Casinos not to be decided by the public in Ontario?

Democracy in North Bay - and elsewhere in Ontario is not followed when it comes to allowing gambling casinos. The ten councillors and mayor in North bay pretend to be democratic. They knew that the province might permit a casino to be emplaced there. And so, they, pretending to be very proper and righteous called a public meeting  where the idea would be discussed. The vast majority of people present voiced strong objections. Many including the past mayor and current member of provincial parliament, asked them to hold a referendum upon the idea. But by a ten to one vote in mid September, 2012 the council decided that they would encourage such casino.  No need to ask their constituents. Isn't that shameful? Pretending to  be democratic, but upon a very significant question, about which none had used their opinions at the last election to indicate their position,  they simply ram-roaded home their viewpoint, or own conclusion. When will we, the public, wake up to the need to force our elected reps to heed our views on important issues via properly pursued referendums? Other states and municipalities effectively follow such democratic routes. In this modern age of advanced communication and knowledge we, in Ontario, are still in the middle ages when it comes to the running of our affairs, it seems.

Georgians vote against improving their roads!

The Economist magazine recently has criticized the voters in the state of Georgia who voted heavily against a referendum held there. The question put to the voters in a July statewide primary  was pretty simple; - to impose a temporary 1% sales tax in order to fund some much needed transportation projects. Money raised in the 12 regions of Georgia would be used to improve roads within each area. It would come up for renewal after ten years; if required revenue would be raised before then, the tax would go away. But, in nine of the 12 regions the voters said - no. "Tea-partiers" thought it was too much, and Sierra Club supporters considered it too little. But, what it did was to prove to the authorities that the people had minds of their own. To put a similar vote to the people must wait another 4 years - the approving of a ballot measure, creating a new list and voting again would take that long.  Let us hope that Georgia finds simpler solutions perhaps to their transport requirements.  

Federal spokesmen in USA opposing pot referendums

You have noticed the number of states where referendums are being pursued this November to deciminalize marijuana. Well, according to Reuters, it seems that nine former heads of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration are urging the Attorney General to take a serious stand against the possibility that some of the votes may be positive. "To continue to remain silent conveys to the American public and the global community a tacit acceptance of these dangerous initiatives," said the message. It seems that the message is similar to one used in a California initiative in 2010 that ultimately failed, with 53.5% of voters then, rejecting the idea. Public Referendums are powerful voices in a democracy. They must be listened to. They should be used more.

Marijuana laws to change in 8 US states?

Just noticed that there are seven states altogether pursuing  referendums about the legalization of marijuana during the upcoming November election. They are all proposing somewhat different details towards the same, general idea. The other states, besides Colorado, are: - Michigan, Missouri, Montana, California, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington.   Will Direct Democracy create changes in some significant legal areas, or will the people vote it down. Tune in in November!

Pot legalization on a ballot!

Colorado is among the many US states to permit referendums upon issues. This November there will be an opportunity there to vote to legalize marijuana for recreational use. A total of some 90,000 signatures recently obtained upon the initiative was sufficient to place the issue upon the ballot occurring the same time as the   presidential election. No other state has so legalized pot. The measure would not just legalize up to one ounce of marijuana for those over 21. It would also allow the growing at  home for up to six plants. Specially regulated stores could sell it, though communities could option out of such business permission. One cannot yet predict the success of this proposal. But is it not the right way to decide upon a controversial issue - getting the citizens to vote upon it? Direct democracy in action! When will Ontario reach the 21st century, to establish rules to permit referendums here?

Geneva, Switzerland, and troublesome protests

Did you know that in Geneva, Switzerland, a bastion of Direct Democracy, they held in March a   referendum upon a seeming popular subject; - the  disruptions caused by "protest" movements. The people voted by referendum to allow their government to fine organizers who do not obtain   approvals for a demonstration. The amount of the potential fine is Sw.F 100,000. That is not very dissimilar to what Quebec's legislature  ultimately had to do to get some control of the anarchy disturbing that province by masses of students who thought they had some sort of entitlement to cheap education.
Such a much better manner to handle rebellions. Determine what the majority wish by letting them have a referendum on the subject. But, do it before the issue gets out of hand.  Might  Ontario  some day attain such a level of democratic action, before it becomes unduly disrupted?

Wisconsin's newest democratic decision

One can recall the daring efforts of the governor of Wisconsin last year to try to get control of his state's terrible debts, by attempting to curtail certain aspects of the state employee's union's bargaining rights. A traditional bastion of socialism, the unions there had considerable might. The legislature was flooded by opponents; a significant portion of representatives actually left the state for awhile  to reduce the chances of a proper vote from happening. Well, the governor ultimately managed to get his way. But, his opponents were not finished. They decided to utilize a   state law permitting them to try to "recall" their governor. They needed a petition signed by 300,000 citizens. They got 600,000. And the referendum upon that issue was held. But, lo and behold, the majority of the citizens actually agreed to the governor's efforts to obtain control. They opposed the recall effort. What an example of Direct Democracy!  Why are not more such processes used in this modern age? Clearly in Quebec where many students seem to think their opinions are in the majority, such process is not available. Nor is it anywhere else, except in an awkward way in B.C. But, shouldn't it be? Students, -  start thinking out of the box - and towards Direct Democracy and its processes of petitions and referendums. You might actually improve the world, instead of making a nuisance of yourselves.