[LINK] How many eyes / delegation of democracy

[Jan Whitaker]

At 04:17 PM 19/11/2006, stephen at melbpc.org.au wrote:
>Although I agree with the thrust of your concerns, Richard, in terms of
>e-democracy, why not have a simple process whereby the public can review,
>and make non-binding comment on, proposed bills prior to any parlimentary
>debate?
>
>The bill proposers, and our 'reps', could then have a *much* clearer
>picture of what we think. Of course full-on e-petition resources would be
>better, but at the least our system could be far more representative of
>public opinion. Or, do they really know best, without our opinions?

Actually, it happens all the time. A lot of (all?) legislation is 
available in exposure drafts if you want to take the time to read 
them and comment. I've done it myself. There are sometimes hearings 
where you can ask to speak to the Senate panel. I know many link 
readers who do this regularly on IT policy issues.

I think it's more a matter of people not having the time or knowledge 
to do it. The opportunity isn't really the problem. In fact, the net 
has made it pretty easy to get the drafts, so that's not an issue so 
much any more either.

But the other problem is that the 'representatives' often don't 
listen. And since there isn't a balance of power difference in the 
Senate, Howard does as he damn well pleases. I don't know how you 
solve that problem. We know he's literally hard of hearing, so maybe 
it just comes naturally. He's turned off his brain as well. I doubt 
he ever had a heart. Or else he took the message in Love Story 
literally. (let's test everyone's age/memory on that one! hee hee)

Jan


Jan Whitaker
JLWhitaker Associates, Melbourne Victoria
jwhit at janwhitaker.com
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'Seed planting is often the most important step. Without the seed, 
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