What would you do if you were in the Rada?

[jone]

Imagine that you have just been elected to the Rada with a substantial majority and you are charged with both keeping the peace (without Russian intervention) and advancing a new standard for government in Ukraine?  What would be your legislative initiatives?

Here are a couple of mine:

1.  Insure that Yulia Tymoshenko does not regain power.

2.  Establish an independent verification committee that reviews finances of all political candidates - and publicly posts both assets and income.  Anyone caught lying is immediately banned from holding public office.

3.  Reach out to both the Kremlin and the European Union to open dialogue so as not to alienate either group.

What are yours and what do you think of mine?

[lonedrake]

 I would establish the 2nd amendment into the constitution.

[Noch1]

Jone, I like your concept.

But maybe better to do that in baby steps, That does not happen in other country in the world and now you want Ukraine to lead the world with it. Yes corrupt politicians should go.
But if you get rid of all of them the first day, who runs the country?

[pokerintherear]

Jone you already made the first mistake which leads to failed leadership. You are worried about an individual. If things are set-up correctly your problem takes care of itself.

They have an opportunity to make things right. Its all about power being limited by checks and balances. They can look around the world and see country's who's governments work. It would be smart to follow a framework that works for the people and not individuals.

If they were all men of integrity they could start the process tomorrow.

[jone]

There is always much to consider.  But Tymoshenko is an overwhelming influence coupled with a personality cult.  You either love her or you hate her. 

For over half the country:  They hate her. 

So the first order of business, according to me as a new legislator, is not to put someone in power that over half the country hates.

As to the new ethics and disclosure laws, the current political group is already elected so they will not have to disclose before the next election cycle.

What good are laws if they have no teeth and are not obeyed?

[Muzh]

I would do what Putin did.
 
Send and invitation to all the oligarchs via SBU teams and gather them together under one roof. Then calmly explain that their life is on borrowed time and their behavior will determine how long they will enjoy their earnings.
 
And then, keep your promise.

[ghost of moon goddess]

To field new faces and disqualify 'tainted' personalities from standing as candidates in the elections of the government of national unity, the so-called Kolo of national confidence set a number of criteria the individuals standing for election must meet.

http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_02_25/Ukraine-Maidan-activists-formulate-criteria-for-members-of-national-confidence-govt-2035/

[Faux Pas]

Ukraine would be much better served with inexperienced politicians than trying to run a government with corrupt ones. I wish the U.S. had an opportunity to rid itself of the corrupt ones. There would be zero experience in any branch 

[JayH]

Special division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs "Berkut" eliminated. acting on it Interior Minister Arsen Avakov wrote in his blog on the "Ukrainian Truth". "signed a decree number 144 dated 25 February 2014" On liquidation of special police units of public safety "Golden Eagle", - he said. Avakov details promised to sound at a briefing on Wednesday, February 26. As you know, the disbanding of Special Forces "Berkut", which is put against the protesters was a requirement Yevromaydanu.

[JayH]

http://focus.ua/kiev/298708/

he U.S. has sent to Kiev Marines to protect embassy

U.S. embassy in Kiev
U.S. embassy in Kiev Photo: wt2010.info
Today, 10:18




U.S. Marines sent to Kiev to enhance the security of the U.S. Embassy

This was reported by the State Department spokesman Jen Psak, wrote " Voice of America ".

She did not specify how many Marines arrived in the Ukrainian capital, stressing only that the security of American employees worldwide is a priority for the State Department.

Psak also reported that on Tuesday, February 25, at Kiev "to consult and assess the situation," U.S. Undersecretary of State arrived William Burns. He has held several meetings with Ukrainian politicians, including acting president Alexander Turchinov.

In general, the spokesman said the U.S. has supported the idea of ​​negotiations with Kiev International Monetary Fund about financial aid, however, according to Washington, we must first assess the economic situation and the needs of Ukraine.

[Bee Farmer]

I like jone's idea of financial transparency of politicians.

I also agree with lonedrake about the need for the right to bear arms.  As Mao Zedong said, "Political power grows from the barrel of a gun."  I've heard reports that the real reason the police abandoned their posts was because the opposition protesters had seized 1500 guns from an armory in Lviv and were headed back to Kiev.  The police realized the protesters would be fighting back, and decided it wasn't worth the price.

I hope the Ukrainian citizens do not forget that valuable lesson.  It keeps politicians honest when citizens have guns, and aren't afraid to use them.

But guns, financial transparency, the rule of law, etc are not enough.  There is only ONE thing that matters.  And until this one single issue is addressed, there will always be riots, civil unrest, etc.

You have to create a middle class.  As long as you have wealthy oligarchs and mass poverty, with nothing in between, you are going to have major problems.

There is a very simple way to create a middle class in Ukraine.  America did it in the 1800's.  Simply use the American system as a template.

America had tons of poor immigrants, and massive amounts of unproductive lands.  So America homesteaded land to anyone willing to improve the land.  Americans got 160 acres.

If I was in the Rada and had the support, I would take some of the publicly owned lands, and set up a homesteading program.  All citizens over 18 could apply for a lottery.  If their name was drawn, they get to pick an available 60 hectare parcel of ground.  After 4 years of improving the land, it belongs to them.  (If they do not improve the land, it is forfeited back to the state, and that parcel is placed back into the lottery again.)  Once citizens own the land after 4 years, they will have the collateral and can mortgage the land to buy better farm machinery, etc.

Within 10 years, you would have a rapidly growing middle class with enough financial clout to be a real political force.  The wealth is spread out among enough people that it is difficult for politicians to be too dishonest and corrupt.

This plan would also allow the Ukrainian people to decide their own future, instead of foreign nations treating Ukraine like pawns on a chessboard.

Giving land to citizens and giving them the opportunity to build a better future would endear politicians unto the citizens - a guaranteed lifetime reelection.

Ukraine has the rich farmlands.  Commodity prices continue to increase.  Ukraine has the large labor pool and enough poor citizens who would jump at the opportunity to own their own land and become a farmer.  (When I was in Ukraine, a tour guide said that prior to the Russian occupation, it was every Ukrainian farmer's dream to own a piece of land to farm and raise a family on.  She also said that Ukraine resisted collective farming more than any other Soviet state.)

That's what I would do if I was in Rada.

That and default on all government debts.  Declare bankruptcy, and start fresh.  Yes, there will be short-term economic pain, but it will be better than the long-term economic pain of being saddled with even more debt.

[JayH]

Not my own work-- but quoted from someone on the spot-thought it is worth reading.


today at 9:27 pm
Constructive appeal lawyers and jurists to the Supreme attorneys and lawyers to Parliament 02/27/2014 We, the lawyers and the lawyers of Ukraine, appealing to all who believe that our country should be rule of law, where human rights and freedoms and their guarantees determine the essence and orientation of the state. many of us recent months and weeks have made ​​significant efforts to overthrow the regime, which neglected human rights and the rule of law. No small number of lawyers defending the law in court maydanivtsiv helped the wounded, guarded the hospital, built barricades and even fought with criminal defense officials. We fought for the right of return to Ukraine and the law. Seemingly, after winning our goal was to get closer. Unfortunately, we have to state that the rule of law in the last days were lost again. Corporate orgy that commit MPs from the "opposition" and repainted supporters missing nedodyktatora, makes us right and righteous indignation. Contents acts hastily accepts the Supreme Council, and how their decision is not just an expression of legal nihilism, it's a real denial of the right itself. opaque distribution of ministerial portfolios looks disgusting. Nefarious separation of chair when not buried heroes of the square, is a manifestation of the animal nature of Ukrainian politicians that voracious rushed to the vacant seats at a power trough. : We can not calmly watch this. It is impossible to build a rule of law on the foundation of mass violations of the Constitution and laws. Such explicit antypravovyh pillars, which now lay starving for power and brazen impunity of "winners" can only build the same mafia banana republic in which we live the years. psevdonarodnye gathering of the elect, appointing ministers, even trying to accommodate the interests of the people to ask the opinion of concerned populations, to assess the suitability of candidates for senior positions that require education, experience and skills. Neither of the candidates did not even try to express their vision of the future work, they do not require any action plans and outline prospects. Such personnel policies will result in the ultimate destruction of public administration. believe that this selection of managers that need to perform complex managerial functions of governance is not just unacceptable, and is criminal. So do only those who care about the future of Ukraine. demand a public discussion of candidates for future management and comprehensive assessment of their professional and human qualities. We understand that the government is formed, there is a temporary, but it is announced as a "technical government" is composed of unbiased professionals and will function without political affiliation to certain parties. Unfortunately, the reality does not match again promises and lies is a favorite political tool. Consequently, if current politicians want to be different from the "predecessor", they must change their approach to forming a government. Each prospective minister and other high-ranking official to be presented to the public and professional communities, including and for whom he will work. Chairman of the Department of Health should be recognized by doctors as a man who understands the organization and provision of health services. Minister responsible for construction should be a builder. Minister of Justice, of course, must be experienced professional lawyer, lawyers acknowledged. Only under such conditions, the heads of the highest authorities have trust, will earn credibility and properly perform their work for the government of Ukraine. hope for your understanding. Dmitry Nazarets, attorney Arkady Bushchenko,

[Shadow]

1. Transfer an amount of USD 5 million for future costs.
2. Call all business associates to get a percentage of their contracts
3. Ensure a swift escape route
4. Suggest to talk with USA, EU and Russia to see who can make the best offer.
5. Inform in China if they can do better.

[Ranetka]

0.

[Bee Farmer]

Putin is trying to justify the invasion of Crimea to protect Russian speakers because they have been turned into "second class" citizens with the restoration of the 1994 constitution making Ukrainian the official language.

If I was in Rada, I would pass legislation making both Ukrainian and Russian the official languages of Ukraine.  This would show solidarity, and ensure that the Russian speaking Ukrainians are viewed equally with Ukrainian speaking Ukrainians - that no matter if a Ukrainian speaks Russian or Ukrainian, they are both Ukrainian.  It would show solidarity, rather than being divisive.

This is a simple solution that would negate much of Putin's justification for protecting the Russian speaking Ukrainians.  I think this is a much better idea than civil war or brothers fighting brothers.

[Muzh]

Putin is trying to justify the invasion of Crimea to protect Russian speakers because they have been turned into "second class" citizens with the restoration of the 1994 constitution making Ukrainian the official language.

If I was in Rada, I would pass legislation making both Ukrainian and Russian the official languages of Ukraine.  This would show solidarity, and ensure that the Russian speaking Ukrainians are viewed equally with Ukrainian speaking Ukrainians - that no matter if a Ukrainian speaks Russian or Ukrainian, they are both Ukrainian.  It would show solidarity, rather than being divisive.

This is a simple solution that would negate much of Putin's justification for protecting the Russian speaking Ukrainians.  I think this is a much better idea than civil war or brothers fighting brothers.

If you really believe that, then my friend I have this brand new shiny bridge for sale.

[Bee Farmer]

I really believe what I wrote.

I really believe you don't comprehend what I wrote.

I really believe folks who post on forums under the influence of alcohol make fools of themselves.

[Muzh]

I really believe what I wrote.

I really believe you don't comprehend what I wrote.

I really believe folks who post on forums under the influence of alcohol make fools of themselves.

Absolutely.
 
Put the bottle down and walk away.

[Shadow]

If you really believe that, then my friend I have this brand new shiny bridge for sale.

Yeah lets remove English as official language in California as most speak Spanish.

[Muzh]

Yeah lets remove English as official language in California as most speak Spanish.

What was that supposed to be? Funny?
 
Trust me, I can be funnier than you, Mein Herr.