Direct Democracy in Greece?

Having missed adding to my blog for several months I have obviously not mentioned many matters re: Direct Democracy, or the use (or non-use) of referendums that have occurred during that time. I will therefore try to catch up somewhat. Let's backtrack to early October.

The most intriguing one must be the effort by the embattled president of Greece - Papanderou to have his people vote upon his economic suggestions. These were supposedly to overcome the animosity of many public demonstrators who did not feel the restraints he was proposing were fair to them. He was stopped in his tracks by the attitude of his major European leader detractors. They felt that he had delayed serious decisions for too long, and that possibly the people would vote against their allegedly more intelligent views. Ultimately, he backed down, resigned, and a new man seems, at the moment, to have things under some better control.

However, what if it had gone to a vote (earlier)? Would the majority of Greek citizens have voted the "wrong" way? Well, Pat Carney, Canada's esteemed head banker, who just recently assumed a major position with the World bank indicated that a referendum would be a good idea - to get the Greek people onside. Unfortunately, democracy, if that means heeding the majority of peoples' views, has not spoken thus far re; the solving of Europe's huge debt problems. Will it be allowed to show its face there again? Keep tuned!

Direct Democracy Is just waiting to break out!

Nov. 27 2011; Finally, I am back at the blog, again.

By far the most interesting new aspect of Direct Democracy has been the "occupy" movement that we have heard about all over the world. Of course, with respect, the methods they have pursued have been ridiculous, to the extreme. But their aspirations - for a more functioning democracy can hardly be criticized. Probably almost all of us would like to see that happen. Why then, not pursue the direct democracy methods of the few jurisdictions that do utilize it - well ? Such as Oregon, one of some 20 states in the US which has the process; or best - why not follow Switzerland, where most municipalities and all cantons and the country itself permit the people, if enough sign a petition, to question effectively the decisions of their elected government? And those jurisdictions function very effectively!

They have tried and true procedures, worked upon over many generations which could be imported almost anywhere, anywhere that the people are educated enough that most can read.

Surely the time has come that that process should be implemented within the laws of our country. I will follow this up with more details shortly.