The National Initiative for Democracy:

The National Initiative for Democracy is a movement that proposes to change the US Government by introducing a Constitutional amendment that would add a 4th layer to our checks and balance system.

This proposed extra layer would be a "legislature of the people" who would act as another layer of "eyes" to make sure the people's will is done.

Former Senator Mike Gravel (D-Alaska) supports it, as does Ralph Nader. This is a cause that has been developing, evidently, over the last decade, and it appears to be one of Mike Gravel's central issues (#3 onhis website under issues after Iraq and Iran) in his run for The Presidency.

The question is, do we live in a Democracy?

Of course we don't. We live in a Republic. This was how the Constitution was written.

So should we change that?

I think not. I believe that our problem is the people we choose to run the government, not the setup itself.

If we start voting on the issues directly, why even have a congress? Wouldn't people vote on some issues, and not others, which would give us an incomplete portrait of our values and culture.

Would the congress be forced to write laws that laymen could understand (that actually sounds good to me?)

What about a bill with several sub-bills? Could we start accusing our neighbors of voting for it before they voted against it?

It sounds like their motivation is noble. I don't think this is an effort by the left to "permanently take government over."

I just think they're wrong, that's all.

We have a chance to do this every 2, 4, and 6 years. We need to challenge more people to take advantage of this opportunity, not add another layer of confusion.

I generally Like Mike Gravel (he supports The Fair Tax for one), but on this one, I do believe he's wrong.

The Fair Tax: Why Won't Republicans Support It

Its fair to say that we need more debates. We have enough candidates to choose from, and I don’t think many people who hadn’t decided who they support before the debates were convinced. I think that’s good.

It’s okay if you have a chosen a candidate to support, as well, but not all of us have made up our mind yet. I’ve got a feeling candidates aren’t done throwing their hat in the ring for 2008, so maybe I’ll keep my options open.

As many of you know, I am a supporter of the Fair Tax. Governor Huckabee mentioned his support for the Fair Tax tonight, as did Governor Tancredo. Senator Mike Gravel has also pledged his support for the Fair Tax.

I did some quick research on these three candidates to see more of their thoughts.

I had trouble finding Mike Huckabee’s official website. A Google search revealed his exploratory site, and some fan pages, but no “official” Huckabee for president site. Weird! Let me know if I’m wrong

Anyway, none of these pages mention the Fair Tax, and his exploratory site mentions signing the No-Tax pledge, but this isn’t the Fair Tax

Governor Tancredo does appear to have an official site. It states that he supports either a flat tax or a national sales tax, but does not mention the Fair Tax

Senator Mike Gravel, however does support the Fair Tax, on his official site. Its on the 2nd line of his issues, on the front page.

I did some research to see Rep Ron Paul’s position. There is no official position, but from what I’ve read, he won’t support it because its revenue neutral. His supporters should explain to him that this is a tax that you choose to pay, so it can be a tax cut if you want it to be.. Its your decision, and I think he could respect that

So, a Democrat is the only major Candidate that specifically supports the Fair Tax. Why is that? This is a conservative idea, but conservatives won’t support it.

Is this a case of another Democrat who’s willing to step up, and actually address the issue with ideas, while Republicans scramble for wiggle room? I think it is, and it’s why I don’t generally vote Republican.

One of many, many reasons!!