Yes To Democracy

I'm a big believer in the democratic process. Not the kind of insular system we have today where we vote for people who vote for or against legislation of their choosing. I'm for participatory democracy. Let the people decide how we are going to live among one another. By referendum.

That's why this, in the Roanoke Times this morning, is a good idea:

Roanoke asks again for bill on polls
If passed, the council or Roanoke voters would be able to call for advisory referendums.
By Todd Jackson, The Roanoke Times

State legislators will soon decide if Roanoke voters should get more power at the polls to try to shape the city's government.

For the third time in recent years, the city council will ask the General Assembly for the local ability to call for advisory referendums. If granted -- and "if" is the operative word -- the council or a required number of Roanoke voters would be able to put such a referendum on the ballot on virtually any topic related to city affairs.

"I think it's good for democracy," said state Sen. John Edwards, who will likely carry the bill for the city during the upcoming legislative session. "It's a way for the public to promote an issue." (link)

It is illustrative that the city of Roanoke, not to mention the people of the city, has to seek permission from Richmond in order to gain for the citizenry some decision-making power.

I am of the belief that part of the reason we suffer from such a high degree of voter apathy here in the USA is because we are so far removed from the process. We literally are allowed to participate in that process for a matter of seconds each year when we enter the voting booth. After that, we have to rely on emails and letters of indignation - oh, and Tim Kaine's highly scripted "town hall meetings" - and, if we're lucky, we get back an innocuous form letter thanking us for our opinion and wishing us well. A pat on the head. If we're lucky.

So I say, Let Freedom Ring. Let us vote. Let us decide our own future. Reduce the reliance on the weasels in Washington and the rotters in Richmond.

The first item on my agenda will be Mark Warner's unwarranted and unforgiveable tax increase and massive budget surplus...