B.Schuss wrote:
direct democracy ( the populace deciding on about almost everything in a referendum ) was a success in athens and other greek polis', because the actual number of decisions and their complexities allowed for it.
Also, the population of athens that were allowed to cast votes ( women couldn't vote, and neither could slaves ) was actually quite small. So small, in fact, that by today's standards, those weren't even democratic decisions...
Today, the issues are much more complex and the population is much bigger. Some western nations still have such referendums, but on a very limited basis, for the reasons I mentioned.
No one, for example, would hold referendums on tax policies, or changes in the social security systems. Those issues are just too complicated, and carry too many ramnifications, to let the average joe decide on them.
Democracy has its limitations, and those limitations start where the average citizen is simply not able to make a qualified decision about the topic at hand.
Would I feel confident if I was asked to make a decision on the Lisbon treaty today ? Hell no. It would take me weeks, if not months to work myself through the treaty text, and since I have no experience in these matters, even then there is little chance I'd be able to grasp the implications in its entirety.
All of that, while I would still have to work my regular job ? Come on, that's just not feasible.
We elect representatives because it is the best compromise between a direct democracy and a dictatorship.
To me, it's a matter of principle. I mean, why elect representatives in the first place, when you don't trust them anyway, and take their voting power away through referendums ?
I realize that a lot of ordinary people think that their elected representatives have lost touch with them, that they do not understand what the people really want, and that they only follow the instructions of a small political and economic elite anyway. Some of that is true, especially with career politicians.
But are more referendums really the answer ? just because they are the "people", are they really more qualified to make decisions on these matters ? Every four years is a good compromise, I'd say.
I'm sure the number of matters and their complexity were the same. I don't see how the complexity of matters (or their number) might change between different societies tbh...
I agree however that the number of people involved is the only problem we face today. Of course, if we wanted we could easily find a solution for that as well, but that is a different subject.
I understand that the use of referendums can only be limited for practical reasons, yet I find that issues like social security should be decided in that way.
Anyway, the problem is that people wouldn't know what to vote for, even if they were given the chance. But take this case for example. Yes, it is quite a large subject, and yes one needs to study it extensively to obtain a solid view of things. But. The basics, an outline, could, if presented to the people, empower them to make the right decisions.
As for the highlighted part, we simply don't care whether the people are qualified or not. It is their decision to make, regardless. Not to mention that it is the
job of those appointed to govern to do whatever actions are necessary so that the people be qualified to decide their fate.
Hiding ignorance behind politicians is definitely not the answer.
Also, if we consider the people to be incapable of making decisions for themselves, on what basis do we allow them to choose who governs them?
Every four years they will be making the wrong decisions!
Last edited by oug (2008-05-27 09:04:38)