OpenGov - Open Government Brainstorm

Indeed!

If the nation hopes to succeed in the 21st Century we need to concentrate more authority in the hands of the Federal Government. Not a great deal more then what we currently have, but more fact based policy guidance from above.

Individual states and economies will find it difficult to compete on a Global scale if policies and goals are scattered and uncoordinated.

Examples of this trend in other places in the Globe:

The European Union

ASCEAN

The African Union

The Gulf Cooperation Council

Larger bodies of governance and cooperation among members is what we need in order to compete in the 21st century.

I have to disagree with SchublaKhan. Given all of those entities listed, the US is still the economic superpower. And if the federal government didn't meddle in things it should not, the current economic downturn probably would not have happenned.

I agree, we are still the economic superpower, but the EU will soon be a contender and the GCC has been moving rapidly up the GDP rankings albeit because of oil sales.

We've just had bad government for the past couple of decades. If we actually had coordinated, fact driven government and policies, then the Government could become the most effective and efficient entity.

I semi- agree with SchublaKhan that local goverments won't be able to coordinate and compete on a international level. However, states have drastically differing opinions (for instance, Massachussettes vs. Mississippi) and yet the same federal laws apply to both. Issues like Marijuana reform and abortion are constantly trapped in limbo. State government is built from the ground up. The Federal government has positions filled, through lobbying, investment, etc. with people from the "too big to fail" institutions. One need only look at the Federal Reserve to see how bankers move in and out its revolving doors to control monetary policy.

The Federal Government is too far from the Single Person to be humane about how it rules.

The federal government will thus give birth to a tyrant, if given too much power.

It's a simple concept really. Quit spewing such nonsense and learn to conserve the serenity of local scenes. Americans in Hawaii sure wouldn't know what is best for Americans in Alaska and that is why state sovereignty exists.

What the ancient Mongolian suggests is nothing short of debunking the local state and making America a state, of some global neighborhood offspring.

Is the EU catching up, or are we knocking our selves down to their size by implementing such a bloated, overbearing government?

For true economic prosperity, one must be free to make money (without stealing), and then KEEP said money. An individual is much better at managing his/her affairs than anyone else, even the "all knowing, all wise" congress.