Not direct democracy, not the rule of the people

[koikaze]

Good Morning, Rohan

There may be less difference in our views than in the way we express
them.

In your earlier message, you said, "I personally am unhappy about some
of those activities", relating to the activities governments
subsidize.  I, too, am unhappy with some of them, and I don't think
you and I are alone in our feeling of dissatisfaction.  In fact, I
believe those who disapprove of some government activities vastly
outnumber those who approve.  The difference is that those who approve
are organized and able to influence our legislators more effectively
than you and I (and the majority of our peers) can.

Is it possible to build enough support, using Votorola, to change some
of the activities we think wrong or excessive?

I'm inclined to doubt it, but would love to be shown I'm wrong.  Here
are a few of the reasons for my point of view:

The government acts on a multitude of issues; some you will think
wrong, and some I will think wrong.  The chances are exceedingly high
your 'pet peeve' will differ from mine.  So, while both of us feel
'something must be done', we may not even support each others'
position.

Whether or not we support each other, we will be raiding the house of
the vested interest that inspired the act and benefited by it.  This
group has, by definition, organization.  It has access to and
influence on our legislators.  It can produce publicity releases that
appear to the public as news reports.

You and I have none of these things.  All we have is the logic of our
position.  How frequently are we able to sway public opinion with
logic?  Seldom best fits the case.

Thus, we have at least two major problems; focus and resources.  The
terrible part is that, for us to achieve focus, the act of which we
complain must be so outrageous that 'everyone' agrees it must be
changed.  That is not a healthy circumstance.

So, while I support Votorola because it opens an important door, I do
not see how it can have great effect.  Trying to ameliorate excesses
after they are in force seems inadequate.  Can you suggest an error in
my perspective, or, even better, suggest a way we can overcome such
difficulties?

Fred Gohlke