Fabric of our democracy "not torn"?

For I&R – GB mjm568 03 Jun 09, 12:20pm

Mr. Berlins in a somewhat bitter parting shot denounces those who
propose that we in Britain should introduce elements of "direct" democracy.

For some years we have observed that many journalists have little
knowledge of citizen-led (direct) democracy, such tools as the
law-proposal ("initiative"), the veto referendum and the recall
initiative. (See below *). This does not stop them from venting their
anger against these forms of democracy.

Numerous experts in politics and democracy for decades or longer have
advocated the introduction of these methods. This reform is necessary
because of weaknesses in our "representative" governance and by no
means, as implied by Mr. Berlins, a knee jerk reaction caused by anger
about the behaviour of MPs, .

Although Mr. Berlins can run off a handful of "arguments" against direct
democracy he does not balance this with the plentiful and sometimes
horrendous examples of bad policy made and pursued by, and failures of
omission by, our masters in the "elective dictatorship" of
representative rule.

On the other hand there are many positive reasons for strengthening
democracy by improving the chances of citizens to take part in running
"our" own affairs. That said, in partial direct democracy, the day to
day business of law-making and governing is done by the elected bodies.

Despite the current heightened anger about politicians it will NOT be
easy to bring in high quality reform of our democracy and governance.

A strong movement for reform, in tactics perhaps more like Campaign for
Real Ale than The Chartists, will be needed ;-)

More information may be found via http://www.iniref.org/

(*It is indeed sad that yet another journalist, like many all too ready
to fight off much needed reform, is ignorant of the subject. He writes,
"Switzerland's version of it is the cantonal referendum, which allows
any cause that attracts 50,000 signatures to be put to the people." This
is wrong. Berlins appears to refer to the optional (facultative) veto
referendum held at FEDERAL, not cantonal level. Further he writes,
"California has two kinds of direct democracy." This is also wrong --
there are more than two kinds.)

I&R ~ GB Citizens' Initiative and Referendum
Campaign for direct democracy in Britain
http://www.iniref.org/

ABOVE IS A REPLY TO
The fabric of our democracy has not been torn - it merely has a few
stains on it, and they are removable
o Marcel Berlins
o The Guardian, Wednesday 3 June 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jun/03/marcel-berlins-expenses-scandal-reaction
[ Auf dieses Posting antworten ]