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WORLDWIDE
Vol. 6 (No. 3) September 2004
Parliamentarism
and Democracy
Admittedly, the rationale and motive force of
politics is the pursuit of one's own interests. In the previous issue, I
identified 4 types of interests: The type 3 and 4 interests are incompatible with true democracy and must be eliminated. In the public debate, the type 3 interest is mostly covered up. Instead, it is pretended that the current system is true democracy, that it cannot be radically improved, that it is based on general consensus, etc. By contrast, lobbying by vested interests if often mentioned and commented upon, but again, it is pretended that lobbying is OK, that it is an integral part of the "democratic" system. We hear that in Brussels, there are professional lobbyists having offices of their own quite openly, that they do lobbying as a full-time job. If most people still seem to consider this phenomenon as belonging to democracy, it can only be explained by permanent brain-washing on the part of the establishment. It can be expected that some time in future, people will understand that their group interests are best served by the promotion of their common interests. But we are not there yet. To gain this insight, perhaps one or two generations will be needed. For strategic reasons, the DD movement should not try to jump over group interests. This means that we should not demand the abolition of traditional political parties. But we should demand that the scope of activity of these parties be limited to their original purpose - promotion of group interests, while our common interests, that in fact have nothing to do with party politics, be defined and attended to by directly democratic processes. Party political abuse of these interests - an abuse we are exposed to all the time - should be banned.
INTERNATIONAL 8 June, a letter from Triaka: "Clearly, no government/political system is valid unless it is based on (1) your unforced explicit direct consent, and (2) your unforced explicit direct support." "Advancing to a truly democratic and
mature global order is suggested in The CONSTITUTION of UNITED DIVERSITY which
is constructed on individual Rights 1 July, information supplied by Mr.M.Kolar: RETURN CONTROL of GOVERNMENT to the PEOPLE - http://www.cusdi.org Home Page Summary: Problem:
Solution:
Action: The power of our votes will ultimately make this Solution happen; a grassroots email campaign will start it. 5 July:
Information from Mr.M.Kolar: "Since as early as 1994: U.S.
CONSTITUTION for 21st CENTURY and BEYOND: 15 July: New submission to http://democracy.mkolar.org/newURL.html 6 August: Information by ElecCity sent to the cicdd discussion channel: (DW) Conf - 5th Worldwide Forum on
Electronic Democracy - Sep 29-30 - Issy, France 15 August: New submission to http://democracy.mkolar.org/newURL.html 19 July: Correction supplied by Mr.M.Kolar: At http://www.movementfordirectdemocracy.com/page2.htm - correct link to the translation of the Draft of the Czech Citizens´ Constitution: http://democracy.mkolar.org/HzPD/CzCitizenConstDraft.doc At http://www.movementfordirectdemocracy.com/page3.htm , correct link to Mr.Kolar´s page at newURL.html is: http://democracy.mkolar.org/newURL.html 16 August, information supplied by Global Outlook: "Global Outlook´s products are now available online at our NEW ADDRESS: www.globaloutlook.ca "We have re-vamped our webstore to
include new products such as:
Important articles in the Issue 8 - Spring
2004 (topics): 26 July: Information from Mr.Abraham Weizfeld: Direct Democracy Movement - Mouvement
démocratie directe 25 July, a
letter sent by Ms Filia den Hollander to the democracy-europe
discussion channel: Many thanks go to Angelika Gardiner of the Hamburg campaign for additional information and feedback, and to Michael Macpherson who spontaneously edited the text into good English. German artist Joseph Beuys (1921-1986) perceived society as a ´social sculpture´. Each individual helps to "mould" society and is, in doing so, an artist him- or herself. This Hamburg referendum is an example of re-shaping democracy. The idea of initiative and referendum: direct democracy, is also connected to Beuys. My contributions to this ´sculpture´ are that I participated one weekend in signature gathering for the German Volksbegehren (second phase of the German referendum system) and also my writing this article in English. With it, I aim to bring the new Hamburg electoral system to international audience and to international consciousness - both artistic and political." Filia den Hollander, visual artist, Democracy activist, Amsterdam" (Those who want to read the article can go to democracy-europe@yahoogroups.com Spring 2004: "Die Befreiung der Politik zu langfristigen Denken" - Fachkonferenz Berlin, Ernst-Reuter-Haus, 26./27.Mai Quote: "Bei der Kandidatenaufstellung zur Präsidentenwahl kam es erneut zur Diskussion über mehr Bürgerbeteiligung: Unser politisches System zeigt Ergänzungsbedarf. Bundespräsident Rau selber hat in seiner "Berliner Rede" die notwendige Stärkung unserer Demokratie durch die Bürger betont." The conference showed again that the idea of citizen deliberation is being increasingly acknowledged as an indispensable component of modern political systems. Indeed, the extent to which the two basic elements of DD - I&R and citizen deliberation - have already been integrated in the respective system can be used as an index of the level of democratic development of that system. On such a scale, Germany together with Switzerland, California and some other states of the USA, plus some cities like Porto Alegre and Albacete, would surely occupy a top position. (JP) Some articles dedicated to the ideas of the
above mentioned Conference: Fachtagung - Befreiung der Politik (Politik
& Kommunikation, April 2004); Ueber das Minderjährigenwahlrech (aus:
Hattenhauer, Juristen JZ Zeitung, Heft 1/96); History of Citizens´
Juries (Parra Youth Matters, Australia, October 2003), see Planungszelle and Citizens´ Juries: A tribute to Professor Dienel from Britain (by Clare Delap, Public Participation Consultant, University College London and IPPR, London, and Anna Coote, Director of Public Health, Kings Fund, London) Ein Golfstrom vernünftiger Ideen (WZ, 22 April 2004) For a synoptic information see Denkblockaden in der Politik? Die Planungszelle als Chance politischer Bildung by Prof.Peter C.Dienel (paper) 11 June, a letter by Mr.Tony Adeney: "We are presently working on a website, which we hope will become an international forum, campainig for the introduction of Direct Democracy - bringing together various organisations and individuals with similar interests. Although the site is still under construction, we are building into the site a page for useful website links/bibliographies and related useful information. It should be up and running in about two months and be located at www.directdemocracyinternational.com Would your organisation be interested in allowing us to put your website details onto our site and allowing a reciprocal link to your site. We could simply require your permission, your URL web address, and ideally a short paragraph explaining what you are about. (Max 100 words, although less can be highly effective!) Also of help would be references to any books, articles, academic work or courses at Universities and colleges where direct democracy is studied (possibly as part of a wider curriculum) that we can add into our general information section. Although we are based in London we are hoping to bring various direct democracy groups together, from around the world as there is growing interest in the subject. For correspondence please contact me at: tone.one@btopenworld.com 20 June: Mr.Bernard Clayson sent round a letter summing up the various fields of DD activities and their various aspects. Something to keep pondering over and consult from time to time! 18 July: A
letter from Mr.Bernard Clayson sent to the democracy-europe
discussion channel: A new idea has already appeared in this channel: Established organizations like the ERC try to push through the opportunity for the citizens of all EU countries to vote ´yes´ or ´no´ on the EU Constitution. But this is not enough. The citizens should also obtain the opportunity to examine the draft, submit it to deliberation, and propose amendments, if they consider them necessary. There are plans to form a special citizen group for this purpose. (JP) 10 July: An
information from Prof Lyn Carson, the University of Sydney:
"The website for ACTIVE DEMOCRACY has moved from http://www.hydra.org.au/activedemocracy
to 19 July: A letter from Dr.Doug Everingham: "1.The WSF may be the world's best joint project of non-profit, non-government groups seeking a fair and sustainable world order. 2. Such joint action may hasten and broaden ´triple bottom line´ practices - allowing social and environmental aims to regulate or replace the world's dominant principles of economic growth, profit and under-regulated markets. 3. We are building registers of citizens and groups who combine to draft more democratic laws and rules. We encourage governments and corporations to adopt such measures. We declare preferences for conforming election candidates, while recognizing that many democratic reforms can only be safely implemented when most rival governments agree to act simultaneously - because corporate power in control of currencies, credit and job creation can cripple economically a country that moves alone to regulate companies for social and environmental reasons. 4. Decision-making groups should aim to be of manageable size, each group including members of other groups to form networks of related special interest groups with each other and with other levels of administration and representation. Consensus in joint decision-making should be a common objective. Where this fails the group should try to negotiate consent. Majority votes may be necessary, but may be accompanied by minority comments. 5. This 'nested networking' of non-governmental networks will also seek constructive liaisons with private enterprise and governmental groups. (Practical examples of such deliberative and decision-making principles are given in writings of Shann Turnbull, Principal, International Institute for Self-governance, P.O.Box 266, Wooollahra 1350 Australia; e-mail sturnbull@mbal1963.hbs.edu Also writings of the Sociocratic Center http://www.sociocracy.biz Recently published: (in Swedish; 80 pages) Contents: 6 July: Mr.Lars
Elgstam, Ekvilibra, drew our attention to his article The
distribution of power published in March 2003 in the British magazine Philosophy
Now: 27 August: A circular letter from his Excellency Bernard Freymond, The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sweden, and Ms Karen Fogg, Secretary-General, International IDEA: "We are pleased to invite you to attend a seminar on "Instruments for Direct Democracy Today" to be hosted by the International Institute for democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the Embassy of Switzerland in Sweden on 15 September 2004. Direct democracy is a subject of increasing debate in Sweden. Many questions about the use and instruments of direct democracy have arisen following the 2003 referendum on the introduction of the euro and the preparations for a referendum on the proposed congestion charge in Stockholm. International IDEA is an intergovernmental organisation with member states across all continents, which seeks to support sustainable democracy in both new and long-established democracies. IDEA draws on comparative experience and analysis in building democracy and develops policy options, tools and guidelines for those engaged in political reform. Given the growing role of direct democracy instruments in many parts of the world, IDEA has recently embarked on a project to improve knowledge and understanding of the various models of direct democracy and the advantages and disadvatages associated with them. The seminar aims at promoting debate on the possibilities and the limitations of referenda and citizens´ initiatives as well as assisting those who may be involved in the planning and implementation of direct democracy instruments in Sweden." 23 August: A letter from Mr.Josep Lluis Ortega: "I have been active helping the wiki for a better democracy grow. I think it is more or less consolidated by now. However, for the last several months I have been also working hard on a project that I would like to present to you: the creation of the Community of World Citizens, a non-geographical, world embracing collective of interdependent people who wish to join others in being first of all citizens of the world sharing the deep personal belief that loyalties to our planet and the human species come before national loyalties. We are now a small group (but growing) of people behind it, and we are also engaged in talks with the World Citizen Registry, the Coalition for a World Parliament and World Democracy, and a number of groups and organizations, to explore for possibilities of convergence. Quotations from the CWC Full Proposal: "In the midst of so much social injustice, economic inequality, political alienation and environmental danger, it is an optimistic sign that a great number of individuals and groups working toward what can loosely be named global justice gets more numerous by the day through the world. Some work at local levels, others at national or international levels and many have entered the information highway and have presence in internet. Some deal with world governance issues, others try to promote direct democracy, many strive for a new economic democracy, most are worried about the environment and sustainability. However, some of us feel there is also a need to find a way of coordinating all the separate efforts if real progress toward more global justice, sustainability and world governance is going to have any chance. ...... Thus, the first step is the establishment of a Community of World Citizens (CWC), i.e. of people committed to the above statement. Joinig the CWC only entails: The signature of a statement of world citizenship. The acceptance that the community of world citizens constitutes a legitimate and proper arena for making and debating propositions and nominating and electing. No obligation to participate in any of the above process, but acceptance of the right of any other world citizen, group or organization to be contacted and asked for opinion, vote or participation. No conflict with other nationality, political militancy, or association. World citizenship is added to other levels of affiliation, never suppresses them. Being included in the public registry of world citizens and acquiring a registry number. A world citizenship card. ...... Conclusions We think this is a simple proposal that requires only more and more people signing up as world citizen. This is an easy, free process with a minimum of political ideological commitment. Groups, political parties, and non-governmental organizations can either continue to function as before or take profit of the new audience provided by the CWC, perhaps converging with other organizations. Initiatives, nominations, votes and other actions will exist only inasmuch as people are active in undertaking them. Representatives will exist only if nominated and elected. Their role and force will depend on the number of world citizens and the quality of the debates." http://cwc.betterdemocracy.netThe idea of World Citizenship is not new. Already in the 1970s, I was approached by one of its advocates. However, in the pre-internet age, this idea had no chance of success. In the 21st century, the situation is very different. Mr.Ortegas initiative is certainly worth of all support it can get. (JP) 23 July: A letter from Mr.George Kokkas: ".... I wish to inform everybody in the DD scene that we finally had approximately 4,000 votes for our "European Sympolitia, Direct Democracy" Party, that participated recently in the European Parliament elections! The choice of the Greek voters was among 29 political parties, including the big parties holding power! Since a lot of voters encourage us to continue this attempt, is there any idea for capitalization on this first presence in elections, especially during the Olympic Games next month in Athens ... or during the procedures of ratification of the European Constitution?" George, please accept my congratulations on behalf of the DD community! Jiri 6 August: A letter from Mr.Erik Lim: "I am Eric Lim from Singapore, a tiny initially unwilling country with a current local population of about 3.2 m people. We have constitutionally inherited the Westminster Parliamentary system of government from Bernard's country with the expiry of colonialism in our region of the world following World War II. Since then, we have evolved into a parliamentary system of government with the ruling party having overwhelming control of the Parliament with 82 out of the 84 ´elected´ Members of Parliament (MPs) currently. Many of the MPs of the ruling party come from walkover uncontested constituencies. We have a strong and effective government for economic growth and social orderliness, but our Constitution could be amended with two-third parliamentary majority and had in fact been amended many times over the last 40 odd years of our history. We were often told in the past and are therefore familiar with the best reasons why ´western´ democracies could not work in most parts of the world, especially those with the far eastern cultural heritage. So for global democracy to grow and thrive, it must be relevant to all people in the world, it must address the fundamental problems of the people anywhere on the Planet Earth, of society and of government, and it, therefore, must be shown convincingly to be workable: a safe democracy with an effective government. A careful analysis of the issues involved would unfailingly point to the problems inherent in the existing political systems. In this connection, Bernard has unknown to me, for many years already, presented before us a New Political System with ideas and concepts boldly free of the existing political systems while I have been in search of a New Political System for the Information Age (currently at Draft #05) for the past few years. (´Bernard´ means Bernard Clayson. JP) On 17 November 2004, The Association for a better life plans to hold a demonstration on the Václavské Náměstí (the heart of Prague) to protest against the corrupt post-communist regime of that country. A DD information leaflet is scheduled to be distributed. 30 June: A report sent to us by Mr.Miroslav Kolar: "Yesterday, Pres. Putin signed a Referendum Law for Russia. To hold a referendum, 2 million signatures in the whole Russian Federation are needed and at least one half of the regions have to be represented." 15 July: New submission to http://democracy.mkolar.org/newURL.html LINK: http://www.cafebabel.com/en/dossier.asp?id=116 - Cafe Babel on e-politics and DD. 27 July: A letter from Mr.Heiko Dittmer sent to European activists: "Dear friends, some of you might have had problems with the attachment in the note from Bruno. Please find hereafter the invitation also as an imbedded text. By the way, some of you might already know that there will be also a (European Citizens´ Initiative Right) project planning meeting on Monday, October 11, 13:30-17:30, near to the European Parliament. For your involvement and more information concerning this project planning meeting, I'll personally stay in contact with you." INVITATION & ANNOUNCEMENT: THE EUROPEAN CITIZENS´ INITIATIVE RIGHT - INTO NEW DEMOCRATIC TERRITORY Dear colleague, we would like to invite you to an international seminar on the European Citizens´ Initiative Right, Art. 46.4. in the new EU Treaty. With this new instrument, the citizens of the EU will for the very first time have the opportunity of submitting a proposal for a new European Law to the Commission. However, Art. 46.4., only describes the basic principles of this new democratic instrument - the exact details, including the numbers of countries from which the signatures must be gathered and the range of issues which the initiative right will cover, will be part of the upcoming pre-implementation process, which will start after the signing of the new Treaty by the EU Heads of State and Government on October 29 in Rome. You are most welcome to join the work and discussion around one of the most innovative elements of the new Treaty by joinig us on MONDAY, October 11, 2004, 9.30-12 am. In the European Parliament in Brussels, Room P5B001. At this seminar you will receive an introductory presentation on the options, limits and challenges of the new European Citizens´ Initiative right, as well as a presentation of various perspectives by representatives of the EP, the Commission, academia, the media and NGOs. You are most welcome to offer your viewpoints and to take an active part in the concluding discussions at the seminar, which can mark the departure into truly new democratic territory. Please let us know a.s.a.p., but at the latest by September 17, if you are able to join us by sending an e-mail to info@iri-europe.org . Address your feedback, comments, proposals or questions to kaufmann@iri-europe.org . Yours sincerely, Bruno Kaufmann, President, Initiative & Referendum Institute Europe, www.iri-europe.org & Diana Wallis MEP, AEDL, United Kingdom; Jo Leinen, MEP, ESP, Germany, Jens-Peter Bonde, IND/DEM, Denmark; Michael efler, Coordinator, Democracy International. 4 August: PRESS RELEASE by IRI Europe: IRI Europe Launches New Briefing Service on Upcoming EU Constitution Referendums REFERENDUMS BECOME STANDARD ON CONSTITUTION RATIFICATION With less than 100 days to go before the final signing of the new EU Constitution by the Heads of State and Government in Rome, the Initiative & Referendum Institute Europe today launches a new briefing service on the upcoming EU constitution referendums across Europe: referendums are about to become the standard for constitution ratification. .......... Established in 2001, IRI Europe has published backgrounders and guidelines on the European Referendum Challenge including these 2004 releases, which can be downloaded at www.iri-europe.org :
Hard copies can be ordered from IRI Europe headquarters. Call Arjen Nijeboer in Amsterdam on +31 20 4275091 or send an email to info@iri-europe.org .
7 August: Information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar: New submission to http://democracy.mkolar.org/newURL.html LINK: http://eu04.com - European referendum Campaign ERC; A concise website, where you may get a brief info about ER(C). EUROPA-MAGAZIN 1/2004 Articles: Schengen; Militarisierung der EU: Autonomer Nachvollzug der EU-Repressions-politik? von Solidarité sans frontières; Kontrollen ohne Verdacht von Heiner Busch und Balthasar Gläth; Technisches Instrumentarium der Abschottung von Heiner Busch; Milita-rismus als Verfassungsprinzip von Tobias Pflüger; Friedensvolksbegehren statt Brüsseler-Astrologie von Boris Lechthaler Schweiz als Alternative; EU-Referendumskampagne: Buchbesprechungen; Le Non des Suédois de Tony Johansson; Schweizer EU-Lösung eine Alternative für Dänemark? von Lave K.Broch; EU-Referendum Campaign auf Erfolgskurs von Ronald Bapst; Die EU-politischen Diskussionen des 1.Halbjahres 04 von Paul Ruppen Kurzinfos http://www.europamagazin.ch |
