System way beyond the point of diminishing returns

Election time is probably not the best time to raise the issue, but the US federal electoral system is not only failing America but it has negative impacts the rest of the world too. The problem, in the 21st century, is that the presidential/congressional system is simply too cumbersome in a fast paced world.

This is becomes patently obvious when the US election cycle and economic crisis have collided, bringing the US economy, among others, to the brink. Washington has been unable to address the rapidly unfolding events in a timely manner and voters have only a semblance of democracy to respond with.

Fair enough we non-US democracies have had some scary moments from our own various elected leader, particularly attempts to hand the lot over to the corporations, but there have been sufficient restraints to save us.

In part those restraints include reactive parliamentary systems, where given the right triggers even party discipline will break down to curb a governments excesses. Given sufficient impetus that extends as far as forcing a government and a parliament back to the people. It doesn’t happen often, but it is an ever present option.

But then I expect the problem goes deeper than a cumbersome electoral system, designed to dampen reaction. Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’ was probably as close as the US has ever come to a welfare system, and FDR is still remarked on as some kind of communist. The US have long been under the influence of a pure market driven economy.

Even when the Bush admin had their greatest influence on Australia, under the unremarkable John Howard’s governments, there was only ever going to be a limited diminution of this countries mixed economic approach, and the worst excesses of the period are now being modified or simply withering on the vine.

Despite accusations over the years, I don’t consider myself particularly leftish, and I know those on the left don’t consider me a fellow traveler. I do detest outright conservatism, traditional and modern. Our economic and social responses should be ‘pragmatic’, that is addressing the current issues to ensure the very best outcomes.

Ok, there is no corporate profit, not political trade off in that kind of approach; which makes it, to my mind, desperately urgent to adopt it. I believe we non-US democracies are streets ahead in this game, but I wouldn’t be on my own in believing we are far from the ideal situation.

The US electoral system is failing to deliver for the people, it is now way beyond the point of diminishing returns. Patches aren’t going to do the job now, it needs major surgery. I wonder if the innovative nation is really up to thechallenge.