Dumbo

I propose a positive program embodied in five new amendments to the United States Constitution, a "New American Bill of Rights." I hope that people from all political perspectives might accept these new "Rights."

New American Bill of Rights

Health Care - Every person living in the United States has the right to basic health care. This means providing the treatment reasonably necessary to prevent and cure diseases and injuries to the body or mind, with respect and compassion. If a cure is not reasonably available, then care shall be provided to sustain the patient free of pain, in dignity and comfort. This care shall be provided at public expense if not otherwise available.

Opportunity - Every citizen in every region of the United States who obeys the law and works hard has the right to economic opportunity for them and their children. No law shall be enacted by the United States or the several states which give any person or corporation, foreign or domestic, any economic advantage at the expense of other citizens. Laws designed to redress historic social and economic disadvantages are encouraged and shall be reviewed periodically to insure that they are effective in carrying out their remedial objectives. Laws restricting or taxing specific activities which are designed to promote the health, safety and welfare of the people are permitted and shall be reviewed periodically to ensure that they continue to promote their stated goals.

Education - Every person living in the United States shall have the right to a basic education which trains them in independent life skills, the duties of a citizen and for basic employment. Every citizen of the United States has the right to be trained for employment to which their abilities and aptitudes are best suited and for which there is a demand in their region.

Unequal Influence in Government - Every citizen of the United States has the right to participate equally in the selection of elected officials and other public choices made by way of initiate, referendum and recall in the United Sates and the several states. No decision process shall be permitted which allows any greater participation to citizens who have substantially more resources than other citizens involved in that decision process. Only United States citizens and not corporations or other persons, shall participate in decision processes. All candidates for election and participants in other choices shall have equal access to all communications media.

Undeclared Conflicts - The people of the United States shall be free from undeclared military conflicts. The President and Congress of the United States shall not engage in any substantial hostile military activities unless War has been declared according to law. There shall be a grace period of thirty days after the commencement of defensive military activities during which the President may direct defensive military action. No funds of the United States shall be expended unless a state of war has been declared, and no member of the Armed Forces shall be punished for declining to participate in military activities without a declaration of war except during a defensive grace period.

The media might have a problem with equal access.

Think about the number of candidates in the California recall. How do you differentiate between a serious candidate and a not-so-serious candidate?

I think as a part of a TV station's license, they should be required to donate so many minutes of air time to elections. I just don't know how they could divvy it out fairly.

but Republicans might think we would be too free.