Friday, December 9, 2011

Direct Democracy

The intent of this series of posts is to invite readers to awake to the need for a change in our current political system, join with each other, and together, create a more effective and efficient political system more in line with our ideals and aspirations, and then develop the means to transition from what we have, to the better alternative. This is something to start thinking about now, before we’re torn apart by the flaws of the current system. It won’t be easy, but it is necessary. This is a time of great opportunity! We need to seize it! The parallels between this time, Washington’s and Martin Luther’s are there and can be seen if you look for them.

We have more in common than what separates us. We are all Americans! Let’s get in touch with that – our shared, ideals, hopes and aspirations. Everyone has a right to their own opinions, but not their own facts. Can’t we agree on the facts and work from there to build a system and a world that works for everyone and everything?

Perhaps, given the current dysfunction in DC and at the state level, it’s time to take a fresh look at the concept of ‘representation’ in government. Perhaps the very idea of ‘representative government’ is fundamentally flawed, and always has been.

How well are ‘the people’ represented when they elect someone and send them to the legislature? Who do the so-called ‘representatives’ really represent? Who has access to these so-called ‘representatives’? Who can speak with them on the phone or drop by their offices for a chat? Who actually drafts the legislation that they vote on, more often than not, without reading or fully understanding it?

You know the answers to these questions, they’ve been the same since the founding. Moneyed interests – the people and so called ‘corporate individuals’ who can give large sums of money. Tell me, what’s the difference between a ‘campaign contribution’ and a bribe? It’s always been this we and we know it, but the problems with this system of ‘representation’ are becoming more critical now, than ever before.

It needn’t be this way. Please get that! It needn’t be this way. So many of us see the charade of so called ‘representation’ for what it is, but don’t know what to do about it, or think there’s nothing to be done, so we do nothing or drop out, leaving the field to fanatics and idiots. One only has to look at the current crop of Republican presidential candidates to see that. It needn’t be this way.

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