[EM] Democracy

[Fred Gohlke]

Good Morning (again), Michael

re: "I think Don would rather the voter remain involved for as
      long as his desire *or* ability allows.  So he would choose
      to remain himself, in order to participate as a voter; or he
      would be chosen by others, in order to participate as a
      candidate.  Either way, he would still be involved."

You are probably right.  I see I have a message from him.  I'll study it 
and respond.  Perhaps our views can be reconciled.


re: "Maybe his involvement would give him the right, at least, to
      withdraw his vote from subsequent rounds.  He might then
      explicitly dissent from the outcome, if it proved to be
      unacceptable.  (Otherwise, as it stands, his assent is taken
      for granted.)  Would this change be more democratic?"

As mentioned in the outline, Practical Democracy is ...

     "... inherently bi-directional.  Because each elected
      official sits atop a pyramid of known electors, questions
      on specific issues can easily be transmitted directly to
      and from the electors for the guidance or instruction of
      the official."

The extent of this capability depends on those who implement the 
process.  It supports all forms of citizen participation from 
suggestions to recall.  One interesting thought is the potential for 
building the kind of 'rootward/leafward' consensus you mentioned in your 
'critical theory' post on March 17th (at 03:20:38).

Fred Gohlke