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WORLDWIDE Vol. 7 (No. 1) March 2005
Strategy of Transition In the previous issue, I have summed up 10 types of strategy used by various branches of the DD movement. Which one is the most efficient? Various activists will probably answer this question in various ways. I don't pretend my answer is the right one and some people will most probably disagree. What I write here is obviously nothing more than a contribution to the discussion. Still, it is based on many years of observation, thinking and study of politology, sociology and psychology. Well, my answer is: At present, the most promising
strategy is to act through the intermediary of DD parties. This opinion will
provoke an angry reaction on the part of some. It would surely be so if a DD party did the same as all traditional parties: To compile a complex program, consisting of many issues and lines of policy, and then try to foist this program on as many potential voters as possible, without giving them any chance of structured deliberation and control, and without any guarantee that the program would not be modified during the mandate period. And, into the bargain, to usurp the right to form a government, i.e. to concentrate all power, until the next election, in the hands of a few Party bosses. A DD party, by contrast, has to do just the opposite: No program, only a binding promise to act according to voter instructions each time an issue is presented for voting in Parliament. This is what the Swedish Active Democracy Party intends to do. (See below) We must understand the motives behind some peoples´ involvement in party activities. At the bottom, there is probably, at least in some cases, a general outlook inducing the person in question to choose a certain party and not another one. But by far the most important motive is surely the desire to become important, to reach a material standard far beyond average, to gain media attention and to establish useful contacts. It would be ridiculous to believe that the MPs want to unselfishly work for the benefit of their voters and society in general. The networks of DD activists who lack sponsors or a prospect of future benefits (i.e. the vast majority), can only attract a few rather exceptional individuals. They will not achieve much in the field of the dirty political game. By contrast, if a few people make it to Parliament as DD candidates, it will be very rewarding for themselves as well as for the Movement. If this succeeds, it would be a boost for all of us. The system being what it is, we have to defeat the oligarchy by their own weapons. TRAIL BLAZERS OF DEMOCRACY C O N S T I T U T I O N National Initiative for Democracy, USA: "Section 1. The sovereign authority and the
legislative power of citizens of the United States to enact, repeal and amend
public policy, laws, charters, and constitutions by local, state and national
initiatives shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state.
........ " Initial tentative formulations of the People's Constitution for the European Union: "We, the People, whereas we are mindful of our
responsibility towards nature; resolved to renew our alliance to strengthen
liberty and democracy, independence and peace in solidarity and openness towards
the world; are determined to live our diversity in unity respecting one another;
are conscious of our common achievements and our responsibility towards future
generations; and know that only those remain free who use their freedom, and
that the strength of a people is measured by the welfare of the weakest of its
members; now, therefore, we adopt the following Constitution
...... " Citizens´ Constitution of Czech Republic (draft No 1, 2002) "Basic Enactment: When this Constitution draft gains the approval of more than 50% of the citizens of Czech Republic, it will come into force and replace the Constitution of Czech Republic No.1/1993 or any other constitution not approved directly by the majority of the citizens. ....... " (under construction) Direct Democracy Party of the United States; suggested by Lee Gottlieb, January, 2003. "Preamble: We, who gather under this banner of reform, represent the dreams and hopes, the anger and frustrations of millions of working U.S. citizens who are disillusioned with the American System and disgusted with the performance of both major political parties: the Republican Party for its dedication to wealth, the Democrat Party for its prostitution to wealth. Although Americans who support independent third parties are sincere in their commitments, should they win office, we don´t believe the promises they make can be kept under the present political environment, which is biased towards wealth and makes a mockery of democratic processes. We working Americans find ourselves confronted by a situation
unknown in modern times: our democratic ideals and values are being distorted
and our dreams of a better world for ourselves and our children are being
destroyed by the actions of our own rulers ..... " Party Program of Active Democracy, Sweden "History points to a clear connection between democracy, peace and wealth. It is time to move forward. This is how human mentality works: when evolution doesn´t go forward, it tends to go backward instead. We can see a decline in turn-out and a political system that seems to gradually slow down to idle. The reason is probably not lack of dedication, competence, or eagerness to improve the world; more likely, the current stagnation is due to the fact that the average citizen has outgrown the fuzziness, unreliability and increasing mutual similarity of the political parties operating in our society. There is a conspicuous lack of concrete, radical ideas emerging right out of everyday life and aspiring after change. .... " "We are convinced that a continuous direct democracy,
working according to our model, will solve these problems. ....." INTERNATIONAL USA 13 October, information received from Mr. Nathan Carnes through Mr.Miroslav Kolar: "I agree with you and I also want Direct Democracy. I have written a sci-fi novel, Space Ark -The Seventh Millenium. http://www.spaceark.net " 27 October, an anti-war information: www.VoteNoWar.org ; Subject: Sham democracy: The legacy of racism 4 November, information from Triaka: Voting
without auditing. (Are we insane?) 5 November, an information sent to the CICDD discussion
channel by Mr.Bruce Eggum: http://www.americaspeaks.org/welcome.html Social Forum should not be confused with Citizen Commissions, which deal with a specific problem seeking a solution. These are government functions and participants should be "paid" as in the Czech CC draft Jiri is working on." Mr.Lee Gottlieb: A Theory of Subversion "This book is about the deterioration of American values and the removal of the republic´s productive capabilities since the end of WWII." http://www.voicesfordd.com/book1.html CANADA 6 November, information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar:
"Two excellent articles on DD, recently published in The Ecologist can
be downloaded at:
10 November, information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar: "CIVICNET - A non-commercial computer network, separate from the internet, for the civil interaction of citizens provided by a national or regional government (such as the EU). Electronic Participatory Democracy - Decision making by
individual citizens through their computers and the CIVICNET. Citizens need not
respond to each individual question, but could have a data base on their
computer with their beliefs. The CIVICNET could then query the individual
citizens data base as to their positions on any given question. If the data base
does not cover the question being asked, a message would be left for the
citizens response, and this response could be added to the citizens data base
for future questions. Such a system would harness today´s computer and
communications technology to provide direct control by individual citizens of
the political decision making process. The role of politicians would be changed
from that of elected representative decision makers to that of conveyors of
political thought." (Comment: This is basically the same principle as that advocated by the Swedish Active Democracy. See below. J.P.) 8 December, information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar: http://directdemocracycanada.ca Direct Democracy Canada is a grassroots citizen movement dedicated to the implementation and support of direct democracy systems in Canada." 22 December, information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar:
Fair Vote Canada Newsletter - December 2004, from larry.gordon@fairvotecanada.org
Among other pieces of information, the Newsletter lets the reader know that a referendum on the proposed Electoral Reform in British Columbia will be held on May 17, 2005. 2 January, information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar: http://www.democrat.ca Democracy Party of Canada "An interesting confluence of events is encouraging the fragmentation of federal politics in Canada - and it´s for the better!" 6 February, information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar: http://talkon.ca - BC-STV To Break Party Dominance http://www.demochoice.org/dcballot.php?poll=BCSTV Citizens´ Assembly on Electoral Reform - IMPROVING
DEMOCRACY IN B.C. "What was the Citizens´ Assembly? The Assembly was an independent, non-partisan assembly of 160 randomly selected British Columbians, with a mandate to look at how votes cast in provincial elections translate into seats in the Legislature. Their final report and recommendation to the people of B.C. was submitted on 10 December 2004, and the Assembly then disbanded." GLOBAL OUTLOOK Issue 9 - Fall 2004/Winter 2005 A quotation from the Editorial: "A much better world is possible - One person - many votes - on many important issues. Call it what you will: citizen-centred democracy, participatory democracy or simply direct democracy - we'll know it when we see it!" 12 articles by highly qualified authors, among them Michael C.Ruppert, summing up his 675-page best-seller Crossing the Rubicon, the Decline of the American Empire at the End of the Age of Oil ( www.fromthewilderness.com ); "Peak Oil": The global oil production will culminate in 2007. After that, the world will experience an increasing shortage owing to the depletion of the existing reserves. Behind the American "War on Terrorism", there is the neo-con Junta's desire to secure as much as possible of what is left. All articles reach the same conclusion: There is growing evidence of the Junta's involvement in 9/11. But, as one author writes, even if their guilt is proved, there is a risk that the public will shut their eyes on the shocking truth because it would shatter their quasi-religious belief in the American system. <www.globaloutlook.ca> UK 20 Jan. Mr.Bernard Clayson sent to some of
us a sharp-sighted analysis of the notion of Democracy. http://www.shuartfarm.fsnet.co.uk/nature/democracy.htm Autumn 2004: Mr.Tony Adeney published a
very interesting book: 21 January: Mr.Bernard Clayson wrote,
"I am working on doing a Public Village Referendum (not a Parish
Referendum), it will be phase one of a new practical system that could be done
anywhere, at very little cost." .... Mr.Clayson also asked for volunteers
to help him with this project - an implementation of DD principles in a concrete
environment. Interesting initiative! THE NETHERLANDS Ms Filia den Hollander, co-ordinator of the European project of People's Constitution for the EU. Ms Hollander is currently the most prominent lady activist within our movement. Previous projects: Blauwe Kamer, 1998-99: http://www.blauwekamer.nl/v1/gale_fh.htm , http://www.blauwekamer.nl/v1/e_gale_fh.htm
; Archined, 1997: New Electoral System Hamburg (published by Newropeans) CZECH REPUBLIC The network of political activists is seething with anger against the corrupt post-communist establishment. They write both in Czech and English. One of the most active is Mr.Jan Šinágl. Just one small quotation: "The persistent greasy relics of old times and structures in justice, police and attorney´s offices in the Czech Republic take the liberty of inviting you once again to another episode of the absurd lawsuit with Captain Vladimír Hučín - for your money! Their faithful and dependent henchmen will once again demonstrate, for a fat reward, their frolics and ´capabilities´." Conference, Prague 16-18 September 2005, the Pauliny
Hotel. Agenda: 1.Global level: The ideas of Mr.George Sagi, George Kokkas,
Bernard Clayson, Lee Gottlieb (see above), Leopoldo Salgui (Otra Democracia es
posible), Aki Orr, Tony Adeney (see above), David Taozen, and perhaps some
others; renewed WDDM? World Parliament, World Citizenship.... 2.European
level: Discussions about the draft of a People's EU Constitution (the
project co-ordinated by Ms Filia den Hollander); 3.National level: The Conference will be rather of the brainstorming type than fixed agenda type. It will be an open door event, no participation announcement is necessary (except for hotel reservations), no participation fees. Comment: Within the DD movement, apparently, two schools of thought are emerging: Let´s call them The Mainstream Moderates and the Radicals. The former (NDDIE, IRI-Europe, ERC, many members of Mehr Demokratie, and some other organizations) focuse almost only on Europe and on the promotion of I&R. They are sponsored by some established institutions (the European Parliament, Switzerland, membership fees....). The latter discuss all aspects and instruments of DD anywhere in the world. They have no sponsors, depending only on their own personal resources. I want to point out that between the two branches, there is no antagonism, only complementarity. However, since 2001, the Mainstream Moderates have dominated the field, at least in Europe. The above conference is an attempt to give, for once, a forum to the Radicals. GERMANY Zeitschrift für direkte Demokratie 3/04; interesting articles concerning the following areas: EU und Demokratie; International (Demokratie auf globaler Ebene? Vorschläge zur UNO-Reform; a report from Switzerland); Demokratie in Deutschland; Bundesländer; MD intern; Omnibus für direkte Demokratie; Service SWEDEN AKTIV DEMOKRATI, an internet DD Party < www.aktivdemokrati.se > Basic principle: Elected representatives should act as messengers, instead of as trustees. It could work as follows: Before each parliamentary voting, the issue in question would be presented on the DD MP´s website. The citizens living in the respective district could then choose one of these alternatives and give the MP an instruction: 1.Vote yes I believe that, during the coming twenty years or so, this model should push the traditional parties out of business. At present, it is estimated that this party could already obtain the support of at least 10% of the Swedish electorate. (JP) FRANCE 30 October, information sent to the Democracy-Europe discussion channel by Mr.Horst Grützke: "I found this site: http://www.arcueil.fr/05_assemblees_quartiers.php "Dès 1996, les assemblées de quartier ont été lancées sur l´initiative de la municipalité." "La politique appartient à tout le monde!" ISRAEL 27 November, a letter sent by Mr.Aki Orr to the CICDD discussion channel: "My new pamphlet on DD is out on http://www.abolish-power.org Although you will disagree with much of it I still value your comments." (Well, I agree with almost everything! JP) AUSTRALIA 24 November, information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar: http://www.powerup.org.au - DD in Australia. "PowerUp is dedicated to bringing Direct Democracy into Australia´s political system." John Abercrombie, john@powerup.org.au NEPAL 26 December: Our network was contacted by Dr.Sichendra Bista, "Chief Architect and Secretary General, eParliament.org: The Pioneering OPERATIONAL Model of Webocracy; Founder and President, Global Initiatives International Secretariat, GPO Box 10422, Katmandu, Nepal; http://www.eParliament.org http://www.giis.netfirms.com/anupa.htm Owing to the current royal dictatorship reigning in Nepal, it seems that Dr.Bista hesitates to solicit contacts from the outer world. But we surely appreciate his initiative and will support him, if possible! (JP) SPAIN 6 and 7 February, information from Mr.Leopoldo
Salgui: Otra Democracia es posible continues its activities. See http://otrademocraciaesposible.net
and INDIA 8 November, information from Mr.Miroslav Kolar: http://www.rahulmehta.com - enacting Partial Direct Democracy in India. "I am Rahul Mehta, a small time politician
in India (city Ahmedabad, state Gujarat. Now I am trying to get following 3 laws
passed. One in City Council of Ahmedabad, another in Gujarat State Assembly, and
the third in the Parliament of India. See THE WORLD Community of World Citizens 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 all 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." ........ Two global networks: 7 January, information supplied by Dr.Milan Valach: "Make a Difference: Debate Democracy In March 2005 Madrid will host a major international Summit on Democracy, Terrorism and Security. Attended by current and former world leaders, senior representatives of groups directly engaged in confronting terrorism, scholars, politicians, journalists and policy makers, the summit is an opportunity to put forward ways of dealing with terror and threats of terror that do not compromise and can even strengthen those principles of democracy. openDemocracy.net in partnership with the Summit organisers, is working to open and extend the discussion about the Madrid Principles, and we would like to invite you to play your part in creating a democratic vision of a safer world." ........ Demokratie auf globale Ebene, by Von Diandra Luesch, Munich. An interesting article published in the Zeitschrift für DD, 3/04. Vorschläge zur UNO-Reform; KDUN: Bevölkerung soll in der UNO besser repräsentiert werden. An article published in the Zeitschrift für DD, 3/04; http://www.uno-komitee.de/de/ EUROPE 14 December, information from Dr.Bruno Kaufmann:
IRI Europe launches Guidebook to Direct Democracy, a new tool for
democratisation of democracy. Selected parts of the Guidebook can be
downloaded at Europa-Magazin 2/2004: Dossier "Sozialabbau in der EU"; EU-Verfassung: Subsidiarität; Schengen; SPS; Buchbesprechungen; Militarism comme principe constitutionel par Tobias Pflüger; Die Rolle der Subsidiarität im EU-Verfassungsvertrag von Andreas Wehr; Verdeckte Überwachung grenzenlos von Luzius Theiler; SPS - immer noch "EU über alles!" von Paul Ruppen; Kurzinfos Published by Forum für direkte Demokratie; Redaktion:
Dr.Paul Ruppen Jens-Peter Bonde´s newsletter 20.01.2005: Danish,
EUABC, News, Topics, Articles, Speeches, Books, EU Constitution, Treaties,
Initiatives, Transparency SIMPOL A quotation from the Editorial: "The really encouraging news in this issue is the ´surge of support´ for the Simultaneous Policy shown by 59 candidates in October´s federal election in Australia .... And, following the initial pledges received during the European elections in June, more have been received in the pre-2005 election public awareness campaign currently under way among MPs at Westminster."
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