Legal Punishment for Blackmail Too Soft and Unrrealistic - Will this solve it?
Blackmail and coercion in a representative democracy is like a cancer that eats away at justice and the rule of law. As of now, there is no real danger to people powerful enough to leverage blackmail because they hold the levers of power against all of those beneath them. This makes for an unjust environment in a place where the Peoples business is supposed to be conducted.
I propose a solution.
The punishment for a blackmail or attempted blackmail with intent to coerce an elected representative or bureaucrat shall be three times the maximum punishment of the behavior indicated within the blackmailable material presented.
Additionally, the addendum threats made (if it can be proved), ie kidnap family, murder, defamation, etc. will also be attached to the sentencing of the blackmailing party.
For example, Hillary tells her friend John.. "Hey John.. I got this video of you eating a whole bunch of pizza. Vote my way and I won't share it to the world to see how much you stuff your face with pizza."
Being very health conscious and not wanting to appear like an obese glutton, John is worried. He has a few different options - a) go along and avoid his cover being blown; b) flee the country; c) file a police complaint of blackmail outlining his own crimes and the threats made by the individuals.
John, along with his family (if necessary) would be placed under protective custody and the blackmailing party would have a warrant issued for their arrest under crime of intent to blackmail.
Theoretically, John would have no benefit to lying, particularly if he is facing criminal proceedings for the blackmail material. Hillary, however, may be facing just the first in a long line of discovery that may open the doors to more people who have been blackmailed by Hillary.
Just curious how you came up with this? Also, any plan of action or are you just proposing it as a fun "what if" concept for our enjoyment? Not that there's anything wrong with that of course.. just wondering ;)
honestly, just a thought that hit me. figured it could generate some sort of a conversation. as far as a plan of action, its possible the near future could rise questions about our blackmail laws and how they are enforced, especially if the house of cards starts to fall
Fair enough.. and yes I definitely think it's only a matter of time..
Doesn't actually work or deter the crime.
The benefits outweigh any and all possible punishment.
Especially since most of these people are narcissists.
Narcissists lie and manipulate people (often through black-mail) as a normal day's activities. And they will lie, even if telling the truth would lead to a better outcome. They are all guilty already, but to them, this is how the game is played.
Even if you raised the stakes to immediate death by firing squad. It would not be enough to repair the damage nor will it be enough to deter the narcissist (which Mordor on the Potomac is riddled with).
the goal is justice. thats the only 'better outcome'. Justice comes from the truth being brought in front of a judge and a jury and broadcast to the world to make their own decisions and research for more truth.
right now journalists are compromised so citizen journalists have picked up the slack and down their own research and digging. that works. make this stuff public and the sweater of lies will unravel rapidly.
This actually sounds a very good idea but I believe in the real world, it can't be implemented. People who are responsible for deciding such punishments are themselves blackmailers, either directly or indirectly.
True... but not ALL. Lots of things have to change. This would have to be a legislative change.
Two needs:
This will act as a balance against stagnation, which makes the sort of blackmail described easier to apply. Faster turnover = less reliable asset pool
Food for thought, but I doubt people who are themselves guilty of crimes will step forward seeking police protection. This is part of the fear that blackmailers play upon. It takes real bravery and willingness for self sacrifice to break this cycle.
they would if they got say... the would-be punishment for their crime cut to 1/3 of average prison time.
there are rewards for whistleblowers. flipping people who are already compromised is something intelligence operatives are always doing or trying to do.
Blackmailing anyone for that matter is really effective in getting things done for the blackmailer and against a representative in politics could really undermine the people's interest and must be punished by law accordingly.
Thanks for the support @blakemiles
its the only way some of the insane things that occur at the highest levels of power makes sense anymore
It's just amazing if somebody or a group can pull it off and make a politician a puppet for their own interests.
@blakemiles84
Sounds like a really nice idea. The more vindictive punishments are placed the more it will help deter people from blackmailing others.
this guy gets it :)
You cannot deter blackmail, in fact it a government favorites. If they want to take your property they simply blackmail you with a jail
Hmm... expand on the "You cannot deter blackmail" supposition. You merely imply. Why not?
Why do people use blackmail now?
Real as life itself
Nice post. very useful for me. Thanks friends .. follow me @ryzal.valendzo
I have no bunghole!