Suggestions for new fines, charges and other changes for the sake of common sense.

[Xander]

Foremost.
#1 Politicians should be fined and possibly jailed if they do not make a good enough try to fulfil their promises made to get elected.
(that'd keep them on their toes!)

[Jack Flak]

An aside: I think hierarchies look much better upside-down, and I become physically aroused when a Top Man gets his just desserts. A la Ken Lay & Jeff Skilling.

[Lateralus]

I think that could only work if politicians were to sign a contract stating their campaign promises, explicitly, before being sworn into office. And even that is iffy.

[EffEmDoubleyou]

I'm in favor. The problem is that most promises are so vaguely worded that it's impossible to definitively say if they've been broken. And who is the authority that gets to decide?

[Xander]

#2 Shops should be fined for everyday they do all christmassy before November.

[Xander]

It's seemed ridiculous to me ever since my SO got involved in local politics that someone can stand and claim that they will do x, y and z only to do a 180 when they're elected and there's nothing you can do about it until next time when usually people have forgotten about it and also your have the six months of good behaviour just beforehand. Surely if some corner shop is bound by law to display sell by dates and ensure that anyone he sells cigarettes to is old enough then someone with such wide impact on their area should be held to a higher standard?

If I were to start selling t-shirts with some picture printed on the front and delivering them with no back to them then I would most likely be pursued for such practices and yet someone elected into the highest office who then betrays all of what they said they were going to do gets nothing more than an increased likelihood of not getting re-elected in a few years.. the whole system just encourages short term gains, dupes and ploys. The only risk is not regaining your job which is inherant in that kind of work anyhow.

[bluebell]

#2 Shops should be fined for everyday they do all christmassy before November.

Oh hell yeah. I was at the mall on the weekend and one of the department stores was already selling Christmas decorations. At least they hadn't actually started playing Christmas carols but I don't think that's too far away. :steam:

[Xander]

Oh hell yeah. I was at the mall on the weekend and one of the department stores was already selling Christmas decorations. At least they hadn't actually started playing Christmas carols but I don't think that's too far away. :steam:
I intend spending large amounts of time driving a milk float around the city center playing "I won't be home for Christmas" from about next week onwards.

They always say when it comes to democracy "there's no point having a voice unless you use it".

I intend to test that theory :devil:

[Falcarius]

Dear, Mr Xander

When you become the new Oliver Cromwell dictator of Great Britain can you fine anyone who wears any type of Burberry apparel in public, whether authentic or feign, because it looks like a picnic rug that someone has just been sick on?

Thanks,

Falcarius Utahensis

[Xander]

Dear, Mr Xander

When you become the new Oliver Cromwell dictator of Great Britain can you fine anyone who wears any type of Burberry apparel in public, whether authentic or feign, because it looks like a picnic rug that someone has just been sick on?

Thanks,

Falcarius Utahensis
Ah a good plan. Who said you were a dinosaur of politics?

I'm sure my brother in law would be mortified to see his clan pattern removed from service but at least then we might see some variation.

[Xander]

#4 (I'm placing burberry as #3)

Those new anti terrorism laws... I see little difference between the acts of terrorism perpetrated by those with political goals and those perpetrated for other means. As such I'd place all acts of hooliganism as subject to the same guidlines and laws as terrorism. Perhaps with a more severe system even the really thick ones will think twice.

[booyalab]

I kind of like that politicians don't get much done in our system. Hitler got A LOT done.

[pure_mercury]

I kind of like that politicians don't get much done in our system. Hitler got A LOT done.

I agree. The last things we need in modern society are MORE rules and regulations.

[Xander]

I kind of like that politicians don't get much done in our system. Hitler got A LOT done.
I believe a more positive comparison would be the Romans. Besides since when does getting things done lead to a dictatorship?
I agree. The last things we need in modern society are MORE rules and regulations.
You've got too many now...

[Xander]

#5 (having altered the title to allow for this) Clothes.

All shops sell clothes based on measurements and not "sizes". No small, medium and large no size 14 (which is never the same between two makes of size 14 anyhow) no shoes with "size 7" printed on them (as if that ever makes any sense). Everything should have the sizes listed and all of them should take the measurement from a generally agreed location (or just accept the French method... it's quicker). Measurements should be listed in metric and imperial (just for those backwards places and anyone over the age of about 25.. well around here anyway).

I also think it would be a marvellous idea that before any shop is allowed to set up or before any brand is allowed within a country the ruling body (which ever it may be) should ensure that that shop or brand does not reinforce elitist "perfect shape" BS on people. If it's a fashion shop fine... what's their problem? Do their clothes look like *#@% on anyone over a size 4?

[Xander]

#6 Cars

It's simple, put all the charges on fuel. Road tax, insurance, etc etc. Why? Because those who drive more or drive excessive cars are more likely to cause damage to the road, get involved in accidents (or when they do make them really cataclysmic) etc.

It's daft that the richer you are the better deals you get on insurance and such... your car is a 12 litre supercharged monstrosity and yet the only thing you get told off about is emmisions... never mind your drinking a lake per mile. Plus nationalising insurance might stop it being the only legalised form of robbery and mob racket left.

[Gen]

#5 (having altered the title to allow for this) Clothes.

All shops sell clothes based on measurements and not "sizes". No small, medium and large no size 14 (which is never the same between two makes of size 14 anyhow) no shoes with "size 7" printed on them (as if that ever makes any sense). Everything should have the sizes listed and all of them should take the measurement from a generally agreed location (or just accept the French method... it's quicker). Measurements should be listed in metric and imperial (just for those backwards places and anyone over the age of about 25.. well around here anyway).

I also think it would be a marvellous idea that before any shop is allowed to set up or before any brand is allowed within a country the ruling body (which ever it may be) should ensure that that shop or brand does not reinforce elitist "perfect shape" BS on people. If it's a fashion shop fine... what's their problem? Do their clothes look like *#@% on anyone over a size 4?

:steam:
...and all the food sold shall be healthy food, and all the games for sale shall be wholesome games (no guns!), and all the songs made shall be happy songs...

[Jack Flak]

#6 Cars

It's simple, put all the charges on fuel. Road tax, insurance, etc etc. Why? Because those who drive more or drive excessive cars are more likely to cause damage to the road, get involved in accidents (or when they do make them really cataclysmic) etc.

Not that simple. Taxes have to be adjusted for income. There's hardly anyone left who disagrees with that. *coughStevForbescough*

[Xander]

:steam:
...and all the food sold shall be healthy food, and all the games for sale shall be wholesome games (no guns!), and all the songs made shall be happy songs...
:huh:

That's just not sensible... denial of human nature and all that..
Not that simple. Taxes have to be adjusted for income. There's hardly anyone left who disagrees with that. *coughStevForbescough*
Road tax is purely based on the cars age and emissions. Oddly regardless of how far you drive it.

[Xander]

#7 Driving License.

Why one earth is it more difficult to get a bike license than a car license?

A bike rider takes their own life into their hands a lot more than a car driver.. it's certainly less likely to mow a path through a crowd of people.

Make care licenses harder to get, why should driving a car be a right after all? Those who don't pass will then have the option of either public transport (which will have more road space and more customers due to less car drivers) or they can get a bike if they think it's worth the risk and quite frankly if they don't then obviously they don't need a car.

Counter to this there should be some kind of reduction in the test if the person is trying to pass in a car set up for disabilities and such. Perhaps a license which only applies to automatics and is governed to do no more than say 50mph.

This whole "here's your license and now you can go buy that Dodge Viper and kill people" approach is ridiculous.

Perhaps that'd be another facet to add, increasing difficulties of test for increasing "grades" of car. For example only allow those who have passed advanced tests and perhaps have some track time to drive high performance cars. After all you wouldn't put a Cesna pilot straight in a Tomcat with no kind of learning curve, why change it for cars?

[booyalab]

I believe a more positive comparison would be the Romans. Besides since when does getting things done lead to a dictatorship?


Because contrary to what they would have you believe, politicians don't want everyone to be happy and live in harmony, they want power. It's just that promising people what they want to hear is the most effective way to get it.

[Jack Flak]

"People don't want peace. They want victory." --Noam Chomsky, unless he was quoting someone else. It should be posted in every thread about politics. Feel free.

[booyalab]

I don't completely agree with that quote. I don't think most wars are started because someone likes the process of war. Otherwise surrender wouldn't be considered a desirable thing by the attacking party.

[Xander]

Because contrary to what they would have you believe, politicians don't want everyone to be happy and live in harmony, they want power. It's just that promising people what they want to hear is the most effective way to get it.
And that doesn't make you think that they should be held to higher standards and subject to more than a slap on the rist and some bad press if things go wrong?

[Xander]

#8 Children.

Okay so the problem with children seems to be getting worse. Even if it isn't it's about time it was addressed.

Now my first response to this problem was one of a simple line in the sand. The child can act up and cause vandalism or threaten people up until a point. Then you simply shoot them. Problem solved? Well no because you'd be bound to get some bleeding heart whittering on about how little Jonny was such a nice boy and had only beaten up on 5 grannies that weekend because his friends told him to do so. They'd moan even more if you accepted this and shot his mates too.

Another solution crossed my mind, should a child proove too much for their parents then simply remove them and then neuter the parents. Problem solved.

The thing is, as I see it of course, is that people are instilled with this idea that they have rights to things and can take things for granted. I read somewhere that people aren't free. Their freedoms have been paid for by the blood of others and so they are not free until their debt is paid back. Though I can see someone thinking that they're doing a sterling job of that at the moment by drinking at the age of twelve and having their first permanent scar by thirteen.

At what point does someone cause too much harm and aggrovation? Does the right to "make amends" and "improve" last forever regardless of what you do or is there a cut off point where society says no more? Is there a point where by your own actions you have cost yourself the 'right' to try to redeem yourself?

I mean I don't intend discussing the finer points of the death penalty, I always thought it was barbaric to display such things the way they do, but I do challenge this position that people take where no matter what you do, no matter how many people are injured or die by your hands you still deserve to live. I'm quite sure that at many points in all countries this wasn't so. Is it so "developed" of us to do this or is it more us persuading ourselves that we're better people by doing it... so we can sleep better at night.

[bluemonday]

Bring back the workhouse, so I say.

[Eldanen]

:steam:
...and all the food sold shall be healthy food, and all the games for sale shall be wholesome games (no guns!), and all the songs made shall be happy songs...

Oh hell no.

YouTube - Lady In Black - Uriah Heep (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOtv4kN-PAs)

[Xander]

Bring back the workhouse, so I say.
Forcible conscription as punishment would be hillarious... and possibly a complete disaster too... imagine all the thugs being converted to trained thugs with a new chip on their shoulder!!

[IlyaK1986]

As much as power in the hands of the people may be a nice thing in theory, most people are stupid. This is why the bottom 90% of Americans only control 10% of the country's wealth.

How much power do we want to vest in the hands of the imbeciles?

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

[Xander]

As much as power in the hands of the people may be a nice thing in theory, most people are stupid. This is why the bottom 90% of Americans only control 10% of the country's wealth.

How much power do we want to vest in the hands of the imbeciles?

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
I would refine that slightly if I may.

Never underestimate the power of large groups of people to be stupid.

:newwink:

[kuranes]

Fine people who are double parked, and believe that they shouldn't be subject to the rules of having to schlep shopping bags full of groceries ( or whatever ) out to their spot on the lot, or street, and so blocking a lane instead.

Fine people making a big racket in places that are traditionally associated with being quiet refuges, like libraries, or bookstore reading nooks.

Fine people who act as speed limit enforcers in the fast lane by driving slowly there.

Consider humiliation as a punishment for some criminals, versus making them stay in a confined space for awhile.

Take all the people in cushy jobs who write columns on "Careers" for the local newspapers, and who offer such cutting edge advice gems as "try to work things out with your boss, versus openly complaining or going to HR", or "It's best to match your career with your interests and abilities" and throw them into a pit together where for two weeks they must struggle with one another for scraps.

Force infomercial people to use their own products, and make Billy Mays listen to a tape loop of his commercials at higher than usual volume over and over. Over and over. People with obnoxiously folksy voices used on ads will be forced to listen to ice cream truck jingles for days on end.

Make news program strategists chase after a car holding keys to handcuffs they are forced to wear, or via some other incentive. Let them think they are getting close to the car, and then move it a ways down the road, like the teasers they use to make one stay tuned in to their mostly insipid programs.

Gather school bullies together in a ring and make them fight one another for the pleasure of the crowd, who were formerly tormented by them. There won't be a strenuous effort made to make sure the bullies are evenly matched, and in some cases it will be a donnybrook of many people. ( I've always wanted to use "donnybrook" in a sentence. )

Place all the people whose standard response to people wanting change is to use the word "whining" and put them in jobs with contradictory demands that cannot be questioned due to the "politics" of being given even worse jobs if they demur. When this gets old, have them "multi-tasking" at ever increasing speeds, which at first are funny, like Lucy Arnaz on the pie box assembly line; and then they will get less funny, with shocks being administered with mistakes...but on an intermittent basis.

[Xander]

Fine people who are double parked, and believe that they shouldn't be subject to the rules of having to schlep shopping bags full of groceries ( or whatever ) out to their spot on the lot, or street, and so blocking a lane instead.
May I add 'shoot the one's who sit there signaling whilst waiting for the guy they just saw leave the store to get in and drive off instead of just looking for another space like everyone else'?
Fine people making a big racket in places that are traditionally associated with being quiet refuges, like libraries, or bookstore reading nooks.
And those who think that by shouting their beliefs to passers by that they are in anyway persuading people to believe as they do and stop grumbling?
Fine people who act as speed limit enforcers in the fast lane by driving slowly there.
Oddly enough we're told over here by the police that a sensible speed to aim for when joining a busy motorway is roughly 10mph over the speed limit!!
Consider humiliation as a punishment for some criminals, versus making them stay in a confined space for awhile.
Glass prisons perhaps?
Force infomercial people to use their own products, and make Billy Mays listen to a tape loop of his commercials at higher than usual volume over and over. Over and over. People with obnoxiously folksy voices used on ads will be forced to listen to ice cream truck jingles for days on end.
I long for the day where cosmetics state on them "tested on the idiots who buy this stuff"!
( I've always wanted to use "donnybrook" in a sentence. )
I'd ask how on earth you knew the word but after a few reads through a dictionary whilst young I can see where you get this from :whistling:


Excellent suggestions K.
Ta.

[IlyaK1986]

I would refine that slightly if I may.

Never underestimate the power of large groups of people to be stupid.

:newwink:

Indeed!

[Xander]

#9 Fan sites

These should be outlawed and enforced with hefty fines and prison sentences if someone breaches this law to create or post on one.

Such places are only really denizens of poor english and insipid thinking. As long as they continue to exist then culture as a whole will drain away and be replaced with people who think that "eva" is a word.

[nolla]

The neo nazis should be tattooed all black.

[Xander]

The neo nazis should be tattooed all black.
Efficiency is the name of the game... just shoot them and dump them in a large hole. Problem solved. Let those with too much time on their hands sit there and wonder about if they'd have been useful at some point during their lives whilst the rest of us stop wondering and get on with the job in hand.