Sheila Copps supports more citizen involvement.

The recent meetings of the federal Liberal Party had some interesting aspects. To me it was the cry by presidential-nominee Sheila Copps that their party constitution be amended to establish a manner of reaching out to - she said, "millions" of potential members to establish policy. That was a refreshing alteration to the time-worn method of doing so via the few delegates who attend periodic meetings. Even when passed, the policies can now be readily vetoed by the leader, it seems. But, he or she might be less likely to do so if they were supported by such a large number of citizens. I would prefer, of course that such issues could be voted upon, where controversial, by the citizens, generally - via a referendum. This would occur at the same time as the votes for our members of parliament. That would fulfill modern democracy's needs for wider citizen involvement. And Copp's extension of party interest could help generate such greater participation by the citizens, as a whole, whatever their party affiliation, it seems to me.