Citizens Initiatives - need control by referendum

In the present system of 'Pseudo Democracy' it is easy for vociferous minorities to push legislation into a direction that is in contrast with the interests of the majority of the citizens. Small groups can dominate Twitter or protest on the streets while a complicit media hungry for news gives the impression that a much larger part of the electorate is behind the goals promoted by such groups. Even innocent activities that are a positive contribution towards more and proper Democracy can be abused if not properly designed. Case in point the progress of the European Citizens Initiative that wants to put a 'Right to Water' into legislation. The cause may be perfectly valid - but do we really want this to become a new human right? Only in the EU or on a global basis? Many voters may have their doubts and therefore would want to have a say in the matter. The danger is that just putting this issue up for consideration by the EU authorities put the matter on the same level as issues promoted by any Lobby. Legislators are prone to put minority interests on the agenda even if they are against the majority interest as they are desperate to collect any and all votes in order to climb above the magical 50% approval rating at the next election.

American Democracy - Unfit for the Purpose?

This brief look at the state of US Democracy gives a sobering insight into the sorry condition that democracy has been turned into by the flawed electoral process in that country. A strong dose of Direct Democracy at all levels of government and decision making would go a long way towards neutralising the nefarious effect that money and influence-peddling has on legislation

Dirdem reduces inter-societal conflicts

Democracy as practised at the moment in most countries can easily lead to the dictatorship of a (often) tiny majority. In many cases it is actually a minority as the perverse effect of poorly-designed election systems can put governments in place that have only a small fraction of the electorate behind them.Lobbies can also have a disproportionate influence as parties fight for every last voting bloc - however small - just to make it over the 50pct finishing lines. So our proposal to introduce Direct Democracy will include measures to protect the majority as well as the minorities. By requiring that major policy decisions have the backing of at least two thirds of the electorate and are also backed by the majority of regions/provinces the voting process will result in an outcome that avoids benefiting small groups at the expense of the whole of society. For example, politicians will be less able to pander to the interests of the old/young or favour certain regions at the expense of other areas.

David Cameron promises referendum on Europe

This headline encapsulates all that is wrong with the way referendums are conducted in most 'democratic' countries in Europe. The fact that a politician promises something - anything - should already put the reader on his guard. But that the holding of any referendum is decided by exactly the people they are supposed to reign in is a fatal flaw in their organisation. As long as the referendum is dependent on the willingness of governments to hold them they are likely to be abused for ulterior political motives and result in a distorted picture of the will of the electorate.

What makes Angela Merkel tick

Or Obama, or Putin, or Cameron....should not be of any major concern to the citizens of the respective countries. They are just the top officials in charge of executing the will of the people. The best way to make sure that the wishes of the electorate are followed is to subject all legislation to an effective form of Direct Democracy. This would mean that dominant personalities - for good but all-too-often for worse - have their roles severely restricted.

US Congress - full of Babies

Says Bloomberg/BusinessWeek. 435 representatives and 100 senators are 'acting like immature children'. Dirdem says let them rattle their cage but give ultimate power to the citizens.

Politicians cater to a parasitic clique of lobbyists?

This judgment may be a bit harsh (in some cases) but Direct Democracy would severely restrict the ability of politicians to cause harm.

Do you want (Super) Rich to dictate policy?

The introduction of Direct Democracy would go a long way to limit the impact of money on policy decisions. It would not be a perfect solution to cap the influence of rich individuals but as any referendum would be preceded by a relatively long period of intensive discussion and scrutiny the voice of the people would probably be a more balanced outcome.

Hedge Funds Stride the Stage of World Affairs

Would you like to have a say on the Climate Treaty?

Then join Dirdem today! Every Movement has to have a beginning - rather than moan helplessly about all the laws and regulations that are imposed on us come and join us. The first step in organising an effective campaign for Direct Democracy is to gathering of a small core group of supporters.
Doha Climate Summit ends (BBC)

Term Limits - The Old Romans had it right

Maybe the Old Romans were on to something when they limited the period of office for their Consuls to one year. In addition, there were always two Consuls in office so the influence of any one person was limited. In our Celebrity-addicted age it would be even more useful to limit the power of individuals in order to constrain any cult of personality. So much political 'discourse' is now dominated not be objective discussion of the important issues that concern the citizens but worthless tittle-tattle fed by media that is only keen to push up circulations by any means. (Merkel Wins Party Re-Election, Eyes a Third Term, CNBC)