[EM] Voting reform statement; a clearer and more inspiring version

[Jameson Quinn]

I think that, in discussing the statement specifics, we are discussing our
shared principles. And I think that people are more likely to participate
when it relates to a specific draft statement. As a python programmer, one
of my community's maxims is "It's better to ask forgiveness than
permission". In programming practice, what that means is that often the best
way to find out how something is broken is to try to use it in a real-world
task and see what happens. Not smart when fixing airplanes, but in the realm
of ideas or software, where you can fix most anything once you understand
the error, it works out. And the application to the current case is: assume
we agree and write a statement, then see who objects to what.

JQ

2011/8/24 Fred Gohlke <fredgohlke at verizon.net>

> If one wishes to "distribute a formal statement of the election-method
> principles that we agree upon.", would it not be wise to start by finding
> out which principles command agreement?
>
> Perhaps it would be better to take one step back and jointly define the
> principles before attempting a formal statement.  One possibility might
> start something like this:
>
> Electoral Method Principles:
>
> * Principles express a consensus.
>
> * No principle has primacy over another principle.
>
> * Any principle can be challenged by rational argument.
>
>
> Principles of human interaction:
>
> * The interactions between humans is known as politics.
>
> * The scope of politics is immense.
>
> * The immensity of politics requires organization.
>
> * The first step of forming an organization is to define its
>  principles.
>
>
> Principles of government:
>
> * The people have the right to define their government.
>
> * The Electoral Method must implement government by the people.
>
> * Government by the people means that every individual in the
>  society can participate in the political process to the full
>  extent of the individual's desire and ability.
>
> It is not my place to list the principles for this board, except as an
> example, so the foregoing is merely a suggested outline. Participants in the
> discussion must define the principles important to them, and should do so
> before attempting a formal statement alleged to be supported by all members.
>
> Fred Gohlke
>
>
> ----
> Election-Methods mailing list - see http://electorama.com/em for list info
>
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