Recent referendum news - in Europe, and America.

      Many bits of news about citizen referendums, recently: David Cameron, PM of Britain, is planning a referendum soon to determine whether his countrymen want to continue their close association with Europe. This is not exactly a "citizen initiated referendum", but should probably be used, says the prestigious Economist magazine, where political parties cannot effectively decide such a very important matter,  through a normal election.  
     And then there is little Latvia. Many citizens there are trying to have a referendum about whether it should join the Euro. The PM there is all in favour; but many Latvians, with long memories about their associations with Russia, and its rouble, wish to have their voice heard. With the Swiss electorate's referendum decision not to follow their "leaders" wishes about joining the Euro, several years ago, turning out to have been correct, ought this referendum be pursued also, it seems clear to this writer.
     Then, of course, there is the US experience with gun control. According to polls down there, some 90% of the citizens back changes in the law. But, as the  Economist editorialist said back on April 20,  they  just do not back such changes with intensity. And so, "passionate minorities (from the gun lobbies) .... thwart change". Enough frightened, elected representatives  beat back the ideas floated by the president and others, so that even with such horrible gun killings there, no realistic gun law changes are able to occur. Would not this be a proper place for a referendum, or two?  Even where they allegedly are somehow contrary to the constitution - constitutions are only laws, which should be changeable, if enough people want that to happen.
    Finally one should mention the interesting, recent  discussion in Colorado about a heinous criminal; some believe he should be executed, thus saving the taxpayer's a lot of money  instead of  keeping him in prison for life. Others strongly condemn such a practice.  But, in Colorado, back an 1966, and again in 1974 did the citizens affirm their desire to permit such killing. Whether one agrees in the death penalty or not, one should, in a democracy, respect such decisions, say many.They add that "where it is the government by the people, for the people", one must let the people decide; and in Colorado they seem to favour the death penalty. That is the law there - and in appropriate circumstances, should be followed. The citizens have given their view - twice!
      In the meantime..... will North Bay, will Ontario, will Canada, in this 21st Century,  permit its citizens to vote on any issues; or must the citizens there become increasingly frustrated, and ill-behaved, due to their lack of any realistic say in what is going on within their legislatures? Keep tuned in!