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Focus on Expansion for All Points of View

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:53 am
by 803sccdantes
I've had this page bookmarked for months and I'm glad to see that there's finally a community to discuss this in. I've loved the idea from the minute I ran across the website. My only advice to the movement would be to focus on an expansion for all points of view. I know you address this on the website, but it does come across as a little fearful of educated, elitest-type people- an odd conception when the Founding Fathers were all in the upper-echelon of society. I showed the site to a more liberal, yet open minded, friend of mine, who thought it was a good idea but said it came across as a little scared of educated people- which I do agree could be tweaked some.

That said, I think it would be a good idea to try and get this idea passed around in colleges and other educational institutions. Most younger voters would likely be open to the idea. As a law student, I've mentioned the idea to several of my friends who have also been open to the idea. I think if we're able to focus on the idea that this will allow a greater voice across the board for every point of view- something that's stifled today in Congress.

Re: Focus on Expansion for All Points of View

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 8:16 am
by JEQuidam
803sccdantes wrote:I've had this page bookmarked for months and I'm glad to see that there's finally a community to discuss this in. I've loved the idea from the minute I ran across the website.
Thanks for writing!
803sccdantes wrote:... but it does come across as a little fearful of educated, elitest-type people-
Being somewhat educated myself, at elitist institutions, I certainly don't intend to alienate that group. As it turns out, nothing about "Article the first" of the Bill of Rights is taught in the Universities, and that is where the story of oligarchy in America begins. There has never been a scholarly book or paper written about the very first amendment proposed in our Bill of Rights! (Except for the report that I wrote - link.)

I would appreciate it if you would quote any specific wording in the TTO site that you would change. I am not disagreeing with your point! I'm probably just not sensitive to this, and the feedback would help me understand.
803sccdantes wrote:That said, I think it would be a good idea to try and get this idea passed around in colleges and other educational institutions. Most younger voters would likely be open to the idea. As a law student, I've mentioned the idea to several of my friends who have also been open to the idea. I think if we're able to focus on the idea that this will allow a greater voice across the board for every point of view- something that's stifled today in Congress.
Well said! How can we do that? TTO has no budget, and we depend on grass roots efforts, such as by people like you. This is truly a non-partisan we the people movement.

Re: Focus on Expansion for All Points of View

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:31 pm
by 803sccdantes
I think you're on the right path- be sure to make it very clear that this idea is not just for right wingers or libertarians- it's for every point of view. Honestly, I really think this could catch on- especially given the current complete mistrust of Congress. Perhaps e-mailing this site to some radio programs to discuss would help- or even try to get one of the major news networks on it. Heck, even try Oprah. One news story or celebrity supporting it could really launch this idea. It'd be a good idea to send it to your Congressman as well. I'm not sure how many Congressman feel about this idea, so it'd be interesting to see how they respond to it. Who knows, you could become the face of a Constitutional Amendment that completely changes the current political environment.

Re: Focus on Expansion for All Points of View

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:09 pm
by JEQuidam
803sccdantes wrote:I think you're on the right path- be sure to make it very clear that this idea is not just for right wingers or libertarians...
You are correct, and you have generally described our strategy. Representational enlargement is truly a non-partisan cause.

It's very slow going finding a "celebrity" or noteworthy person who will take the time to understand representational enlargement. It's very difficult to gain popular support for a cause that cannot be described on a bumper sticker.

Regarding the Congressmen, to make a long story short, they are opposed to subdividing their political fiefdoms. (The only exception that I know of is Alcee Hastings [link].)

Regarding a Constitutional amendment, the good news is that has already been drafted (by the first Congress on August 24, 1789).