>Democracy in the U.S. could mean more theocracy and
fewer civil
liberties. But surely the direct democrats don't want
that.
*******************************************************
I want a direct democracy, a rule of the people. It's an "is" and "ought" thing though. What is, is not what ought to be.
I realize that direct democracy is not possible as long as people are divided into classes. Direct democracy awaits the establishment of "an administration of things". I don't think that the working class majority will make the social revolution needed for a direct democracy, until they become class conscious enough to want to rid themselves of bosses and embrace self-management of production, consumption and their lives. That level of consciousness should come about as workers modify the way they make decisions in the process of organising i.e. become 'direct democrats' in practice. ******************************************************* Doug asked further:
So how can this direct democracy or consensus model apply to any population with significantly divergent interests or beliefs? *******************************************************
IMO, it can't apply to the whole population in the present, but it can and should be used to the extent possible in smaller groups as class consciousness develops.
Regards to all, Mike B)
===== ***************************************************************** Those who take the most from the table, teach contentment. Those for whom the taxes are destined, demand sacrifice. Those who eat their fill, speak to the hungry, of wonderful times to come. Those who lead the country into the abyss, call ruling difficult, for ordinary folk. -- Bertolt Brecht http://profiles.yahoo.com/swillsqueal
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