Mary

We have the right to vote, state our opinions, disagree with the government and each other. We have the right to make and enforce laws that try to guarantee fairness. Many people in the world don't have these rights. We take them for granted.

People don't bother to vote, don't bother to discuss and understand issures. I think that, in part, they are put off by negativity and hypocrisy among the politicians. But, in this day and age, it is also difficult and time consuming to get and analyze facts. One example: some corporations and rich people have succeeded in touting the phrase "job-killing taxes". (Succeeded by spending lots of money in the effort.) The conversation is not about what we can afford or what is FAIR, but this myth that taxes are always bad. Tax rates now are very low for high earners and in light of the deficit, that is irresponsible.

1) pass law to reveal donors to political ads and anything else that could combat the disastrous Citizens United ruling
2) pass redistricting reform
3) raise the level of discourse, especially on taxes. I don't know how to do this except by giving money to nonpartisan groups like League of Women Voters and Common Cause.

Yes - get out the facts. Tax rates are so much lower now than they were before 1980. The recession started in 2007 when the Bush tax cuts were in full spring.
Also, the debate can't be about big vs small government. It has to be about good and big enough government. If there is a natural or terrorism disaster, we expect gov't to help. I want a gov't big enough and honest enough to protect me from businesses that pollute, sell tainted food, bring down the financial system, etc. Ask Tea Party people what part of that they are willing to take care of by themselves.