[EM] The meaning of a vote (or lack thereof)

[Fred Gohlke]

Good Afternoon, Mr. Quinn

On Mon, 29 Aug 2011 @ 07:25:31 you cited a portion of Michael Allan's 
Sun, 28 Aug 2011 @ 23:24:48 post to me, to wit:

   "...  But if we (this is my hope) can cogently demonstrate this
    failing to the experts in this list, especially in terms of
    the voting mechanisms they understand so well, then they will
    be more open to drawing the larger conclusions that seem so
    obvious to you and me, and I daresay others in this list."

and offered this comment:

   "I've been trying to avoid entering this sub-thread, as I think
    it's mostly angels-on-pinheads stuff, but if you actually have
    a point, I suggest you make it, rather than portentiously
    musing on how it depends on a supposedly-proven, but still-
    debated claim."

Current events on this list should make the point adequately:

Richard Fobes proposed a 'Declaration of Election-Method Experts and 
Enthusiasts'.  Everyone on the list can participate in honing the 
declaration, to the full extent of their desire and ability.  That's the 
democratic approach.

If, instead, groups of elites proposed versions of the declaration and 
told list members to choose between them, that would be profoundly 
undemocratic.  That's the party-based approach.

I believe (and I think Michael shares this view) an electoral method 
that embodies the concept of the former, giving every member of the 
electorate an opportunity to participate in the electoral process to the 
full extent of their desire and ability, is possible, practical and 
necessary.

Fred Gohlke