MISSOURI WATCH: WOULD LIFE REALLY BE SO BAD IF...

Would life really be so bad if ...

... Only citizens who proved they had minimal knowledge of the U.S. Constitution could vote in federal elections?

... Citizens voting on constitutional questions would be tested to prove they understood the issue being presented?

... Candidates seeking important public offices were prohibited from spending any money to advance their election?

... Political parties were denied the right to engage in partisan statements that demeaned their opposition?

... Promises made during political campaigns were required to be accompanied by insured performance bonds?

... Candidates for President and Governor were required to put in writing their platforms, pledges and all promises?

... In order to vote, citizens must spend at least one day a year performing public service?

... Candidates for federal and state legislatures were forbidden from running as members of a political party?

... Salaries of all elected public offices would be determined by public referendum?

... Laws enacted by federal and state legislatures could be challenged through the initiative referendum process?

... No new taxes, either direct or indirect, could be enacted without receiving approval from a majority of voters?

... All media requiring government licenses would be required to permit free and equal time to all candidates?

... Print media would be required to give equal public service space at lowest contract rates to all candidates?

... Any government decision affecting half the governed must be reviewed by an appropriate court before enforcement?

... No foreign military action could be carried out without prior approval of Congress?

... Members of Congress and state legislatures would be seated alphabetically and not by political party?

... Presidents would be prohibited from engaging in any activity promoting a political party?

... Missouri's non-partisan judicial selection plan would became the law of the land?

... No public authority would be entitled to condemn private property unless agreed to by owners?

... Neither tax rates nor assessments could be increased by any public authority without a majority vote?

... Actions of all elected officials would be reviewed each year, with successes and failures distributed to the public?

... Salary review board members would be elected representatives of the public?

... Reviews of all state constitutions would be required every 10 years by elected public members?

... Federal and state court decisions would be reviewed automatically by appellate courts to determine fairness?

... Pensions paid all elected officials could not exceed Social Security payments during the same period of service?

... Proposed federal and state legislation must include stockholders for excessive salaries and bonuses to its officers?

... Reasonable salary ceilings would be set by law for professional athletes, actors and other entertainers?

... Persons convicted of serious crimes would be required to serve both prison terms and perform public service?

... All public agencies would be prohibited from inducing citizens to participate in games of chance?

... A share of gambling profits would be allocated to provide assistance to needy citizens?

... For-profit hospitals and medical groups would be required to provide negotiated amounts of services to the poor?

... Six months of public service would be required from all physically able men and women upon reaching age 18?

... Children would be guaranteed full support from both parents, even if divorced, until age of maturity?

... All federal and state special interest legislation and special tax gifts would be prohibited?

... Citizens endangering the lives of others by reckless behavior shall be charged with crimes that could have occurred?

... Motorists operating motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol would be cited for involuntary manslaughter?

... Private schools and colleges would no longer be granted real estate tax exemptions?

... Tax refunds shall be returned to citizens on the basis of all taxes paid and not one specific fund?

... Politicians shall not exercise the right to refer to themselves in the third person?

... The public may initiate remedies to recover the cost of failed projects or programs of sponsoring officials?

... TV stations would be prohibited from programming sitcoms that have been broadcast at least five times previously?

... Children will be required to study at least as long as they waste aimlessly driving nowhere?

... Teachers would be required to read the textbook for each class they teach?

... Phone salesmen for insurance and magazines who interrupt meals shall be required to wash the dinner's dishes?

... Car salesmen who shout on TV commercials will be promptly shot at sunrise?

... Waiters who greet you upon entering a restaurant are forbidden to say, "Our specials for tonight are ...?"

... Columnists, including this one, who make suggestions for improving society would be required to comply with each and every remedy they propose?

~Jack Stapleton of Kennett is the editor of Missouri News and Editorial Service.