something is missing

[Geoffrey]

In all the discussions on political reform, I have yet to see what I believe to be the most salient reforms possible, and in Huffington´s book, she fails to outline either possibility. I find it hard to take seriously many reform minded peoples suggestions for the solutions to the lack of responsiveness of the political elite and the more active participation of citizenry without these two key elements.
First and foremost in my estimation is to make the federal election day a national holiday. The only people who will be required to work that day should be essential security personnel such as firemen, police, pilots, train engineers and the like. These people should be restricted to working only 6 hours on that day. No allowance will be given whatsoever to any government functions other than essential security personnel, banks should be closed as are all retail outlets, private schools and all universities, wholesale businesses, etc. Any one who is in violation will not only be fined by the government but will be prosecuted for the intent on the infringement of voting rights of their employees.
Secondly, I believe that 2 hours of free air time on TV should be granted each presidential contender, 2 weeks prior to an election. Senators will have 1 hour of free time, and congressman 45 minutes.
The same for print journalism and radio spots. Print journalism, and this includes all magazines more than 25,000 in circulation must allow 2 pages of free advertising to each political parties candidates, etc. The details can be further delineated. Violations of these rules will result in the parties fined by the US electoral commission who will use the proceeds for subsequent payments for public election campaign funding.
So all in all, this book is a start but I find her solutions to be half-hearted at best. otherwise it´s a good book.