semi-direct democracy

[z0sa]

i haven't done any research or even thought much into it, but besides politicians never allowing themselves to lose power or money or whatever, is there any reason why we could not seriously entertain the idea of a semi-direct democracy?

The goal is to allow any rightful American citizen the ability to vote on any legislation they wish, in a timely manner, from anywhere in the USA there is internet access. Now, as to what effects this vote might have is up to discussion. I understand We have to keep the politicians for many reasons, but due to conflicting ideologies and sheer masses your congressman or senator can't make the best, or favored decision for the individual.

In principle, it'd be fairly easy. The government (us) already spends trillions bailing failing companies out, so footing the bill for everyone's high speed internet wouldn't be outrageous other than the fact its 'socialist'. We could pay a fee for however much we went over the cap (its happening/about to happen anyway). Using our free internet access, a secure password/id, and a specially created computer program, the average American's voice could be heard again - any American's voice.

I don't have much else. Just a random thought that popped into my head.

[LnGrrrR]

i haven't done any research or even thought much into it, but besides politicians never allowing themselves to lose power or money or whatever, is there any reason why we could not seriously entertain the idea of a semi-direct democracy?

The goal is to allow any rightful American citizen the ability to vote on any legislation they wish, in a timely manner, from anywhere in the USA there is internet access. Now, as to what effects this vote might have is up to discussion. I understand We have to keep the politicians for many reasons, but due to conflicting ideologies and sheer masses your congressman or senator can't make the best, or favored decision for the individual.

In principle, it'd be fairly easy. The government (us) already spends trillions bailing failing companies out, so footing the bill for everyone's high speed internet wouldn't be outrageous other than the fact its 'socialist'. We could pay a fee for however much we went over the cap (its happening/about to happen anyway). Using our free internet access, a secure password/id, and a specially created computer program, the average American's voice could be heard again - any American's voice.

I don't have much else. Just a random thought that popped into my head.

Theoretically, this might be possible 50 years from now, when nearly EVERYONE has access to the internet. Some places are still too remote. And I'm afraid you'll never get the politicians to remove themselves from power by ever voting a law like this into place anyways.

As well, you'd have to worry about hackers and crackers stealing voting identities. Or people who were willing to sell their vote online. Lots of ways to manipulate that system.

[z0sa]

Theoretically, this might be possible 50 years from now, when nearly EVERYONE has access to the internet. Some places are still too remote.

Right now, about 4/5ths of Americans have access to the internet. You're telling me with unlimited government funds we couldn't expand it to the other 20-25%, or most of them? Or that it'll be 50 years til that happens without it? I disagree. I honestly don't even consider that (americans without internet access) part of the problem with this concept, frankly. Government could make it happen and it wouldn't be much of a problem.


And I'm afraid you'll never get the politicians to remove themselves from power by ever voting a law like this into place anyways.

Yeah, I mentioned this earlier ... OTHER than this issue, what are your thoughts?


As well, you'd have to worry about hackers and crackers stealing voting identities. Or people who were willing to sell their vote online. Lots of ways to manipulate that system.

I'm honestly confused - no responses, except for this? You think our current system isn't manipulated many times worse than what you specified here? One person makes the decisions for hundreds of thousands or more. I'd fare most Americans are displeased with a majority of decisions our politicians and lawmakers pass, in fact

It's a holey idea, sure, but its something that could be instituted right now, not in 50 years. I'm far more interested in how much power our vote could have - it could only be the equivalent of polling though much more accurate and widespread, or the other side of the spectrum where politicans are primarily elected to make large scale decisions leaving most legislature to the people.

At a minimum, our leaders could have a far better method of discerning what way the public is leaning.