Greg Abbot says, in part: > ... This is a democracy. All citizens should have an equal voice in > choosing those who will govern them. Even the 20,000 or so left out in > the current system. Even if they don't pay attention to local > government. Even if they don't actually vote. Democracy is not a "use > it or lose it" proposition. > > OK, Mike, you don't want to pay for an extra election. What > alternative solution do you propose?
[MH] Well, Greg, we disagree on a few things. First off, I believe that democracy IS a 'use it or lose it' proposition-- government by the people; rule of the majority; a government where supreme power is held by the people, NOT THE POLITICIANS, etc. I support free speech, a free press, a citizen's right to bear arms, along with all the other rights we enjoy in this country, but seldom think much about. I've born arms, fought, and risked my life, to protect the right's and preserve the individual's freedom against corrupt governments who would take away those rights. I've protested in the streets. I've been around a bit. Check the website of Amnesty International for a glimpse of how many world citizens don't 'have an equal voice in choosing those who will govern them.' I have a good understanding of democracy, and when people don't vote, they lose out... plain and simple. And that fact is evident throughout our city- just look at neighborhoods and voting patterns for proof- who gets representation, as evidenced by daily street life and other livability indicators, throughout our fair city? But, I digress; that's another discussion. [ http://www.amnestyusa.org/ ] To answer your query-- I seriously question how many of 'the 20,000 or so left out in the current system,' actually feel 'left-out' and deem themselves not adequately represented (and, I think the number of persons in question is actually much lower than Greg's estimate, by about 50 percent). Personally, I think most folks have a pretty full plate, and are having a hard-enough time accomplishing things they deem high-priority in life-- singles, couples, families, current elected officials and policy-makers included. Where does a special election fall on their priority-list, since we're talking of government by the people? Given the public costs and the reduced governmental efficiency considerations associated with a special election, I just don't give the issue a high-priority ranking. I'd suggest that actions be taken ASAP to correct the situation hence forth, effective with the next regularly scheduled general election. Nothing fancy, just a low-cost, practical solution, based on how I prioritize the importance of competing issues in my own mind. Others may disagree and that's fine. and, that's all I've got to say on the matter. Happy Thanksgiving to all! Michael Hohmann Linden Hills REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
