So how would you go about changing america for the better?

[zelmo1234]

On this Political forum we always have idea on how this party of that party would make this country better.

Truth be told that is BS and window dressing.

But in this Christmas Season of Giving here are some Ideas that will start to make this country strong again.

#1 Make sure that you visit all of your neighbors, bring them some home made Cookies or Candy. Make sure they are OK this holiday season.

#2 For those that are religious, invite those that are not to come and enjoy your Christmas or Holiday programs

#3 For those that are not Religious, try to respect and understand the beliefs of those that are. I assure you that we are not trying to kill you. and we only bite on Friday?

#4 Volunteer at a charity or drop off a dinner or toy to a local needy family. Better yet work with your co workers or family or Church to adopt a family or two and make sure they have the bet Christmas ever.

#5 Stop your police officers and Firefighters and thank them for keeping your safe, give them a pat on the back

I am sure that you can all come up with more ideas of what would really make America Great again.

But it is not going to come from DC, it is going to come from your home town and start with you.

[Captain Obvious]

As an individual I have no interest at this point in trying to change anything.

Our society is widely polarized, there is no unity in belief and principle.

Why bother? Seriously. Who's on my side?

Not many.

[zelmo1234]

As an individual I have no interest at this point in trying to change anything.

Our society is widely polarized, there is no unity in belief and principle.

Why bother? Seriously. Who's on my side?

Not many.

Exactly my point. You actions create a reaction, my Guess is that you have more in common that you think.

And those relationships are what will eventually make us understand that we have more in common than we differ.

[Captain Obvious]

Exactly my point. You actions create a reaction, my Guess is that you have more in common that you think.

And those relationships are what will eventually make us understand that we have more in common than we differ.

I get that, I just don't care anymore.

It's all fake, a big charade.

I'm a realist, I don't see anything but chaos and division in our society from here on in. My concern is for me, my family and those decent people who remain who are honest, intelligent and true. And they're (we're) a minority.

[Mark III]

"Income inequality" is by far the biggest issue in the country. It's not even close. As long as a large percentage of the population has to work multiple jobs, or go deep into credit card debt, or live in multiple earner households where children lack proper stay at home parenting, just in order to participate in the american consumer economy, things are way messed up.

Working class people need to make more money, even if it needs to be done at the expense of Wall St. and stock dividends. This is THE issue of this generation and the next generation, especially with the onset of robotics and automation.

[Captain Obvious]

"Income inequality" is by far the biggest issue in the country. It's not even close. As long as a large percentage of the population has to work multiple jobs, or go deep into credit card debt, or live in multiple earner households where children lack proper stay at home parenting, just in order to participate in the american consumer economy, things are way messed up.

Working class people need to make more money, even if it needs to be done at the expense of Wall St. and stock dividends. This is THE issue of this generation and the next generation, especially with the onset of robotics and automation.

Great, so force minimum wage up and who pays for it?

The wealthy? Yeah, keep fucking that chicken and at some point you'll come. The middle class fronts that bill, just like the middle class fronts progressive tax-the-fuck-out-of-us bill too.

The wealthy keep on being wealthy and wealthier regardless, that's the farce of progressivism.

Just like gun control, take guns away from law abiding citizens while doing absolutely nothing to keep them out of the hands of criminals.

If you people are trying to fuck this society up you're doing it right.

[Crepitus]

Do we have to do this here as well? That's not what this thread is about guys.

[Captain Obvious]

Do we have to do this here as well? That's not what this thread is about guys.

Alright, sorry

[zelmo1234]

"Income inequality" is by far the biggest issue in the country. It's not even close. As long as a large percentage of the population has to work multiple jobs, or go deep into credit card debt, or live in multiple earner households where children lack proper stay at home parenting, just in order to participate in the american consumer economy, things are way messed up.

Working class people need to make more money, even if it needs to be done at the expense of Wall St. and stock dividends. This is THE issue of this generation and the next generation, especially with the onset of robotics and automation.

Great so what would you do and how would you prevent the off shoring.

[Beevee]

Set the Chicago police on Obama for starters.

[zelmo1234]

set the chicago police on obama for starters.

ouch!

[Green Arrow]

I'll just c/p my response in Captain Obvious's thread, it pretty well covers it I think (but feel free to ask questions anyway):


What would your ideal society look like? What characteristics would it have?


Government: What form? Democracy? Socialism? Communism? Monarchy? Or something else?


I suppose you could call it democracy. The federal government and state governments would exist as proportional representation parliamentary systems like in most of Europe. We would still have a president as head of state, but we'd also have a Prime Minister. The federal government's powers would be confined to managing the economy, mediating disputes between the states, and handling foreign trade, defense, and diplomacy. Things like social welfare would be handled at the state and local level. The members of the U.S. Senate would be chosen by the government of the states they hail from, members of the U.S. House would still be chosen by popular election (with the change being seats are awarded to parties based on their percentage of the vote, rather than an individual candidate). Similarly, state legislatures would have the upper house members chosen by the county or city governments and the lower house members would be chosen by the people.



Racial: Diverse? Homogeneous?


That would be entirely up to each individual community. For example, if Harlem decides it is better off being a black community, it would be homogeneous. Same for Portland, OR being a white community. If Seattle decides it wants to be a diverse community, it will be a diverse community.



Religious: Homogeneous? Diverse? Non?


Same as above. Ideally, the whole nation would be a diverse collection of religions but each individual community would have whatever religious makeup the members of the community want.





Class: Class driven? Class non-existing?
Either class non-existent or class unified. By unified I mean the classes exist but there is no conflict between them.





Economy: Isolationist? Globally competitive?


Sufficient to meet the needs of our citizens.



Militaristic?


Never. I would have America use its vast power and wealth to push peace and diplomacy rather than force and conflict.



Materialistic?


Moral. So no, not materialistic.



Liberal or conservative?


Balanced.



Open or closed borders?


Neither. Immigration will happen but it will be selective. You will be allowed in or denied based on your ability to contribute to society.

[Jets]

Find a way to allow people to keep as much of their paychecks as they can. Either the worker or the government gets the money up front. I would propose the worker get it first and have the government collect it after thru consumption. Allow a national and state retail sales tax to be the extent of taxation. To help out lower and middle incomes utilize the prebate recommended in the Fair tax proposal. Similiar to SS each person below a certain threshold would have money sent at the beginning of the month to offset the tax burden for basic necessities. I would even say raise it higher, just to give them the highest benefit possible. Bottom line: People take home their entire paychecks. Spending is taxed and saving is rewarded.

jmo

[Cigar]

Great, so force minimum wage up and who pays for it?

The wealthy? Yeah, keep $#@!ing that chicken and at some point you'll come. The middle class fronts that bill, just like the middle class fronts progressive tax-the-$#@!-out-of-us bill too.

The wealthy keep on being wealthy and wealthier regardless, that's the farce of progressivism.

Just like gun control, take guns away from law abiding citizens while doing absolutely nothing to keep them out of the hands of criminals.

If you people are trying to $#@! this society up you're doing it right.

http://www.pewresearch.org/files/2015/05/FT_15.05.20_minWage_1938_2014.png
Here are five facts about the minimum wage and the people who earn it:
1Adjusted for inflation, the federal minimum wage peaked in 1968 at $8.54 (in 2014 dollars). Since it was last raised in 2009, to the current $7.25 per hour, the federal minimum has lost about 8.1% of its purchasing power to inflation. The Economist (http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2015/05/minimum-wages) recently estimated that, given how rich the U.S. is and the pattern among other advanced economies in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, “one would expect America…to pay a minimum wage around $12 an hour.”
2Nearly half (48.2%) of the 3 million hourly workers who were at or below the federal minimum in 2014 were ages 16 to 24. An additional 22.4% are ages 25 to 34, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/cps/characteristics-of-minimum-wage-workers-2014.pdf); both shares have stayed more or less constant over the past decade. That 3 million represents about 2.3% of all wage and salary workers. (See more about the demographics of minimum-wage workers (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/09/08/who-makes-minimum-wage/).)

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/07/23/5-facts-about-the-minimum-wage/

[Mac-7]

"Income inequality" is by far the biggest issue in the country. .

Not according to the Moron in Chief who thinks the man-made global warming hoax is the most important issue.

[Cigar]

Wow it must take a lot of energy to whine, b!tch and complain 24/7 everyday all day. :laugh:

That's why I could never be a Conservative ...

Mad all the time and everything and everyone
Hate all minorities
Angry at the world because it doesn't revolve around you anymore

:grin:

[Mac-7]

Wow it must take a lot of energy to whine, b!tch and complain 24/7 everyday all day. :laugh:

That's why I could never be a Conservative ...

Mad all the time and everything and everyone
Hate all minorities
Angry at the world because it doesn't revolve around you anymore

:grin:

You're bitchin now.

[Peter1469]

Great so what would you do and how would you prevent the off shoring.

Slash or remove corporate income taxes. Business will return and foreign business would be trying to get in.

[Tahuyaman]

So how would you go about changing america for the better?
by electing people who understand and take seriously the restraints the constitution places upon government.

[Tahuyaman]

Slash or remove corporate income taxes. Business will return and foreign business would be trying to get in.

Absolutely correct.

[Tahuyaman]

Wow it must take a lot of energy to whine, b!tch and complain 24/7 everyday all day. :laugh:

That's why I could never be a Conservative ...

Mad all the time and everything and everyone
Hate all minorities
Angry at the world because it doesn't revolve around you anymore

:grin:

No, you couldn't be a conservative because you don't have the ability to think things through without somone telling what to think. You first need to trust someone or something other than government.

Once you finally realize that all good things aren't a product of government, you will be on the right path. You must first develop the ability to oppose the centralization of power.

[Peter1469]

To make America better I would bring federalism back.

[Tahuyaman]

To make America better I would bring federalism back.

I agree. I also suspect that many here both liberal and conservative do not understand what that actually means. I'm sure some of the responses to your comment will prove that.

[Peter1469]

I agree. I also suspect that many here both liberal and conservative do not understand what that actually means. I'm sure some of the responses to your comment will prove that.

Based on some members' past posts they think it means the federal government has all power. :shocked:

[Tahuyaman]

Based on some members' past posts they think it means the federal government has all power. :shocked:


I think you are right.

[donttread]

I agree. I also suspect that many here both liberal and conservative do not understand what that actually means. I'm sure some of the responses to your comment will prove that.

One thing we need is recall elections.

[Tahuyaman]

One thing we need is recall elections.

I'm not opposed to that idea. I would like to see term limits as well.

[Cigar]

:grin: Change has come to America :grin:

[donttread]

On this Political forum we always have idea on how this party of that party would make this country better.

Truth be told that is BS and window dressing.

But in this Christmas Season of Giving here are some Ideas that will start to make this country strong again.

#1 Make sure that you visit all of your neighbors, bring them some home made Cookies or Candy. Make sure they are OK this holiday season.

#2 For those that are religious, invite those that are not to come and enjoy your Christmas or Holiday programs

#3 For those that are not Religious, try to respect and understand the beliefs of those that are. I assure you that we are not trying to kill you. and we only bite on Friday?

#4 Volunteer at a charity or drop off a dinner or toy to a local needy family. Better yet work with your co workers or family or Church to adopt a family or two and make sure they have the bet Christmas ever.

#5 Stop your police officers and Firefighters and thank them for keeping your safe, give them a pat on the back

I am sure that you can all come up with more ideas of what would really make America Great again.

But it is not going to come from DC, it is going to come from your home town and start with you.

Has it happens there was an excellent blue print for making America great. All we have to do is hold the government accountable to follow that blue print

[zelmo1234]

Has it happens there was an excellent blue print for making America great. All we have to do is hold the government accountable to follow that blue print

Correct, but unless the people understand what the government has done, they won't make them accountable.

This is why the people need to start looking after themselves, once they realize that Government is not really that good at looking out for their interests, then and only then will they be held accountable.

[Bob]

On this Political forum we always have idea on how this party of that party would make this country better.

Truth be told that is BS and window dressing.

But in this Christmas Season of Giving here are some Ideas that will start to make this country strong again.

#1 Make sure that you visit all of your neighbors, bring them some home made Cookies or Candy. Make sure they are OK this holiday season.

#2 For those that are religious, invite those that are not to come and enjoy your Christmas or Holiday programs

#3 For those that are not Religious, try to respect and understand the beliefs of those that are. I assure you that we are not trying to kill you. and we only bite on Friday?

#4 Volunteer at a charity or drop off a dinner or toy to a local needy family. Better yet work with your co workers or family or Church to adopt a family or two and make sure they have the bet Christmas ever.

#5 Stop your police officers and Firefighters and thank them for keeping your safe, give them a pat on the back

I am sure that you can all come up with more ideas of what would really make America Great again.

But it is not going to come from DC, it is going to come from your home town and start with you.

All very good ideas. Today me and my son carried a new wheel chair to a needy woman and got it assembled for her use. My son carried a needy person to the store to buy groceries.

[Bob]

"Income inequality" is by far the biggest issue in the country. It's not even close. As long as a large percentage of the population has to work multiple jobs, or go deep into credit card debt, or live in multiple earner households where children lack proper stay at home parenting, just in order to participate in the american consumer economy, things are way messed up.

Working class people need to make more money, even if it needs to be done at the expense of Wall St. and stock dividends. This is THE issue of this generation and the next generation, especially with the onset of robotics and automation.

It wasn't till Obama became president.

Still, if a man wants fish, but refuses to fish, why should you or I do his fishing for him?

[donttread]

Correct, but unless the people understand what the government has done, they won't make them accountable.

This is why the people need to start looking after themselves, once they realize that Government is not really that good at looking out for their interests, then and only then will they be held accountable.

Odd how as our government becomes controlling less about the Constitution is taught in school.

[Gypsy]

Not according to the Moron in Chief who thinks the man-made global warming hoax is the most important issue.

This is the perfect example of why we can't get along. These type of postings only serve to divide us. We need unity.

[Tahuyaman]

So how would you go about changing america for the better?


I would start by doing a few things. First, I would enact term limits for all elected officials. Second, I would not allow them to exempt themselves from adhering to the laws they enact. Third, I would eliminate their lifetime pension.

I would eliminate this idea that elected office is a career.

[Tahuyaman]

Odd how as our government becomes controlling less about the Constitution is taught in school.

could you rephrase that one?

[Tahuyaman]

"Income inequality" is by far the biggest issue in the country.

No way.

[Mac-7]

:grin: Change has come to America :grin:

Not good change that a majority of people support

[donttread]

It wasn't till Obama became president.

Still, if a man wants fish, but refuses to fish, why should you or I do his fishing for him?

Because some of us love to fish?

[donttread]

On this Political forum we always have idea on how this party of that party would make this country better.

Truth be told that is BS and window dressing.

But in this Christmas Season of Giving here are some Ideas that will start to make this country strong again.

#1 Make sure that you visit all of your neighbors, bring them some home made Cookies or Candy. Make sure they are OK this holiday season.

#2 For those that are religious, invite those that are not to come and enjoy your Christmas or Holiday programs

#3 For those that are not Religious, try to respect and understand the beliefs of those that are. I assure you that we are not trying to kill you. and we only bite on Friday?

#4 Volunteer at a charity or drop off a dinner or toy to a local needy family. Better yet work with your co workers or family or Church to adopt a family or two and make sure they have the bet Christmas ever.

#5 Stop your police officers and Firefighters and thank them for keeping your safe, give them a pat on the back

I am sure that you can all come up with more ideas of what would really make America Great again.

But it is not going to come from DC, it is going to come from your home town and start with you.

We could pass and amendment and begin selecting congress by lottery

[Tahuyaman]

Because some of us love to fish?

I only keep enough for me. Some should learn to fish for them self.

[Doublejack]

Build more schools in red states in the attempt to curb republicans massive federal welfare dependency.

[Mac-7]

Build more schools in red states in the attempt to curb republicans massive federal welfare dependency.

More schools paid for by government tax dollars?

That promotes welfare dependency

[Doublejack]

More schools paid for by government tax dollars?

That promotes welfare dependency

Tax the church to pay for the new schools.

[Mac-7]

Tax the church to pay for the new schools.

why not take the money out of welfare going to the hood?

[Doublejack]

why not take the money out of welfare going to the hood?

Whites in red states take more welfare than minorities in the hood.

I'm simply trying to address the biggest problem first.

[Matty]

California ears up 20% of all welfare, the other49 state's share what's left.

[maineman]

In the spirit of Christmas, line all the republicans up against the wall, and shoot them all. Then step under the mistletoe with your sweetheart, and give her a big kiss.

[Doublejack]

California ears up 20% of all welfare, the other49 state's share what's left.

California effectively pays for it themselves as they give back more federal dollars than they receive.

[Matty]

:smiley_ROFLMAO::smiley_ROFLMAO::smiley_ROFLMAO:

[Safety]

Whites in red states take more welfare than minorities in the hood.

I'm simply trying to address the biggest problem first.

Probably struck a nerve with that post....

[zelmo1234]

We could pass and amendment and begin selecting congress by lottery

Then the people would loose all representation.

The way that the system was designed to work was really very simple.

Congress would be elected by the people and represent the wishes and rights of the people.

Senators would be appointed by the state governments and they would represent the rights and wishes of the state.

The President would manage the Federal government and be a check on the congress, and be the commander of the Military

And the Supreme Court would uphold the constitution and make sure all governments operated within it.

This has failed. because when Senators became elected the States lost their advocate, and when the justices put Ideology above the law, there was no check on their power. When Presidents decided to write laws rather than enforce those written by congress. And Congress wrote laws that were designed to give them power over the people rather than help the people.

That is what is wrong with government today.

[Cthulhu]

On this Political forum we always have idea on how this party of that party would make this country better.

Truth be told that is BS and window dressing.

But in this Christmas Season of Giving here are some Ideas that will start to make this country strong again.

#1 Make sure that you visit all of your neighbors, bring them some home made Cookies or Candy. Make sure they are OK this holiday season.

#2 For those that are religious, invite those that are not to come and enjoy your Christmas or Holiday programs

#3 For those that are not Religious, try to respect and understand the beliefs of those that are. I assure you that we are not trying to kill you. and we only bite on Friday?

#4 Volunteer at a charity or drop off a dinner or toy to a local needy family. Better yet work with your co workers or family or Church to adopt a family or two and make sure they have the bet Christmas ever.

#5 Stop your police officers and Firefighters and thank them for keeping your safe, give them a pat on the back

I am sure that you can all come up with more ideas of what would really make America Great again.

But it is not going to come from DC, it is going to come from your home town and start with you.
1-4 make sense. But I'll skip the first part of #5.

Sent from my evil, baby seal-clubbing cellphone.

[Cthulhu]

Changing it for the better?

Build a Mars colony. Wait until it is over.

Rebuild.

Sent from my evil, baby seal-clubbing cellphone.

[zelmo1234]

In the spirit of Christmas, line all the republicans up against the wall, and shoot them all. Then step under the mistletoe with your sweetheart, and give her a big kiss.

Can you believe that a someone from the left would consider killing everyone that does not think like they do?

When in the course of History has this ever happened before? (other than every time socialism has been forced on the people)

If you do not believe that the Democrats and leftist are trying to disarm the law abiding citizens, think again, and if you have any doubt as why they want to do it? The post above really should clear you mind.

This is why Liberalism must be defeated.

[zelmo1234]

1-4 make sense. But I'll skip the first part of #5.

Sent from my evil, baby seal-clubbing cellphone.

I find 5 to be the easiest way to separate the wheat from the chaff. You see someone that is dishonest or power hungry exposes themselves even when responding to kindness.

Trust me if ever anyone that is in my family, dwellings or employment is not treated correctly, the relationship I have with the authorities gives me a voice that can sort out those that do not belong.

[Cthulhu]

Can you believe that a someone from the left would consider killing everyone that does not think like they do?

When in the course of History has this ever happened before? (other than every time socialism has been forced on the people)

If you do not believe that the Democrats and leftist are trying to disarm the law abiding citizens, think again, and if you have any doubt as why they want to do it? The post above really should clear you mind.

This is why Liberalism must be defeated.
Don't worry, he'll claim it is satire and that you simply can't take a joke.

Sent from my evil, baby seal-clubbing cellphone.

[Captain Obvious]

Whites in red states take more welfare than minorities in the hood.

I'm simply trying to address the biggest problem first.

False, look it up.

Be careful not to entrap yourself.

[Peter1469]

Whites in red states take more welfare than minorities in the hood.

I'm simply trying to address the biggest problem first.

Not per capita.

[maineman]

Don't worry, he'll claim it is satire and that you simply can't take a joke.

Sent from my evil, baby seal-clubbing cellphone.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[Ransom]

1) Revoke the driver's licenses of all citizens with a gender = F.
2) Abolish the EPA, IRS, the EEOC, and ban soccer from being played in the US
3) Increase the age of voter eligibility to 26
4) Remove speed limits
5) Make it a requirement that your office staff bake more holiday goodies this time of year, our tables are quite lame this year.

[Ransom]

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Merry Christmas to you, yours, and all the other people in Mexico too, Maine.

[Mac-7]

Whites in red states take more welfare than minorities in the hood.

I'm simply trying to address the biggest problem first.

Take welfare away from the whites too

[Matty]

Take welfare away from the whites too




Take it from everyone

[Mac-7]

Take it from everyone

The bleeding heart liberals are not saying much now

I guess they approve of paying lazy white people to do nothing

[maineman]

Merry Christmas to you, yours, and all the other people in Mexico too, Maine.

and to you as well, Ransom. We'll be home before you know it!

[Fagan_the_Pagan]

I think #1 on the OP's list is spot on. In our society, everything is dividing us. We will never FUNDAMENTALLY change America for the better until we start to care about each other, and on that front, as hard as it may be in the digital age, we have to start with ourselves.

Beyond that, things that I would do to change America for the better (if it were up to me):
1. Nobody gets out of paying their fair share of taxes. End the Loopholes for the super-rich & corporations who use dirty tricks to pay NO taxes.
2. Take the money out of politics. End Corporate Personhood, and ban lobbyists. No more buying candidates or political decisionmaking.
3. Abolish political parties and vote for PEOPLE instead. Failing that, add a viable third party. The entrenched two party system divides people in a way that is thoroughly unhelpful.
4. Reprioritize the Federal Budget. The National Priorities project estimates that 57% of the Federal budget for 2015 went to the Military. Meanwhile a mere 6% went to education. This is absurd. I would cap defense spending to max of 25% of the total Federal budget, & reallocate the remaining funds into Science, the Arts, and Education.
5. Make the Public determine congressional salaries. They are OUR representatives, so they work for us. As their bosses, it is our prerogative to set their salary. At a yearly review the public would vote on whether to increase or decrease their salary (or keep it the same). The representative could present parts of their record as evidence that they deserve a raise, whereas detractors could do the same.

[Mac-7]

I think #1 on the OP's list is spot on. In our society, everything is dividing us. We will never FUNDAMENTALLY change America for the better until we start to care about each other, and on that front, as hard as it may be in the digital age, we have to start with ourselves.

Beyond that, things that I would do to change America for the better (if it were up to me):
1. Nobody gets out of paying their fair share of taxes. End the Loopholes for the super-rich & corporations who use dirty tricks to pay NO taxes.
2. Take the money out of politics. End Corporate Personhood, and ban lobbyists. No more buying candidates or political decisionmaking.
3. Abolish political parties and vote for PEOPLE instead. Failing that, add a viable third party. The entrenched two party system divides people in a way that is thoroughly unhelpful.
4. Reprioritize the Federal Budget. The National Priorities project estimates that 57% of the Federal budget for 2015 went to the Military. Meanwhile a mere 6% went to education. This is absurd. I would cap defense spending to max of 25% of the total Federal budget, & reallocate the remaining funds into Science, the Arts, and Education.
5. Make the Public determine congressional salaries. They are OUR representatives, so they work for us. As their bosses, it is our prerogative to set their salary. At a yearly review the public would vote on whether to increase or decrease their salary (or keep it the same). The representative could present parts of their record as evidence that they deserve a raise, whereas detractors could do the same.

some of your suggestions are delusional.

the right to petition the government by citizens (lobby) is a constitutional right.

So is the right of assembly, i.e. form political parties is also a fundimental right

but some of your ideas are not entirely bad such as taxs

yes make everyone pay their fair share.

to me that means a flat tax with no exemptions for anyone for anything

[Fagan_the_Pagan]

Regarding political parties, I meant formal parties as an institution. Naturally there would be no way to prevent people of like minds getting together and calling themselves something. However, there would be no listing of political affiliation on any ballots. As such, every politician is accountable only to their public as a whole, not to any political party institution. George Washington advised against the formation of political parties. We ignored that advise, and it has done, in my opinion, more harm than good.

[donttread]

I think #1 on the OP's list is spot on. In our society, everything is dividing us. We will never FUNDAMENTALLY change America for the better until we start to care about each other, and on that front, as hard as it may be in the digital age, we have to start with ourselves.

Beyond that, things that I would do to change America for the better (if it were up to me):
1. Nobody gets out of paying their fair share of taxes. End the Loopholes for the super-rich & corporations who use dirty tricks to pay NO taxes.
2. Take the money out of politics. End Corporate Personhood, and ban lobbyists. No more buying candidates or political decisionmaking.
3. Abolish political parties and vote for PEOPLE instead. Failing that, add a viable third party. The entrenched two party system divides people in a way that is thoroughly unhelpful.
4. Reprioritize the Federal Budget. The National Priorities project estimates that 57% of the Federal budget for 2015 went to the Military. Meanwhile a mere 6% went to education. This is absurd. I would cap defense spending to max of 25% of the total Federal budget, & reallocate the remaining funds into Science, the Arts, and Education.
5. Make the Public determine congressional salaries. They are OUR representatives, so they work for us. As their bosses, it is our prerogative to set their salary. At a yearly review the public would vote on whether to increase or decrease their salary (or keep it the same). The representative could present parts of their record as evidence that they deserve a raise, whereas detractors could do the same.

I really like number 2