Having Your Say
It is absolutely exciting to think about the future of representative democracy. For my entire lifetime, something important has been missing -- the people. Politics mostly has been a one-way conversation. Politicians have presented themselves to the people in a format where the politician speaks and the people listen. And what we listen to is mostly shallow, evasive and downright insulting.
Cutting out the people is a big problem. First, it leads to stupid decisions; the collective intelligence of the people is much greater than that of any one leader, and it should be actively solicited. Second, cutting out the people undermines and weakens (makes vulnerable) the process itself.
The concept of politics isn't bad. It is a centuries-old process for solving disputes and charting the course for a society. The actual practice of politics, however, has turned beyond bad. The people who have been shut out, not surprisingly, act shut out. They turn off and no longer demand accountability or, even, answers to simple questions. As a result, it seems we move in circles.
But, I think change might be in the works. Check out Rep. John Dougall's website for a glimpse into the future. You might or might not agree with him, but you sure know where he's coming from. And do you see how he's just begging for dialogue by allowing public comments? Obviously, he believes he can't do the job properly without informing the people where he stands and without letting them critique and improve his thinking. Revolutionary!
The Internet is such a simple tool to use. As I look into the future, I can't imagine people will continue to let their leaders hide. They'll look over the fence and see that Rep. Dougall's constituents are invited (daily) to the party. They might start asking questions. Why are they being kept in the dark? Should someone else do the job who does value their input?
Great leaders are in touch with the people they lead.
Cutting out the people is a big problem. First, it leads to stupid decisions; the collective intelligence of the people is much greater than that of any one leader, and it should be actively solicited. Second, cutting out the people undermines and weakens (makes vulnerable) the process itself.
The concept of politics isn't bad. It is a centuries-old process for solving disputes and charting the course for a society. The actual practice of politics, however, has turned beyond bad. The people who have been shut out, not surprisingly, act shut out. They turn off and no longer demand accountability or, even, answers to simple questions. As a result, it seems we move in circles.
But, I think change might be in the works. Check out Rep. John Dougall's website for a glimpse into the future. You might or might not agree with him, but you sure know where he's coming from. And do you see how he's just begging for dialogue by allowing public comments? Obviously, he believes he can't do the job properly without informing the people where he stands and without letting them critique and improve his thinking. Revolutionary!
The Internet is such a simple tool to use. As I look into the future, I can't imagine people will continue to let their leaders hide. They'll look over the fence and see that Rep. Dougall's constituents are invited (daily) to the party. They might start asking questions. Why are they being kept in the dark? Should someone else do the job who does value their input?
Great leaders are in touch with the people they lead.
posted by steve u. at 6/23/2005
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5 Comments:
Steve, Amen. I think sometime in the very near future, it will seem absurd that any elected official didn't have a blog or some sort of easily-accessed public forum.
What would be the best way to contact my Rep. in order to encourage him to blog? I'm just looking for an opinion.
Former IRS CID Special Agent Joseph Banister Acquitted of Tax Fraud And Conspiracy
Government Unable To Prove U.S. Law Requires Income Tax Withholding or Filing
http://joebanister.blogspot.com
.
Salem,
Call up your rep and suggest it. He/she might not be aware of blogs and how easy they are. You might even offer to set it up.
Another thing that blogging does for voters is that it can put a personal touch to the legislator. We come to know more of their interests and life, in as much as they choose to share such. It's a good thing.
{shakes head}
Sorry for going Martha Stewart on you.
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