What did you vote for regarding abortion? What about the illegal immigration bill, gay marriage, and the invasion of Iraq? What's that? You DIDN'T get the opportunity?
One of the most aggravating things about American politics is the fact that our politicians-- in a desperate attempt to pursue their hidden agendas-- never pass controversial bills onto the voters. There are two reasons why:
1. Everyone would vote against it.
Let's use an example: The Immigration Bill. Since voters are all U.S. Citizens, most of which are against the bill; this plan would sink like the Titanic. So it wouldn't be conducent to pushing that bill to push it on the voters-- so why are they trying to pass a bill that the people THEY represent do not approve of? Two words: Hidden agendas.
2. The voters would be split on the issue; accomplishing nothing.
Some controversies could result in a 50/50 tie and would only be a waste of ballot space. But then again-- you don't know if you don't at least try.
I can't think of any "controversial" bills that it wouldn't be wise to have the people vote on. If any politicians are reading this page: I challenge you to provide an example of a controversial issue that letting the people have a say in would have undesirable results.
Moving on, I propose we make it a law that the people should vote on any law that Congress has passed regarding an issue of substantial controversy. You're probably asking, "What would be substantial controversy?" Good question: That's for the Supreme Court to determine.
Some laws should be voted in by each state. For example, if the California voters decide that abortion is legal and everyone else doesn't; it's only legal in California.
Other laws, such as ones that affect the entire country, should be on the Federal ballot. If it succeeds in the popular vote by a meaningful majority, then the people obviously support it and it should be made into law as soon as possible. If not-- tough shit, politicians. Get your act together and start representing your people instead of trying to make tons of cash on little write-ins in shitty laws that the people will hate you for passing.
Doing so would strengthen voter confidence and strike back against government corruption-- which is exactly why this won't ever happen. The system is already too corrupt to let something this simple fix it.
