HardSchell Report

Here’s an Idea! Let any adult citizen, with energy, ideas and honesty, campaign for office. Reduce the influence of mega donors and special interests from the political system. Campaigns financed publicly, rather than by an oligarch or oil company have advantages for democracy. Public Campaign Financing Focus on the Issues:Done right, it could reduce quid pro quo agreements (favors for money) and the appearance of corruption. Eligible candidates are not dependent on oligarchs, or special interests and can spend less . . .

Our Options Option #1: 25th Amendment (Section 4) Option #2: Impeachment and Conviction in Congress Option #3: Wait for the voters in 2026 2026 is pivotal: it may be the last major electoral opportunity before the power imbalance becomes harder to reverse. (Assuming we don’t have a sudden “emergency” and elections are canceled.) Best Opportunity There are significant obstacles: In Summary Overcoming Trump’s autocratic tendencies via 2026 electoral wins is possible, but not automatic. The path is narrow and fraught. . . .

We have real challenges with Climate Change, Affordable Housing, too many living in poverty, labor shortages, and immigration reform. Don’t forget the murky future with AI coming on strong. The president has a lot of power but theoretically so do the voters. We should demand that the important issues are the ones worked on. The following, not needed: The following, need attention: Poverty: The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) for 2023 according to Congress.gov indicates a US poverty rate of 12.9%, . . .

Right of Asylum Under the right of asylum, people who are fleeing persecution or serious human rights violations in their home country have the right to seek protection in other countries. This right is recognized under international law and also in the United States, through the Refugee Act of 1980. Recent Trump policies have placed restrictions on those seeking asylum at the border. These restrictions have faced legal challenges, as some argue they contradict established asylum law and may force . . .

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is the primary amendment addressing freedom, guaranteeing freedoms of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition. It prohibits Congress from establishing a religion or hindering its free exercise, and it also protects the right to express oneself, including through the press, and to assemble peacefully. Additionally, the First Amendment ensures the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.  But: we need some order The concept of ordered liberty describes a balance . . .

Job Description: US President Article II of the United States Constitution establishes the executive branch of the federal government and defines the role of the President The president shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and . . .

Dictatorships do not have open elections, have curtailed civil liberties, rule is by decree, opposition is not allowed and often include a cult of personality. Dictators can emerge in a variety of situations.  Dictators need money to operate and maintain control.