[EM] Declaration of Election-Method Experts and Enthusiasts

[Fred Gohlke]

Good Afternoon, Richard

I absolutely agree - we must crawl before we can walk.  However, since 
we are not babies, perhaps our position is more analogous to wriggling 
out of a cesspool.  To do that, it's best to have an idea of where we 
want to go so we don't flounder around in it longer than necessary.

In thinking about how to respond to your note, I kept coming back to a 
thought that seemed important, so I looked it up:

    "Keep thine eye upon the prize; be sure that thy eyes be
     continually upon the profit thou art like to get.  The
     reason why men are so apt to faint in their race for
     heaven, it lieth chiefly in either of these two things:

     1. They do not seriously consider the worth of the prize;
        or else if they do, they are afraid it is too good for
        them; ...

     2. And do not let the thoughts of the rareness of the
        place make thee say in thy heart, This is too good
        for me; ..."
                                            John Bunyan, 1698

I was surprised to learn this thought's religious overtones (I would 
have guessed John Bunyan was Paul Bunyan's dad), so I must beg the 
indulgence of those whose minds close at the first hint of religiosity. 
  The quality of an idea should be independent of its source.  I must 
have thought this one worthy, for I kept it in the back of my mind long 
after I lost my awe of religion.

I think it's important for people proposing Electoral Methods to know 
(and agree upon) the prize they seek - and not lose sight of it.  I fear 
I've failed to make that point.  I have no problem with the 
'Declaration'.  I simply fear the purpose of reforming electoral methods 
is lost in the verbiage engulfing the reforms.  However much I'd like to 
see movement toward more democratic electoral systems, I recognize that 
progress must be slow and incremental.  Even Bunyan didn't expect to 
reach his prize during his lifetime.

The purpose of the August 24th suggestion of listing fundamental 
principles was intended, not to define the 'Declaration', but to ensure 
that participants in the discussion had the same goal.

I'd like to know that each step recommended on the Electoral Methods 
site is a move toward greater democracy, but I'm not sure others agree. 
  There seems to be greater interest in solidifying the role of 
political parties in the electoral infrastructure than in improving 
public participation in the political process.

Wouldn't it be a good idea to acknowledge that we don't need more of the 
poison that's making us so sick?

Fred Gohlke