Towards a True Democracy

By Jonathan David Rawn

Given the latest problems displayed by our government, I believe that it is a good time to refresh an idea that I shared with our local congressional representative (at the time he may have only been a candidate, he is no longer in congress, yet he continues his career in politics) during our Special Olympics event in 1995 or 1996. Thinking that I may never have a opportunity like this again, I approached the Distinguished Gentleman and asked for his thoughts on a more democratic form of government. In particular, why do we not allow the actual citizens to pass laws since technology now enables us to simply phone in our votes? After all, we even have CSpan and other media outlets so that no one need be uninformed of the issues at hand. Later, I tried to better understand his answer and realized that, in very eloquent language, he, in an almost confidential manner, told me that people are just unable to rule themselves. Sometime about 1999, I published this idea on the internet under the title Toward a True Democracy, mainly on alt.politics, etc. I received the most negative responses from Freemasons (non-confirmed on my part, I just took their word for it), but they did indeed help elaborate on some of the age old problems associated with a true democracy. The largest problem is Minority Rights. In a true democracy, 51% of the people make the laws and civil rights definitely need to be safe-guarded. I think that this can be relatively guaranteed not by dismissing congress altogether, but by altering its role (I do realize that this pretty much ensures that no current Politian will be voting for this idea!). On this issue, it would be role of the fourth branch of government, the citizens, to first educate themselves about the subject long before any voting occurs. This will become ever easier with the added funding of our citizens education which I assume will occur, hopefully rather quickly, through time. It would be one job of congress to bring forth new proposals for laws (which they themselves currently admit that they dont read, but have others to do that for them and tell them about what is important to them) and to help draw attention to upcoming problems that need everyones attention (presumably far in advance of

any crisis!). They would also publicly debate on the many media outlets and by doing so, help to educate the people about the subject, especially in their own districts and states. All of branches should also help ensure that no previous law is broken as well as safeguard civil and minority rights. Another issue that would need to be discussed and balanced (by those with greater knowledge in the subject than myself) is national security, voting security, and military secrets. A certain amount of faith would need to still be entrusted to congress and to its various committees (as well as the other branches of government) to oversee their funding and direction and that the laws required for their function are brought to light in a truthful, simple and straightforward manner (hopefully, all laws brought before the citizens will be so!). To keep this second essay brief, one final issue Ill discuss here is the really good news. We all know that we live in a capitalistic society and therefore money will never be separated from politics. As it stands now, billions are spent by corporations (even well meaning non-profit corporations and citizens groups) to influence the outcome of a vote or judicial appointment, etc. in congress. Also, as said in a recent movie, their (the corporations) biggest fear is your (the citizens) vote (I paraphrased, probably). This is because it is illegal (I think) and it is asserted to also be immoral, to buy your vote. Well let buy your vote, literally and metaphorically, let them fund C-Span or other media outlets designed to educate the public about the subject(s) at hand. Let them advertise there and even buy your vote directly by, for instance, offering a coupon or gift certificate to their or some conglomerate associate of theirs. Think hard about that because those billions now spent on congress could instead be spent on all of us. I would also remind you that buying your vote is already happening; only it is called influencing your vote, perhaps tugging upon your morals (which is presumably be the only deciding factor of your vote but isnt, mainly because the written proposal was certainly not read by you or your congressman- usually due to its complicity-this is easily remedied by education and by having more than one discussion going on at any given time). By simply heeding the oath of fealty you give to your political partys decision and voting for the approved candidate or proposal, either way-your vote is bought. Sadly, what is not taught about our citizens is that they are already the fourth branch of government. When looking at the Constitution and Bill of Rights this

should be obvious. With but little consideration it becomes apparent that while at one time the role that the citizens play, who in Spirit were meant to be the rulers of government, as outlined in those documents were empowering. They are now antiquated given our level of technology and concern and they are restrictive of the modern citizen who is both highly educated and able to communicate and travel in ways that are well beyond what could be envisioned by our founding fathers who themselves doubted its success for any length of time beyond a few generations before it would itself become outdated due to the progression of humanity. They even allowed for this flexibility by constitutional amendments, etc. which this would eventually need to become. I would suggest a slow approach not dissimilar to what already occurs. We currently vote on state propositions etc. on hot-topic issues. These are laws which given the current political structure place a Politian in a no-win situation for their financial contributors are in conflict with the voters. Usually, the people get their way (for good or ill, fully comprehending its results or not, perhaps even emotionally swayed or upset), but the Politian cannot be held responsible. The method which congress is elected will need to be shifted, presumably, to public funding and equal air-time for candidates. They could also be allowed small, limited financial contributions if desired. Given that a new and larger pool of candidates would result, a round-robin tournament of sorts-much like American Idol could be used with each passed stage, eventually debates, resulting in more air-time and tours, etc. Eliminating the first, say 80% of candidates on local media would be a good start. Thanks for reading this, I dont have all the answers and could use some feedback. If you think this is even remotely interesting, then please show it to someone else! All good ideas started as just that-ideas. Please feel welcome to continue the conversation by adding to it if you like. Ill leave off with the same quote from Benjamin Franklin that I presumably paraphrased in the last (hopefully archived somewhere) essay: They who prefer security over freedom are deserving of neither.

Toward a True Democracy

1998-2011 By Jonathan David Rawn Posted on the forum at: www.gematriapublishing.com