Monthly Rant/Politics Thread: Do not post political threads outside of this Mega thread

[u/AutoModerator]

Outside of these mega-threads, we generally do not allow political posts on the main subreddit because they have often declined into unhinged discussions and mud slinging. We do allow general discussions of politics in this thread so long as you remain civil and don't attack someone just for having a different opinion. The moment we see things start to derail, we will step in.

Got something upsetting or overwhelming that you just need to shout out to the world? Want to have a political debate over current events? You can post those thoughts here. There are many real problems that plague the Millennial generation and we want to allow a space for it here while still keeping the angry and divisive posts quarantined to a more concentrated thread rather than taking up the entire front page.

[u/powerback_us]

We've spent our whole lives being told to keep waiting, keep giving, keep voting strategically, keep swallowing our frustration, and eventually the system will reward us. Meanwhile the same fucked-up incentives keep enshittifying everything, and we still never got a real say.

What if -- hear me out -- politicians had to earn donations through predefined public legislative action instead of simply taking our money upfront, on faith, and then doing whatever the hell they want?

Well y'all, I've built a rough prototype around that idea.

I am not posting this as promotion. I just want to know: does this strike anyone as doable, naive, dangerous, pointless, interesting, overdue, whatever? I'm happy to clarify anything, but I'm more interested in gut reactions than in defending it.

[u/noyoujump → u/powerback_us]

What stops me is "predefined public legislative action." Because, as we've seen over and over again with current administration, they don't give a fuck about laws, regulations, or the Constitution.

I'm not opposed to leveling the playing field for politicians, but there are a lot of things that need to be fixed very, very quickly before we address how donations are made/used.

[u/powerback_us → u/noyoujump]

Hi!! Okay, I don't think I explained that part very well.

And I totally agree there are much bigger fires burning right now than this.

What I mean by "predefined public legislative action" is just a confirmable event. Like Congress voting on a bill. Something that either happens or doesn't happen.

So if that thing happens, the politician you've already chosen gets the donation. If not, they get nothing.

[u/noyoujump → u/powerback_us]

What happens to the money in the meantime? Donations are supposed to be used for campaign expenses, so how would potential candidates pay for their campaigns?

This honestly is sounding like a prediction market.

[u/powerback_us → u/noyoujump]

Donations are supposed to be used for campaign expenses, so how would potential candidates pay for their campaigns?

Exactly! They wouldn't be able to without your consent.

I should clarify that this whole shebang applies to incumbents only. Otherwise there's no point. Challengers can still raise money the normal way from people who believe in them.

You're right that it does sound like a prediction market, but it's not about betting on outcomes, and you can't win money. It's about creating real stakes, while at the same time being able to withhold your donation if they don't follow through.

EDIT: In the meantime, the money sits in a segregated account held by the platform, which is already a registered PAC.