How do we make better political decisions?
Article Summary
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| John S Veitch |
| The Network Ambassador |
There's no easy way to make political progress. If the political process encouraged a wide range of ideas into an ongoing public discussion progress might be possible. Too often the purpose of politics is to shut down discussion so that the group holding power can act without hindrance.
Most of our institutions have built in expectations against change. Sometimes the creed or constitution of the organization states plainly that certain convictions are unchangeable. Land, wealth and political power tend to run in families. This group is very adept in maintaining their wealth and influence through political power. They see no reason to change.
Too much of the world is still ruled by principles that are 1000 years old. The right of the "Big Man" to exercise undisputed control over the community is accepted. Modern communities have found better ways to choose leaders. Voting has been an accepted process used for several hundred years. But the process of voting itself is not enough.
Participatory Democracy: A democracy that encourages strong active engagement of the population has two distinct advantages. One, it enlarges the pool of ideas. Two, it makes it important for candidates to speak to the electorate. Together, these characteristics make a dialogue of change possible.
Money is Power: Money is both a tool and a weapon. Monetary debt is a weapon pointed at you, if you owe money you can't pay on time. Money is a tool if you buy consumables or invest in assets. The rich buy political power. That gives them tax advantages, access to inside information, government subsidies and ineffective regulation of their activities.
In most countries, the political right, representing landowners, business and holders of wealth are a relatively united group. Even if that's not so, they understand the importance of looking united.
Non-discriminatory Law: The law is written by the powerful to protect their own interests. If you look at the alienation of indigenous people from their land in any country you'll recognize the process. Land or rights can be stolen by a government by means that appear to be "legal".
Proportional Representation: Democracies based on "winner takes all" voting systems, default to two party systems and exclude the full range of political ideas developing in that society. Groups that are numerically strong, but divided because they lack a strong uniting idea, or because they follow several different local leaders, might be excluded from government indefinitely.
Proportional representation changes who gets elected and allows the minority voices into the decision making process. That changes the nature of the debate, enlarging the possible choices.
If you need the original article it's here.
