This blog is dedicated to issues and concerns of "Real Democracy."
What is real democracy? [partial list of criteria]
A system where We the People have a legitimate opportunity to shape, implement and evaluate decisions affecting our lives.
The voice of every person counts. All votes are equal.
All people have adequate time and information to make decisions.
Whether the issues are local, regional, national or global; political, social or economic, decisions made without our direct or indirect legitimate input are illegitimate.
The more directly we're involved in decisions which directly affect us, the more democracy or self-governance exists.
What is unreal or phony democracy? [There's much of this in our society.]
Providing input that is not useful (input after the fact or ignored).
Voting on useless things (i.e. online votes for winners of American Idol, best football quarterback, etc.).
Small group meetings (such as focus groups) or surveys designed to find out what we like/dislike for the purpose of marketing a product or service.
Questionnaires connected to fundraising (from political parties, interest groups, etc). Most of these are primarily concerned about raising money.
Elections and the making of public laws where money and influence from a few (i.e. wealthy) drown out the voices and influence of the many.
Regulatory hearings where the public is provided only token opportunities to offer input and where regulators lack the power to control corporate actions.
Any process where business corporations possess constitutional "right" to influence outcomes
Bravenet Blog 
Blog Community
Get a Free Blog
Manage your Blog
bravenet.com