But in one corner of the Internet, another oft-ignored, yet equally-important issue is being raised: vegetables.
"I eat them, knowing full well they have no nutrional (sic) value and cannot be fully digested by the human digestive system. But its fun once in awhile to see what you had for dinner last night, the following morning. Why I put this in here....I don't know. Nutrition is important, but humans are basically more inclined to eat meat." This is one of the many platform issues of Jack the Wiz, an Independent candidate for President of the United States.
The Wiz is not really running for President. But he is one of the top-rated Presidential candidates on U4Prez.com, a website that allows users to run a virtual campaign, complete with supporters, press releases, and caucuses, which are lively discussions on serious political issues. They can even compare their rating with the likes of John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama, all of whom have profiles set up. One blogger described it as "the MySpace of politics".
Candidates create a profile, where they outline their platform and expound their views on subjects ranging from global warming and immigration to religion and conspiracy theories. Just like in other social networking sites, candidates can leave comments on others' profiles; they can also rate other candidates on a scale of 1 to 10 and become a supporter of another campaign. All of this is factored into a candidate's rating, which ultimately determines who will become the next virtual President of the United States.
Eric Gurr, creator of U4Prez.com, says you shouldn't be fooled be the site's MySpace-like facade. "It's all about the politics," he says. "I think most of our users have accounts on MySpace and Facebook, and use U4prez strictly for the political dialogue." Wikinews conducted an email interview with Gurr, in which he discussed how the site works, how the Internet has affected politics, and who he is endorsing for President.
Source: Wikinews.org
Assuring Change in Washington
Politicians this year have echoed the sentiment of the American people that we need substantial change in the way that politics is working in Washington and around the nation. The fact that “the system is broken” is widely accepted. But no new President -- or Congress -- elected in 2008 can change much as long as corruption prevails. Bribery of public officials and the corruption of public office would have to be stopped.
Do not for a moment believe those who say “but bribery is already illegal.” In fact, it has been institutionalized by our politicians. Most specifically, corruption has been legalized in the way that political campaigns are funded and conducted “under prevailing law” Real change can only come if the power is returned to the people, rescued from the hands of lobbyists and special interests motivated by greed rather than the public good.
One approach is the below Constitutional Amendment to prohibit bribery and the sale of public office. It also attempts to make politics an honorable profession.
“Politicians” are too often demonized -- unless they have been dead long enough to become “statesmen.” Many of our elected officials were motivated by public service when they began their careers and are very uncomfortable with the prevailing system. But if they fight the system, they know they will be out-campaigned by others who are better financed by special interests and will lose office.
Can such an amendment be passed under the prevailing system? It would seem impossible -- but maybe not.
If people sent some such amendment to ALL of their elected officials (national, state, and local) it would be interesting. If they try to argue that prevailing law is enough, it might be logical not to vote for them if you want real change!
This issue can relate to each candidate for the Presidency (or any office) in all political parties. Remember that Constitutional Amendments must pass the proper number of State legislatures as well.
Constitutional Amendment against Bribery
1) Bribery of any public official of the United States or of any of the several States shall constitute a felony. The solicitation or receipt of bribery by such persons shall constitute a felony and is a high crime against this Constitution. This amendment shall not be construed to lessen the seriousness of any crime covered by existing legislation.
2) The public offence of bribery includes the offering or giving of payment in any shape or form that it may be a motive in the performance of official functions for which the proper motive is a conscientious sense of duty as accepted by such public official by his or her Oath or Affirmation to support this Constitution.
3) The same laws against bribery that currently affect appointed officials in each jurisdiction, shall also affect elected officials and judges. Bribery may not be disguised in the form of gifts to family members or associates, campaign contributions, or commitments for future employment.
4) Public office involving policy-making functions or policy implementation, may not be bought or sold. This applies to governmental positions of the United States and of the several States. The buying or selling of such a public office shall constitute a felony under this Constitution. Persons seeking elective office shall not spend in such pursuit of election a sum of personal funds that is more than half of the salary to be earned while in that office; to do so shall constitute an effort to buy public office.
5) Honest government, being necessary to the security of a free State, elected public officials shall be paid salaries that are independently adjudged to be commensurate with their responsibilities.
6) The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
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