They're not voting because...
- because democracy is an idea that has...
because democracy is an idea that has passed its sell-by date. Rather than entrusting our liberties to unemployable political careerists who will do anything for power we should be looking for a better post-democratic system of government. In so far as representatives of the people are concerned I'm of the view that random selection would be far superior to the current collection of unpleasant and evil politicans.
written 8th Apr 2005
Responses
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Michael replies: In adition to sortition for electing representatives have you considered elements of direct democracy? These allow a citizen or group to select an issue, put it before parliament and take it if necessary to referendum. See www.iniref.org
written 8th Apr 2005 -
David replies: I have an my conclusion remains the same - direct democracy would be too biased towards the 99.95% of people who are stupid enough to be influenced by advertising or the media. At least with a jury type system you could protect a limited number of representatives from the influences of the media etc.
written 8th Apr 2005 -
michael replies: "biased towards the 99.95% of people" .. surely that's what democracy is meant to be -- rule BY the people ;-).
Seriously, why not take a look at how direct democracy already works in practice. People in general are not easily swayed by biased newspapers etc.. -- they learn to seek reliable sources of info. and guidance.
written 8th Apr 2005
See http://www.iniref.org/critics.html and
http://www.iniref.org/conf.html