreign policy, our latest op-ed offers insightful suggestions for the Democratic Party’s global stance. With a focus on national security and fostering democratic alliances, it advocates for a nuanced approach to international relations in an interconnected world.
Political Bipartisanship Needs to be Rescued
OP ED
by: U.S. Resist News
Amidst the deepening chasm of political polarization, the call to rescue political bipartisanship echoes urgently. Exploring the causes and proposed solutions, this article navigates the turbulent waters of contemporary American politics with an aim to revive cooperation and restore faith in democratic governance.
The Politics of Passion, Courtesy of The Ink
SPECIAL GUEST OP ED
by: Anand Giridharadas
In an era defined by Big Feelings and societal upheaval, Anand Giridharadas delves into the dichotomy between the politics of passion embraced by the right and the cerebral approach adopted by today’s electoral left. As millions grapple with anxiety, fear, and existential questions, Giridharadas warns against dismissing the power of emotion and passion in political discourse, highlighting its potential to address the deep-seated uncertainties of our time.
America’s Declining Global Leadership Role
OP ED
by U.S. Resist News
As the world transitions into a complex geopolitical era marked by the rise of new powers and diffuse threats, the United States stands at a crossroads of influence and strategy. This Op Ed aims to delve into the nuanced aspects of American foreign policy, reflecting on its historical leadership and envisaging its path forward amidst these evolving challenges.
SUGGESTIONS FOR A BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MIDEAST PEACE PLAN
OP ED
U.S. Resist News
The world needs voices of reason, compromise, and settlement to extricate us out of the quagmire of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The main combatants—Israelis and Hamas— are too invested to sort things out on their own. They need help.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS PART 3: IMMIGRATION
OF ED
U.S. Resist News
US immigration policy is in disarray. The number of immigrants crossing our border…
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS PART 2: HEALTHCARE
OF ED
U.S. Resist News
The US healthcare system is extremely fragmented. Healthcare access varies from state to state and according to income level and racial and ethnic background.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY 2024 PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS PART 1: EDUCATION
OP ED
U.S. Resist News
Democrats should counter Republican curriculum interference and book banning and strike a positive tone about the needs for all children in the United States to have access to a quality education.
U.S. RESIST NEWS PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY
U.S. Resist News Op Ed. | April 2023
U.S. Resist News
Democracy in the United States is under attack. Donald Trump demonstrated that you could be President and yet disregard the political and legal norms and values that made the US a symbol of what it means to be a democratic country.
The Politics of Passion, Courtesy of The Ink
The Politics of Passion
SPECIAL GUEST OP ED | By: Anand Giridharadas (Courtesy of The Ink) | March 06, 2024
Featured Photo taken from: www.zebra.com
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One of the strange dynamics of the Trump era is that, as the right has become, more and more, a movement of passion more than reason, of emotional appeal more than policy solutions, the political left has, as if to be symmetrical, drifted the other way.
Today’s electoral left is highly cerebral. It is suspicious of the politics of passion. It doesn’t do emotional appeals. It doesn’t have much of a role for music, for the body, for in-person communing in public spaces, for catchy slogans, for arresting visuals. The more Trump becomes a carnival barker, the more it seems leaders on the left embrace coming across like the inoffensive heads of state one sees in many European capitals — people who are working very hard not to be interesting, who seem to associate life force in politics with danger. Today’s left seeks to appeal to human beings through a small sliver of all the ways in which human beings take in the world.
If this were an age defined by big policy questions and little else, that would be one thing. But it is an age defined by Big Feelings. By anxiety and fear and future dread and a great confusion among millions of people about who they will be on the far side of head-spinning change. By the emotional crises of men unsettled by a future of gender equality, and of white people unsettled by a future of racial equality, and of young people who know deep down that their parents love them but wonder why they have left them a burning, doomed planet. By the dour vibes of people who know that, on paper, the economy is good, but who cannot shake the feeling that the American dream is a lie. All around us, people are lost, not sure how to make sense of their place in a world of upheaval. In an era such as this, leaving the politics of emotion, of passion, to aspiring autocrats is a dangerous abdication.
Discover more editorials from Anand by visiting and exploring The Ink for a wealth of thought-provoking, passionate political commentary. Stay informed with the latest insights from our dedicated reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist Democracy Weekly Newsletter. Your support is crucial in safeguarding fearless, independent journalism, so please consider donating today to contribute to protecting democracy and empowering citizenship.
America’s Declining Global Leadership Role
America’s Declining Global Leadership Role
OP ED | By: U.S. Resist News | January 17, 2024
Photo taken from: www.lowyinstitute.org
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As the world transitions into a complex geopolitical era marked by the rise of new powers and diffuse threats, the United States stands at a crossroads of influence and strategy. Since the end of World War II, it has wielded considerable influence through its military might, economic prowess, and cultural appeal. However, the emergence of multipolar dynamics, cybersecurity threats, and shifting economic landscapes necessitates a reevaluation of its global strategy. This Op Ed aims to delve into the nuanced aspects of American foreign policy, reflecting on its historical leadership and envisaging its path forward amidst these evolving challenges.
Before we evaluate America’s role in the world, it’s crucial to broaden our definition of leadership. Global leadership in today’s world must extend beyond military might and economic leverage to include strong moral character. This entails championing democratic governance, respecting human rights, ensuring equality of opportunity, and uniformly advocating for essential services like education and health care for all. Such leadership also involves fostering collaborative relationships among nations, adhering to the rule of law, and seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts. We are no longer just a collection of sovereign states, although some might think and pretend we are. We lie in an inter-dependent inter-connected world.
As we look at current global and foreign policy issues, it appears as if tragically the moral character of America’s leadership status in the world has begun to slip, as the following what have we done wrong examples illustrate.
Analysis—What Have We Done Wrong
Failing to do more to address the rise of autocracies: Over the past twenty years the world has witnessed the rise of autocratic governments. China and Russia are perhaps the largest autocratic powers but many other countries are following suit, challenging the moral character of America and other democracies. Quite often these autocracies are built on the strength of charismatic personalities, such as Trump, Bolsonaro or Milei who have little political knowledge and experience but are able to generate a tidal wave of populist support. The United States has been trying to stand up to these autocratic powers, mainly by exercising its military strength and economic might. While this seems to be a bottom line needed approach to deal with issues such as Ukraine and Taiwan, it needs to be coupled with support for democratization in these countries, and the building of democratic alliances as the US has been doing recently with NATO.
Inconsistent human rights policies: Most people, even non-Americans understand that the United States has long positioned itself as a champion of human rights and democracy. Yet, this stance is often juxtaposed against geopolitical realities. For example, in navigating relations with strategic partners like Saudi Arabia, the U.S. faces the challenge of balancing its advocacy for human rights with pragmatic considerations of security and economic interests. Global events, such as the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the recent suppression of democratic movements in Hong Kong, further test the U.S.’s resolve and approach. It is imperative that U.S. policy not only addresses these issues but also reflects a consistent and committed stance on promoting human rights universally.
Turning our backs on immigration: A strong pro-immigration policy used to be one of America’s strengths. We are known as a land of immigrants. But no longer. In recent years the US has seen a movement towards more restrictive immigration policies, marked by tightened regulations and a heated public discourse. This shift represents a larger trend of nationalism and skepticism towards globalization. The tightening of U.S. borders, the controversial debates over DACA and the travel ban, and the overall portrayal of immigrants in political rhetoric have raised questions about the nation’s historical identity as a melting pot. The implications of these policies extend beyond domestic politics, affecting international relations, and the U.S.’s reputation as a land of opportunity and refuge.
Trying to have it both ways on climate change: Global warming, climate change, and the loss of biological diversity are issues that affect the quality of life in all countries. The United States was one of the countries originally responsible for raising global awareness about these issues, and bringing countries together to sign the landmark Paris Agreement. However, under President Trump the US ceded its leadership role in global environmental policy. The Biden Administration has sought to reverse this trend and passed a major piece of legislation aimed at bringing the US in line with the global goal of creating a carbon neutral world by 2050 and restoring biodiversity
However, domestic challenges remain, particularly in balancing environmental policies with economic interests. The debate over energy policy, especially in the context of the shale gas revolution and the Keystone XL pipeline, underscores the complex interplay between economic growth and environmental stewardship; they highlight the challenges the U.S. faces in balancing these two critical aspects.
Failing to address the global challenges of technology: The world currently is facing unprecedented global leadership policy challenges related to seemingly ever-growing use of technology. The role of artificial intelligence, the threat to people’s privacy and security, the use of misinformation and fake news are but a few of the technology issues that all countries are facing. The United States, the European Union and others are making initial attempts to develop regulations to deal with these issues; but ultimately they need to be addressed at a global level. America has an opportunity to provide the leadership that’s needed to bring countries together and develop a set of regulations that can protect privacy, dispel fake news, and guard against the abuses of AI.
The U.S. should develop a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy. This strategy should prioritize public-private partnerships and international collaboration, focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructure and setting even higher global standards for cyber conduct.
The Root Cause: Political Divisiveness and A Failure to Address the Importance of Global Engagement
Internal political divisiveness is a major reason America’s global leadership role is in decline. The ‘America First’ doctrine, characterized by skepticism towards multilateral agreements and an emphasis on national interests, has led to a reevaluation of international commitments. While it is essential for the U.S. to protect its sovereignty and security, excessive America firstness challenges our role as a global leader. Retreating from international accords and institutions not only affects global governance but also raises questions about the future of international cooperation and American leadership in the world. We are living in a highly connected inter-dependent world, and American foreign policy needs to do more to reflect this.
Internal policy factors seem to be propelling a noticeable drift towards authoritarianism and a retreat from cooperative internationalism. Countries that once looked to the U.S. as a model for democracy are now witnessing its internal struggles and questioning its commitment to global democratic ideals. The U.S. must navigate this era of rising autocrats and declining democratic norms by reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and strengthening its alliances. This includes addressing domestic issues of polarization and governance that undermine its international credibility and leadership.
In redefining its role for a complex future, the United States must consolidate its historical influence with a renewed commitment to moral and ethical leadership. This entails not only advocating for human rights and strengthening international institutions, but also proactively addressing the challenges of a multipolar world and the domestic implications of global policies. Recognizing the need for a dynamic and responsive foreign policy, the U.S. should prioritize diplomatic engagement, technological innovation, and a steadfast adherence to global cooperation and responsibility.
By embracing flexibility alongside a firm commitment to its foundational values, the U.S. can navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, fostering stability, and prosperity in an interconnected world. As it stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, the U.S.’s pursuit of a balanced, principled, and forward-looking strategy will be imperative in shaping a more peaceful and sustainable planet.
Engagement Resources
- Council on Foreign Relations (cfr.org): Offers in-depth analysis and resources on U.S. foreign policy and international affairs.
- Brookings Institution (brookings.edu): Provides research and policy recommendations on various aspects of U.S. foreign policy and global economic issues.
- The Aspen Institute (aspeninstitute.org): Engages in policy discussions on various global issues, including U.S. leadership and international relations.
- The Atlantic Council (atlanticcouncil.org): Focuses on international affairs, providing analysis and policy solutions for U.S. engagement in global challenges.
Get the latest updates from our reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist Democracy Weekly Newsletter, and please consider contributing to Keeping Democracy Alive by donating today! We depend on support from readers like you.
SUGGESTIONS FOR A BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MIDEAST PEACE PLAN
SUGGESTIONS FOR A BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MIDEAST PEACE PLAN
OP ED | By: U.S. Resist News | December 18, 2023
Photo taken from: https://www.vox.com
This is the 4th in a series of U.S. RESIST DEMOCRACY NEWS recommendations of platform positions for use by 2024 Democratic Party candidates.
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The world needs voices of reason, compromise, and settlement to extricate us out of the quagmire of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The main combatants—Israelis and Hamas— are too invested to sort things out on their own. They need help.
Hamas’s October 7th terrorist attack may have set off this most recent round of hostilities but the resentments and suspicions between Jews and Palestinians go back millennia as these two semitic tribes have struggled to coexist in this region. To put more blame on one side than the other is a waste of time. However, at this point neither side is willing to accept a position of shared responsibility and are going to need the intervention of a third party to assert this and coordinate the way forward. With the UN being sidelined by dysfunction, and other Arab nations embroiled in their own intra-religious disputes, the US is a likely suspect to step into this leadership gap.
So what should the US do: first it needs to form a coalition of allies interested in the redevelopment of Gaza and a two-state solution. The EU and other European nations would probably be interested; as would neighboring Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco.
Secondly, The Coalition needs to declare Gaza a demilitarized zone where warfare, the use of military weapons and the existence of terrorist organizations is prohibited. The Coalition can recruit, train, and manage a small interim police force to keep the peace.
Third, The Coalition should raise funds and manage an effort to redevelop Gaza. This will include the rebuilding of roads, buildings and infrastructure (including water, fuel, and electricity) and the re-establishment of essential social services such as hospitals and schools. Consideration should be given to providing small reparation grants to families who have lost loved ones as a result of the conflict. Further consideration should be given to provide all Gazans with access to a basic income for a limited period of time.
Fourth, The Coalition should supervise elections in Palestine (West Bank and Gaza together) for candidates and parties that offer proposals for leading a unified, democratic Palestine committed to a Two-State Solution. Terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, or organizations supporting hatred of Jews and Israel, would be prohibited from participating. Israel would be encouraged to support its own similar elections.
Finally, the Coalition would support the organization of a Palestinian state, consisting of the West Bank and Gaza, that would co-exist with the state of Israel. Israel would keep its present territory but the development of any new settlements would be prohibited. Jerusalem would be divided between West (Israeli) and East (Palestinian). The Coalition, perhaps in collaboration with the UN, would supervise the implementation of the 2-State Solution for an initial 10 year period. A special judicial panel would be established to adjudicate any disputes between the 2 countries.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS PART 3: IMMIGRATION
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS PART 3: IMMIGRATION
OP ED | By: U.S. Resist News | October 16, 2023
Photo taken from: npr.org
This is the 3rd in a series of U.S. RESIST DEMOCRACY NEWS recommendations of platform positions for use by 2024 Democratic Party candidates.
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US immigration policy is in disarray. The number of immigrants crossing our border and coming not just to border states but to practically everywhere in the country is growing. The Republicans are sure to try and target immigration as a major issue in the 2024 elections. To head off their assault Democrats must take the lead in advocating for immigration reform legislation; if not comprehensive reform (which may be difficult because there are so many moving parts) at least reform that addresses the missing pieces in the current system.. How should they do it? What should they emphasize? U.S. RESIST NEWS makes the following suggestions.
1. Emphasize the we are a nation of immigrants; that all of us are descendants of people from other countries, many of who whom were fleeing war, political and religious persecution; that immigrants are part of the fabric of American life.
2. Emphasize that and that the United states needs to keep its doors open as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those living in less fortunate circumstances than we are; that we are living in a time of global upheaval where people are being uprooted from their lands because of war, conflict, authoritarian rule, climate change and other factors.
3. Emphasize that our country’s growth and vitality is dependent on the hard-work and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants; that there are many occupational needs going unfulfilled that immigrants have and can provide.
4. Emphasize that immigration has limits; that we cannot accept everyone all the time all at once; that we need to have an orderly fair and just process for admitting people and giving them opportunities to earn their citizenship; and that the process is dependent in large part on how many immigrants we can reasonably support.
5. That immigration cannot be used as a means to house terrorists, criminals, and human rights abusers.
6. That immigration is a combined responsibility of federal state and local governments, with the federal government making most policies, establishing immigration laws, and assisting the states in their efforts to support the economic and social needs of the newly arrived.
7. States that intentionally interfere with the immigration efforts of other states, without their permission, are doing so illegally are in conflict with federal policy, and should be fined.
8. In these times federal immigration aid to states needs to be greatly and rapidly increased.
9. Federal and state governments need to greatly and rapidly increase the numbers of professionals handling immigration affairs, including border patrol officers, judges, social workers, and others. These professionals need to be added in order to shorten the time required to process asylum seekers and immigrant requests, and care and service immigrants to help ensure their smooth transition into American life.
10. Emphasize the distinction between documented and undocumented immigrants, and take steps needed to reduce the numbers of undocumented immigrants.
11. Temporary housing and shelter for immigrants needs to be adequate, humane and meet basic health and safety standards. Children without parents or guardians need to be provided with foster care.
12. Waiting times to seek approval or disapproval for entry need to be kept to a minimum; as does the time before a newly arrived documented immigrant can work and be eligible for government benefits.
13. Dreamers, the children of immigrants, born outside the US but who arrived in the US before the age of 16, need to be granted access to citizenship as soon as possible.
14. Priority for work visas should continue to be granted to immigrants with needed job and technical skills.
15. The United States needs to do more to coordinate its immigration policy with other countries. For example, immigrants should be encouraged to apply for entry to the US in their country of origin, if that country has a US embassy.
16. The US needs to work to strengthen global immigration laws and governance, so that immigration becomes a shared responsibility of all countries.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS PART 2: HEALTHCARE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS: PART 2: HEALTHCARE
OP ED | By: U.S. Resist News | July 11, 2023
Photo taken from: nytimes.com
This is the 2nd in a series of U.S. RESIST NEWS recommendations of platform positions for use by 2024 Democratic Party candidates.
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The US healthcare system is extremely fragmented. Healthcare access varies from state to state and according to income level and racial and ethnic background. We suffer from high rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, kidney and lung disease and stroke. Mental health problems and drug addictions are widespread. Abortion recently has been stripped of its country-wide right by the Supreme Court. With the recent notable exception of insulin, most prescription drug prices are unregulated. Our public health system seems unprepared to deal with new diseases and pandemics.
The misshapen, unequal state of our health system calls out for the Democrats to make universal access to affordable health care (Medicare for All) a central part of their 2024 election platform. At the core of the platform should be a call for healthcare to be embraced as a basic human right, be it through legislative action or a constitutional amendment. And a related call should be made for continued support for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) until Medicare for All becomes a reality.
The call for reproductive rights for women and the Supreme Court Dobbs decision (that reversed the Supreme Court’s decades long support for abortion as a federal right) should be another major component of the Democratic platform.
Dobbs has proven to be a highly unpopular decision among women of all backgrounds. Coming out against Dobbs will help promote the turnout of women voters for Democratic candidates.
Democrats should announce their intention to build on the Biden administration’s success in reducing insulin prices and call for reductions in other widely used but overpriced drugs. They also should turn their attention to stronger regulation of drugs that do us harm, such as opioids.
The Party platform also might consider putting greater emphasis on preventive health care measures to help address the growing incidence of mental health behavioral problems and obesity in our country. Such measures should also call for greater promotion of the use of existing and new vaccines that have proven to be effective in preventing disease, such as the Covid vaccine
And finally the party needs to give serious consideration to labeling gun violence as a public health issue that should be addressed by health professionals as well as law enforcement officials.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY 2024 PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS PART 1: EDUCATION
DEMOCRATIC PARTY 2024 PLATFORM SUGGESTIONS
Op Ed | By: U.S. Resist News | June 2023
Photo taken from: syracuse.com
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PART 1: EDUCATION
This is the first in a series of U.S. RESIST NEWS recommendations of platform positions for use by 2024 Democratic Party candidates.
Democrats should counter Republican curriculum interference and book banning and strike a positive tone about the needs for all children in the United States to have access to a quality education. The Democratic platform should identify the goals such as quality education and the means of achieving those goals.
Goals:
To enable students to access a quality education that prepares them for work, family life, and citizenship in a democratic society. Such an education should include having the ability to read and write, do basic mathematics; learn how to problem-solve and make up your own mind on important issues; understand the scientific method and how science works; understand your roles as a citizen in a democracy and how your government works; master digital literacy skills that enable students to smartly navigate the Internet and social media; have an appreciation for the arts; have the skills and knowledge needed to enter the job market; be physically fit and have balanced nutrition.
Means of Achieving Goals
In order to achieve these goals students should have access the following:
- A universal pre-Kindergarten instructional program
- Quality learning materials and school facilities
- Well paid and well trained teachers
- Classrooms that reflect the diversity of people in their community, including those who are disabled
- Instruction that stimulates discussion and debate and respect for different people, ideas and points of view; that does not promote one religion but supports respect for different religious points of views
- A special instructional program for those who are physically or mentally disabled
There should be an effort to provide all schools in each district with the same facility infrastructure, and level out the distribution of school finances. Alternatives to basing school funding solely on the property tax should be explored.
U.S. RESIST NEWS PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY
U.S. RESIST NEWS PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY
U.S. Resist News Op Ed. | By: U.S. Resist News | April 2023
Header photo taken from: theguardian.com
Democracy in the United States is under attack. Donald Trump demonstrated that you could be President and yet disregard the political and legal norms and values that made the US a symbol of what it means to be a democratic country. He politicized the justice system, showed disregard for the rule of law, and refused to accept the results of a free and fair Presidential election. Trump unleashed a wave of democracy disrespect by his followers that climaxed in the January 6th insurrection attack on our nation’s capital.
And now, although Trump is out of office and faces criminal indictments, the threat to our democracy remains. A significant but so far minority group of our citizens lacks the understanding of democracy’s importance. In the face of this threat there is a concerted effort to reaffirm and strengthen our democratic system by those of us who believe it is still the best from of governance. U.S. RESIST NEWS supports this effort, and believes it should be guided by the following list of principles.
- We live in a culturally diverse, multi-ethnic and racial society where everyone has the same political and legal rights.
- Everyone in our country is subject to the Rule of Law, even movie stars, and porn stars, and billionaires, and Presidents.
- Our system runs on free and fair elections that periodically and routinely take place providing accountability for existing leaders and opportunities for those who want to serve in leadership roles.
- We vote for policies that support our rights and opportunities and for the integrity, intelligence and compassion of those who want to lead us.
- Those who run for political office respect their opponent’s points of view and honor the peaceful transfer of power regardless of whether they win or lose.
- We place a cap on the use of money in politics so as to limit the influence of money on political campaigns and outcomes.
- We value the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government; with each branch having a distinct role that enables them to co-exist and exercise checks and balances with each other
- We respect the roles played by the media and civil society as organizations that help hold our politicians accountable, inform us about the issues, and serve as a voice of advocacy for our citizens
- Our democracy can’t exist and flourish with large income inequalities between members of society.
- We need to have an educated and informed citizenry for a healthy democracy.
This list of democratic principles is most likely incomplete, and we welcome suggestions from our readers and subscriber for additions to this list (Please send suggestions to our Managing Editor: roncisrael@gmail.com.
It is important to never lose sight of the principles of our democracy. They are the basis for the freedoms we enjoy and the debates and conversations needed to draft and support our public policies.
IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONGRESS
IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONGRESS
U.S. Resist News Op Ed. | By: U.S. Resist News | February 15, 2023
Header photo taken from: Reuters
Photo taken from: Francis Chung / Politico
IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONGRESS
The current ineffectiveness of Congress is one of the biggest threats to our democracy. Increasingly Americans are losing faith in the ability of Congress to pass meaningful legislation and respond to their needs. In this Op ED U.S. RESIST NEWS Reporters offer practical suggestions that will enable Congress to act as the legislative body the founders intended it to be.
Establish Term Limits for Senators and Representatives
The absence of term limits encourages Congressmen and women from becoming more focused on staying in power than in serving their constituents or voting their conscience. It helps dampen the opportunities for new voices and perspectives to be heard.
In recent years there has been some movement within Congress to establish term limits but it has not gotten enough support. We encourage the President and leaders of both parties to put this on their agenda, and pass a bill that limits each Senator and representative to two terms. We also recommend reducing the length of a term of a Senator from six to four years.
Infographic taken from: Daily Signal, US Term Limits
Abolish Gerrymandering
Infographic taken from: Priceonomics
Gerrymandering describes the intentional manipulation of district boundaries to discriminate against a group of voters on the basis of their political views or race. In many states the responsibility for determining voting districts rests with the political party in power.
It is very tempting therefore for the party in power at the state level to arrange voting districts in ways that favor them.
One way around this is for states to appoint independent commissions and give them the responsibility for redistricting. This is a practice being followed in several localities right now. It needs to be adapted by all states.
Do Away with the Filibuster
The rules in the U.S. Senate currently allow any senator to filibuster a bill by not letting it come to a vote until 60 of the 100 senators agree to stop debate. With today’s Senate evenly split, this means no votes can occur except on budget and rules questions (on which a simple majority wins).
Although the filibuster is intended to promote compromise, it doesn’t work that way; so when either party doesn’t like a proposal, they simply filibuster it and prevent a vote altogether. We believe the filibuster is outdated and should be eliminated.
Photo taken from: Tracy Matsue Loeffelholz
Reform Campaign Finance Laws
Photo taken from: Our Common Purpose
In a 2010 case called Citizens United, the Supreme Court overturned certain long-standing restrictions on political fundraising and spending – transforming the entire political landscape of the country.
Most notably, Citizens United granted corporations, nonprofits, and unions unlimited political spending power. This has resulted in large increases in the budgets and costs of running political campaigns, favoring those candidates with deep pockets and ties to the corporate world.
If Citizens United were overturned it could open up Congressional races to more people who are knowledgeable and care about issues but who can’t afford the money needed to compete.
Overturning Citizens United would require federal, state, and local governments to regulate, limit, or prohibit political contributions or expenditures, including those made by a candidate, and would require any permissible political contributions and expenditures to be publicly disclosed.
Strengthen Congressional Ethics
Congress needs to make and enforce stronger rules that govern the ethical conduct of its member. Members should be required to undertake an ethics background check before they can be seated or even run for office. Congress also needs to enact a rule that prohibit stock trading by its members.
Limit the Amount of Topics Addressed in a Legislative Package
Too often the passing of a legislative package includes additional bills that are unrelated to the focus the legislation. These bills are allowed to be included in order to assure additional votes for the legislation. The result of this practice is legislative packages that contain a hodgepodge of laws that get buried in the overall legislation but which may offend many voters once they learn about them. This practice needs to be stopped. Each legislative bill should be voted upon separately on its own merits.
Prohibit the Political Banning of Member Committee Assignments
Each political party should have the right to appoint its own members, with relevant experience, to Congressional Committees. The Speaker of the House and the Ruling Party should not have the ability to ban someone from another party to a Committee assignment. We need to end the practice of “revenge appointments.”
Establish a Congressional Citizen Report Card
An independent bi-partisan Commission should be established to annually issue a Report on the effectiveness of Congress. The Report should provide the pubic with information on such effectiveness indicators as the number of bills that were proposed, the number that passed; the number that had bi-partisan support; the number of funded bills that met or exceeded goals, and the ways in which the funding in bills was allocated across the states
Legislative Priorities for the New Congress, Part 2
Legislative Priorities For The New Congress, Part 2
U.S. Resist News Op Ed | By: U.S. Resist News | December 15, 2022
Header photo taken from: iStock Photo
Read Part 1 Here
Photo taken from: CNN
Foreign Policy
Photo taken from: Reuters /Lintao Zhang / Pool
Although Congress is still largely supportive of Ukraine’s war against Russia, there are some Senator and Representatives who feel we have done enough and need to scale back. (And there also are a few crazy Republicans with pro-Russian sentiments).
At U.S. RESIST NEWS we feel it is time to explore the possibilities of a negotiated end to the conflict or, at a minimum a cease-fire. Too much blood has been spilled and both sides seem determined to keep fighting no matter what. Congress should support efforts to bring together a conference of the parties and explore whether an agreement can be reached to bring an end to the fighting.
President Biden and Congress also need to speak out more forcefully in support of the wave of protests that seem to be engulfing many autocratic countries, such as China, Iran, and Russia. The President often notes that we are in the midst of a global battle between autocracies and democracies. This battle will only be won if citizens of autocratic countries advocate for democratic reforms. Declarations of support for the universal right to protest will encourage them to do so.
Technology
Photo taken from: PYMNTS
The seemingly all intrusive use of Internet and social media technology in our lives is one of the most overlooked areas of US public policy. Congress has been reluctant to step in and regulate large technology companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft. The power and monopolistic wealth of these companies has grown unchallenged. They have abused our rights as citizens with their intrusion into our private lives, and they threaten our democracy with their support of the spread of misinformation and hatred.
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DSM) offer a model for the US to emulate. These Acts aim to create a safer digital space where the fundamental rights of users are protected and a level playing field for businesses is established.
US based technology companies operating in Europe are subject to the provisions of the DSA and DSM and already several of them, e.g. Microsoft, have been fined for their violations of these Acts. There are rumors that members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are looking into adopting components of the EU regulations to the US.
While regulating technology’s abuses of our right to privacy seems possible, we still have a long way to go in regulating technology’s spread of misinformation, hatred and violence. As far as we know there have not been any efforts to date to introduce legislation that addresses this issue though there is a great need to do so.
Marriage and Reproductive Rights
Photo taken from: Jonathan Ernst, Reuters
The Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade earlier this year resulted in many state banning the 50 year old right to an abortion. This had led to a large-scale backlash against the court’s decision; a backlash that influenced the success that Democrats had in the recent mid-terms.
Unfortunately the makeup of the new Congress will not enable it to pass a law to reverse the Court’s decision. Instead the efforts of pro-abortion supporters has switched to the States. In recent months several states—-e.g. Michigan, Colorado, Kentucky—— have passed laws enshrining a woman’s right to an abortion in their constitution. We expect more will do so in the coming months.
The Supreme Court also has expressed interest in curtailing LGBTQ rights, which has led Congress to just pass the Respect for Marriage Act. The Act requires the government to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial marriages in the United States, and protect religious liberty. However it does not go so far as to require states to permit same-sex marriages, which is what has left some progressives disappointed. Instead, it requires the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where they are legal.
The Economy
Photo taken from: Associated Press / Steven Senne
The economy should be front and center on the minds of most politicians. It usually is the issue most acutely on voters’ minds and on which many elections are won and lost. (The recent mid-term elections being an exception due to the importance of abortion rights as an issue, the prevalence of many hard-to-elect crazy Republican candidates, and the conflicting data on the status of the economy.)
In the short term-there are immediate economic policy decisions that law-makers need to make such as funding to keep the government in operation and extending the debt ceiling. While these issues often are an excuse for grandstanding by a few Senators and Representatives, they stand a good chance of passing as no one wants to be put in the position of shutting down the government or having the US default on its debt.
There are other more contentious economic issues that are likely to get a hearing by the new Congress but will probably not have enough support to result in the passage of new legislation. These include a tax on billionaires, and right wing plans to reform of social security. Efforts to rein in inflation through the use of monetary and fiscal policy, with the White House and Federal Reserve taking the lead, will no doubt continue.
Legislative Priorities for the New Congress
Legislative Priorities for the New Congress, Part I: Elections & Voting, the Environment, Immigration, Gun Control
U.S. Resist News Op Ed | By: U.S. Resist News | December 12, 2022
Header photo taken from: Erin Scott-Pool / Getty Images
Read Part 2 Here
Photo taken from: Barrons (.com)
The US Mid-Term Elections resulted in a near political stalemate. Democrats will continue their control of the Senate. Republicans will have a slim majority in the House. Many observers think it will be next to impossible to get anything done in this environment. On the other hand, there seem to be a sprinkling of Congresspersons on both sides willing to cross over on specific issues. Therefore we are hopeful that the next session of Congress, as well as the current lame-duck session, will result in some meaningful legislation
We believe that the following issues are low-hanging fruit for the new Congress (or the states), to pass new legislation. These issues either already have some support from both parties, or have the political urgency needed to encourage legislators to cross political lanes and work on bills that address them. The following OP Ed, posted in 2 parts over the next few days, identifies these issues and describes the kinds of laws that legislators need to focus on and get passed.
Elections and Voting
Photo taken from: Getty Images
While there is widespread need to reform our election system (e.g. do away with the electoral college) lack of bipartisan support for most reforms dims their chances of passage. However it seems likely that there is enough bipartisan support for congress to pass the Electoral Count Act (ECA). The Act is being put in place to avoid what happened in 2020 when right wing political operatives organized slates of false electors to challenge the election results in different states.
The ECA defines the process when Congress meets every four years in the first week in January to count the electoral votes for president and vice president. This meeting is mandated by the Constitution, which requires that all electoral votes be sent to Congress and counted in front of the House and Senate. This count is normally a formality, but the ECA includes a caveat with potentially enormous consequences. Congress can reject an electoral vote, the law says, if a majority of both the House and Senate finds that an elector’s appointment was not “lawfully certified” or that the elector’s vote was not “regularly given.”
The Environment
Photo taken from: Getty / Spencer Platt
The major challenge with regards to environmental policy has to do with implementation of the climate legislation portion of the Inflation Reduction Act that Congress passed and President Biden signed over last Summer. The Inflation Reduction Act puts about $370 billion into combating climate change and bolsters U.S. energy production, using incentives for private companies to produce more renewable energy and for households to transform their energy use and consumption.
On paper the act is an extremely important step forward in the US effort to combat climate change and honor its commitment to the Paris Agreement. However, it will be up to the administration as well as Congressional oversight to ensure that the new climate bill is fully implemented.
Other important environmental issues that Congress needs to address are the continued drought in Western states, ongoing threats to endangered species, and the continued efforts to drill for oil, gas and precious metals in different parts of the country.
Immigration
Photo taken from: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times
Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed in interest in different aspects of immigration reform, and it looks like a bill might get passed in the current lame duck session. Its focus is a path to citizenship for dreamers (favored by many Dems) and provisions for tighter border security (favored by many Republicans).
The Biden administration also has issued a proposed bill called the U.S. Citizenship Act. The Act calls for providing pathways to citizenship and strengthening labor protections for immigrants; prioritizing smart border controls; and addressing the root causes of migration, such as instability in Mexico and other Central American neighbors. The bill is not perfect and could be strengthened. Perhaps the new Congress, which so far has ignored it, could summon the political will to pass it.
Gun Control
Photo taken from: Nicholas Kamm / AFP via Getty Images
Last Summer Congress approved the Gun Safety Act that includes
incentives for states to pass so-called red flag laws that allow groups to petition courts to remove weapons from people deemed a threat to themselves or others. The bill also expands an existing law that prevents people convicted of domestic abuse from owning a gun to include dating partners rather than just spouses and former spouses; and expands background checks on people between the ages of 18 and 21 seeking to buy a gun.
Yet the Gun Safety Act is just a baby step forward in putting in place the legislation needed to curb America’s gun violence epidemic. Given the continued prevalence of mass shootings it seems there should be at least a few Republican Senators and Representatives willing to take the next steps in gun control legislation, such as banning AK 15s and other weapons of mass destruction, and outlawing the production of so-called ghost guns.