tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3611639517962742486.post9174410903291107592..comments2024-03-25T15:31:12.151-07:00Comments on We Live In A Political World: #312 / Democratic DoldrumsGary A. Pattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049925834933920507noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3611639517962742486.post-5505757233924844552015-11-12T08:47:14.411-08:002015-11-12T08:47:14.411-08:00Hi Gary ~
I am in complete agreement with you on ...Hi Gary ~<br /><br />I am in complete agreement with you on this important topic of how to do democracy -- and it is not on the internet, clicking "likes." <br /><br />Yes, the internet is a very appropriate tool for research and communication. But social media is not democracy in action.<br /><br />You have described perfectly several campaigns on which I have worked (some successful some not). The successful campaigns have all been about people getting together face-to-face, discussing the issue, how to engage other like-minded folks, how to inform ourselves, how to most effectively share that information, and how and when to best approach decision-makers.<br /><br />I am glad you penned this particular essay and I intend to share its contents with others! <br /><br />Thanks, <br />JeanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3611639517962742486.post-48615261406320463132015-11-08T10:07:28.241-08:002015-11-08T10:07:28.241-08:00I agree completely that democracy is not a click-o...I agree completely that democracy is not a click-on-demand process. (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/11/06/stolen-fire-the-future-of-democracy-in-the-age-of-network-technology/)<br /><br />That being said, I'm cautious about demanding that politicians do "what the majority demands," especially relying on voting to oust unpopular representatives and change laws through the initiative process.<br /><br />In this era of ubiquitous propaganda and media influence, what the majority demands may not be the best course of action for the common good. <br /><br />When public opinion is largely influenced and dominated by corporate control of information access, majority opinion is increasingly narrowed to serve elite agendas.<br /><br />When corporate interests can buy votes through pay per signature initiatives, the deliberative representative legislative process is abrogated to moneyed influence and control.<br /><br />Rather than reliance on voting, democracy functions at the local level in day to day involvement with the process of government. We have numerous opportunities to take an active role working with our representatives, through letters, phone calls, email, personal meetings, public hearings and public comment periods at regular meetings.<br /><br />There is no excuse for waiting until the next election to express opinions, provide relevant testimony and engage directly with government representatives and staff. <br /><br />If the United State government is to be truly "of the people, by the people and for the people," then "the people" have an obligation to take part in its formation and management.<br /><br />There are many internet tools to help in this process, but they can never substitute for direct face to face involvement in our government.Michael A. Lewishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04980105313542633114noreply@blogger.com