Towards a Two-Legged Democracy
A true democracy has two legs. One is to decide, in legislative bodies, on matters of policy, by voting. The other is to assure that those who do that voting are truly representative of all the people.
The first democracy used random selection -- sortition -- to choose a legislative jury. We, too, should use the jury selection method to insure we have "Lawmakers of our Peers."
8 comments
DAN 1 • about 13 years ago
Greetings "David G." You shared: "One is to decide, in legislative bodies, on matters of policy, by voting."
I quite agree with this idea. And I have a particular "legislative body" in mind. The Third House Of Congress", the "House Of We The People". Perhaps established out of the Direct Democracy work of "NICD", by increasing the number of Citizen Participants admitted to its committees...as they qualify within certain standards of Direct Democracy Citizenship.
DAN 1 • about 13 years ago
Then you shared: "The other is to assure that those who do that voting are truly representative of all the people."
I do not believe that anyone can be "Truly Representative of ALL the People"...all the time, in all ways. The infinite diversity of Human Nature prevents that from happenjng. "Representation" fails time and time again...as it becomes corrupted by special interests.
The Ideal that can help Us extricate Ourselves out of this "trap" is for 100% of the American Populace to take responsibility as Individual Dedicated Citizens and vote their True Hearts and Minds on all issues that arise in Our Culture.
But this "Ideal", like most ideals, is impractical. We can ever strive to achieve it, but will not on Our Finite Level Of Existence.
But We can endeavor to come closer and closer, through education and participation of as many "True Citizens" as possible. I believe this "Enlightened Process" is vital to the health and lastingness of America.
It would be of great importance for Us, as Responsible and Participating Individual Citizens, in Our Voting on the ways Our Nation is to go, to honor the Majority Phenomena that emerges when voting occurs. The Popular Majority is the decision making criteria in this Direct Democracy Process.
But, the Majority Decision should never be a final thing. Matters can be voted on time and time again, as We and Our Nation changes and Evolves, (hopefully to always become More and Better.)
DAN 1 • about 13 years ago
the third idea you shared with Us was: "The first democracy used random selection -- sortition -- to choose a legislative jury. We, too, should use the jury selection method to insure we have "Lawmakers of our Peers."
A "Jury Of Our Peers" is Good. In my mind, this is what the "Third House Of Congress" would be...a huge jury of the majority of We The People.
Of course, it would not start with a majority. It would start with the Good Few dedicated American Citizens that find the Strengths needed, to begin building this Peoples Jury House.
DAN 1 • about 13 years ago
And i suppose that the "Good Few" who begin this Direct Democracy Process" in this legislative "Jury Of Our Peers", would, in fact, speak for, or represent, the ones who have not, or will not, arrive.
This is not the "Ideal" for Direct Democracy, but will have to suffice.
At least the "door" to a Better and Better Direct democracy Process will be opened. It is up to each and every Individual, to use this "door". To become the best kind of American Citizen that they can.
What is the qualifications for the "Sortition Process"?
Donald Grbac • about 13 years ago
I voted for this video. The legislative jury is a great idea, but we need a path to get there. We cannot shift from the current government immediately to the legislative jury. Everybody needs to be on board at once to do that. We can build towards that end (or other possible ends decided by the people) by first getting the National Initiative on the ballot through NCID. Then videos such as these could be used to promote ideas for change that have been placed on the ballot. NCID will get us to a peaceful and prosperous future if we vote for it! Our Constitution gives us this power.
DAN 1 • about 13 years ago
"Standard Citizenship" and/or "Superior Citizenship".
The standard vote counts for one. The Superior, "Jury", vote counts for two?
David Grant • about 13 years ago
Agreed, likely that sortitioned legislative juries will first occur at municipal, state & provincial levels. / I wouldn't want the complication of a 3rd House. The Senate could remain elected; the House sortitioned ... and, over time, the latter method would prove itself as preferable. / Problem with initiatives is that they suffer from uninformed 'populism' and monied manipulation. Better that a true cross-section of ordinary citizens be tasked and supported to deliberate.
Chito Generoso • about 13 years ago
David! It seems like you are describing our needs, just after our recently concluded mid-term elections. One oversight though, you forgot to mention that popular action and movie stars and boxers win public office in this part of the world!