Direct Democracy
I first heard about Mike Gravel during my own campaign for Congress last year during an interview I was doing with a Roll Call reporter.
I was running on a platform anchored in "direct democracy", and the reporter wanted to know if I was inspired to do so by Senator Gravel. Actually, I had not heard of Mike's National Initiative for Democracy, but was thrilled to find out that I was noyt alone in advocating a more direct form of people powered government.
I completely endorse the NI4D concept that Mike Gravel is advocating. Many countries already have such a national referendum process, and almost half of the states in the U.S. have similar vehicles by which the people can have a voice in our own government. Now is the time for NI4D as it is obvious that most of our elected officials do more to represent their corporate contributors than to represent the People.
During my campaign against Roy Blunt, I introduced two additional ideas that would move us toward a direct democracy.
Constituent Initiated Legislation
Also, I am interested in any other ideas that people have regarding the concept of Direct Democracy. I am looking forward to more dialogue on this subject.
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Comments
National Initiative for Democracy vs. Presidential Powers
Submitted on June 6th, 2007 by ChilltownOk... new to the site... but what can I say? Sen. Gravel blew me away with what short time he was given during the CNN "debate". Anyway... here's a question I have after looking over his issues.
In today's post at Huffpo, Sen. Gravel talks about the need for the president to lead when the cause is just, as per Truman. Specifically, he was referring to 'don't ask, don't tell' and the cowardice shown by Clinton during his presidency. I couldn't agree more.
Now, I just popped on to this site to see the below:
National Initiative for Democracy
Empower Americans by giving us the mechanism––The National Ballot Initiative––to vote directly on issues which affect our daily lives. This power is similar to the initiatives used by citizens in 24 states and over 200 communities.
Once again, this sounds all well and good. Now, let's just assume for a moment that 60% of Americans believe that gay Americans should be denied basic rights (as is the case in 49 of our 50 states presently), and choose to vote that way. What right - given the Senator's proposed National Initiative for Democracy - would a President Gravel have to lead them out of the dark ages?
I see a conflict here, and I'm wondering he would address it.
Thanks!
There is little to no chance of that happening.
Submitted on June 8th, 2007 by Donald GrbacI keep trying to make the point that the population is too diverse for bad initiatives to make it to the ballot and be passed successfully. And with the power to create legislation, many more Americans will register and vote increasing even more this diversity. The radicals are not going to be able to garner enough votes to succeed.
In addition, once the national initiative process is in place, the people will fix our schools and improve education for every American. With improving education, the radicals will gradually diminish and disappear. Yes, ignorance is a big part of our problems today.
DON
Only democracy will save us!
It's about time, Americans
Submitted on May 19th, 2007 by deepblue111It's about time, Americans need to get out of their ivory tower and learn to take some real responsibilities. If your servants try to shortchange you, you gotta show them who's the boss.
Have you ever been summoned for your jury duty, it's not that difficult wasn't it? Why doubt yourself or the ability of your fellow American citizens.
Direct Democracy
Submitted on May 11th, 2007 by Michael WaringThere is a constant struggle in my mind about this issue of direct democracy. Surely, on one hand, this will bring about a new check and balance to the ever-growing federal government, and on the other hand; I just do not want more laws for the sake of more laws. This is all about making laws, and not enough about citizen oversight. Just how many people want to impeach this administration and would gleefully charge them with war crimes, crimes against humanity, and treason? I have not even decided fully that I even want to fight the dictatorship that seems to be looming over our heads. I do not have a whole lot tied into the United States. I thought this was the best country in the world (i.e. highest standard of living, the most fair form of government) and yet I have been proven wrong time and time again. We have had a cinderella story beginning, but now it seems as though Cinderella has turned full circle into the wicked step-mother. Entities outside of the government, who do not work for the benifit of the people have too much political power (Media corps, Religious organizations, et cetera). We (the People) NEED to know that we can take back control of our country (preferably) without a violent revolt, and anarchy. A direct democracy holds the key, but is it a long term fix, or just a booster shot? Will the American people elect equally corrupted people to represent them on the board; because we have been dumbed down so much? Will the religious majority pass laws that oppress those of differing persuasions, or no persuasions at all? I have my doubts about the implications of this system. In the end, it may very well just make the government bigger, stronger, and more invasive. But, hey, it's worth a shot. If it does not work out, I still speak enlish; I'll just have to work on my accent. I have more to offer the world than to just say that I fought for the United States.
Deciding How to fight your battles is as important as deciding Which battles to fight.
The decision for change is now!
Submitted on May 13th, 2007 by solidusoulI had my doubts about this yesterday, but I think this will do more good than harm. My concerns involved mob mentality and media influence, but those already persist today.
I think the real cause of the problem is money being too intertwined in politics, and with this we have a chance to change that that we didn't have before. They will move into our media instead, but the internet is helping prevent press bias, so now is a good time as well.
As for the question whether we are ready for this power or not: I think if we're able to get this through and have Mike Gravel elected, we're ready. His running is a chance for America to prove themselves in the fight against the corruption.
It's our choice, democracy or continued loss of power.
Submitted on May 11th, 2007 by Donald GrbacDemocracy is worth the struggle because it produces freedom. We were taught that in school. Unfortunately the real meaning of democracy has been blurred over the years; many think it is the same as capitalism. It's not. Capitalism is an economic system that is proving to be not as good as advertised lately. But democracy means government by the people. When the people are in charge, their freedom is guaranteed. Our constitution guarantees that we, the people, are sovereign. When we vote for representatives though, we are signing away our power to those representatives. With this situation, our freedom now depends on those representatives. And over the years the huge financial resources of corporations have overtaken (and stolen) the influence of the people to corporate benefit. If we expect to remain free, we must restore our power as stated in the Declaration of Independence and in the Bill of Rights. Corporate lobbyists will do everything they can to keep that from happening.
Your concerns about trivial laws, Michael, are unfounded. Remember a national ballot initiative would require a majority vote across the nation. We are talking about more than 50 or 60 million votes (or more) in favor to pass an initiative. That many people will not be influenced by trival proposals for law. We are too diverse. And we are also too diverse for any religious majority to pass any law that the nation in general does not agree with. The majorities you are concerned about do not have that much influence. In fact, with all our diversity (and diversity is a good thing) a bad law is very unlikely. If the majority did produce a law that turned out questionable, a modification would quickly appear on the ballot I am sure.
But the NI4D procedures for verifying the appropriateness of a ballot initiative would prevent most bad ideas from even getting started in my opinion.
Corrupt elected officials won't last long with the NI4D law either. It provides the recall election that could be initiated at any time the people decide an official is not doing their job. Gosh, I wish we had the recall option today!
DON
Only democracy will save us!
Download and read the NI4D papers
Submitted on February 18th, 2007 by Donald GrbacCongratulations on your statements about direct democracy. I have never heard anyone running for office say such things until I heard about Mike Gravel - and now you Ms. Potts.
The National Initiative for Democracy Act and the Constitutional Amendment are very well thought out and designed by Senator Gravel and other experts. I recommend downloading the papers on them and carefully reading them. They are amazing! Enacting them will change the balance of power in America from the huge corporations back to the people.
DON
Only democracy will save us!
Direct Chaos ?
Submitted on May 11th, 2007 by john from NJWho in theri right mind would want a European Style of Government in the USA ? Change Administation every 6 months ? Who monitor's the "Corpororation " that admins the NI ? Maybe a good idea 2000 years ago in a city state like Athens Greece, but with all the flouride in the water, I dont trust the great unwashed to rise to the occaision. NI in all it's incarnation's is bad kung fu. Did you read the paper's about what went down in Germany in WW11. Fidel has Direct Democracy, he directs it. I'm going to put on my aluminum foil headgear when I log on in the future, why take a chance ?
Hey John from NJ. Where you been?
Submitted on May 11th, 2007 by alexI see you've made it back to the Forum. Are you seriously comparing the NI to Fidel and WWII Germany? Talk about bad kung fu.
Go back and read it. It doesn't establish a dictatorship. It establishes a fourth branch of government.
Gravel 08
Schools In
Submitted on May 11th, 2007 by john from NJAlex:
There is no 4th branch of Government, and no need to invent one. It's a One World Utopian scheme that I have yet to hear anyone of substance on the issue endorse. It's nice to have a life outside to posting to the site, ALTHOUGH the posts on the site are a little more grounded than whats posted on the Kucinich site. I can be generous when I want to !
"Better the Devil You Know" R Kipling
No need to invent one???
Submitted on May 13th, 2007 by Suzy 2sAre you serious, John? Pull your head out, this country is in serious trouble, of course we need a fourth branch. Did you read the article on the front page? Is Ralph Nader 'anyone of substance'?
Take your dumbass comments and your 'generosity' back to Kucinich where someone may want to listen to you.
"I have yet to hear anyone
Submitted on May 13th, 2007 by Tantroo_McNally"I have yet to hear anyone of substance on the issue endorse"
What does that mean exactly? Who in your opinion has substance on this issue? Those that make money by this current three branch system and hold it as a monopoly? If so good luck hearing from them, don't hold your breath though.
Though if you like the current system, in which it is legal for a burglar to sue you for being able to break into your house, but not back out, guess that's up to you. But if you want to protect yourself from criminals claiming themselves as the victims, then the initiative is just the ticket to protect people from such silly lawsuits.
There are so many benefits in my mind, that is just one of them.
With faith, victory is assured.
If the NI could have been
Submitted on May 11th, 2007 by arpidoodleIf the NI could have been used to stop Teri Schiavo from losing her life it would make it worth the trouble.
There are many worthwhile issues only a NI can resolve fairly.
read the plan at . . .
Submitted on May 12th, 2007 by pacomwww.ni4d.us
ROW THE GRAVEL !
tannhauser PACOM , tanaiste
Oz Has Spoken !
Submitted on May 13th, 2007 by john from NJWell Folks:
The NI is basically (in my humble opinion of course!) is just another assualt on the stability of governence by the vast web of unelected, non-transparent, interconnected cabal of Globalist Think tanks, NGO's, Foundations, that have replaced the form of goverenment that the great thinkers of country labored to established. You would do well to study the subject, are you looking at the water or the wave?
Your inside the cave with Socrates looking at the shawdows on the cave wall !
You would do well to study how to make a case...
Submitted on May 13th, 2007 by Tantroo_McNallySo I guess you like your government treating you as a child? Maybe they should propose a curfew so you can go home and go to beddy by?
And if you think George W. Bush is a great thinker, then I wanna know what you've been smoking, cause even though I hate drugs personally, that must be some good stuff. He has been the one trying to make us THE world power... God's 'chosen' nation.
It's not a 'Globalist' ideology... it is only going to be in the US. It's not like we're going to be making laws for Mexico. Heck, it might have prevented us policing the world, and us going into the Iraq War. Which, if you had been paying the least bit attention, you would know Mike is against policing the world.
And if you're going to tell us to study it, and then provide NO sources, then your words are about as sustainable and credible as Bill O'Reilly's. Nice try, you're going to have to try harder.
With faith, victory is assured.