The recent passage of Prop. 1 in Maine, as well as last years passage of Prop. 8 in California makes me think: If we can do something as profound as stripping away rights of individuals with a simple vote by the citizens, we should be able to accomplish much, much more. As long as we're passing laws, lets pass some that do something useful.
With that realization, I'm proposing the following ballot initiative for all states that have such a process.
Ballot Initiative -- NO POLITICIAN LEFT BEHIND.
NO POLITICIAN LEFT BEHIND --Background: If you want to be a public school teacher, you have to be credentialed. If you want to drive a car, you have to pass minimal standards of vision, comprehension of traffic laws and automobile safety. If you want to be a doctor, you can't just get people to like you... there are certain requirements you have to fulfill in order to practice medicine legally. Many professions require certification, licenses or education. This is for safety as well as to ensure that people who encounter practitioners of these professions are getting competent, honest advice and/or work.
Our politicians are piloting more than a car. They are responsible for more than a handful of third graders. Therefor it is imperative that our elected officials be up to the tasks necessary for them to perform their sworn duties. After all, does it really make sense to swear someone into office to protect the constitution if they don't even know what the constitution is?
NO POLITICIAN LEFT BEHIND would create a system of "functional political literacy tests" that all candidates would have to pass if they want to run ads, do appearances, mail out political fliers, or have their name(s) placed on a ballot in a particular state. These tests would be designed to ensure a level of competence and minimal proficiency for those running for public office.
We require students to pass tests to get a high school diploma. It is a minimum standard. Similarly we should require our political leaders to pass tests so that we know they have a minimum standard of ability and knowledge to fulfill the duties of the office.
These minim requirements would be:
I. Understanding English. (Since our laws are written in English, it only makes sense that you be able to read, write and comprehend English. That alone should make Lou Dobbs come out in support of this Ballot Initiative. ) This is really a form of Reading Comprehension, but that sounds too stuffy and snobby. Understanding English is a more palatable term for many. Political Candidates must pass the state's Understanding English test.
II. Legal and US Government Knowledge. This test would include items on how laws are written, passed and enforced; What powers each branch of our government has and why; What is illegal for an elected official to do (such at taking bribes and what quid pro quo means, etc.) It would also include questions regarding the constitution and constitutional law. If we want competent elected officials, they should have to possess some basic understanding of our legal and governmental systems -- especially considering that they are the ones passing most of the laws.
III. Psychological Evaluation. This is very straightforward. We don't allow suicidal cops to stay on the streets. We don't let pedophiles supervise children in private. We shouldn't allow psychopaths to run our country. I think this Psych Evaluation should also include a memory test. Someone who has Alzheimer's and can't remember his name or the name of the country he was elected to govern shouldn't be governing something as complex as the United States. Sociopaths, compulsive liars and serial killers should not be eligible to run for office. This evaluation would also include a background check of candidates. We shouldn't have to ask candidates when they stopped beating their wives, we should know the exact date.
Some specifics:
- States could agree to have one test for national candidates and a different test tailored for their particular state.
- Candidates' test scores would be a matter of public record -- pass or fail. If you are running for public office, your test score is public. Deal with it.
- A failing candidate could take the test next election cycle and be eligible to run for office upon getting a passing score.
- Tests will be written and administered in a controlled situation. Cell phones, ear pieces and cheat sheets are not allowed.
- Tests will be scored by "blind" panels to ensure fairness and impartiality.
- Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates will take tests individually. If a Presidential Candidate's running mate can't pass the tests, the Presidential Candidate can name another individual, and another and then another... until he/she finds a running mate that can pass these simple tests of competency and psychological fitness.
I realize this won't fly in some of the more backwards states. But there's no harm in having California's Senators and Representatives certified. Just getting a few big states would be enough to tips the scales toward more competent candidates in Federal elections.
Now to those of you saying this can't be done, American's are free, you can't put limits on, blah blah blah. I say Bull Shit. Prop 8 and Prop 1 have just proven that there is no freedom that American's won't vote away if they are interested enough. If citizens can vote away someone's right to marry -- someone they won't even see or meet -- citizens can certainly vote away the right of a corrupt or ignorant politician who will directly affect their lives from campaigning in their state and being listed on their ballots.
If Americans were half as concerned about what their politicians are doing as they are about who I'm married to, they would pass No Politician Left Behind in every state by wide margins. This is a simple idea which everyone on the right and left can support.
PS: Praying before, during or after tests is allowed. Candidates can score extra points if their particular deity shows up at the testing facility with the correct answer to any question.
Next idea for a ballot initiative -- Corporate Death Penalty for corporations who kill citizens for profit. We don't let serial killers run around unchecked... why should we let serial killer corporations run free.