| Re: "Making your vote count: Proportional representation would help solve our election blues," by Evan Kayne, Election, December 15-21, 2005.
Working toward proportional representation may help bring a balanced voice to our electoral system, but maybe we should address some of the real issues behind low voter turnout and the fact that most folks don’t think twice about our system of governance.
We are once again being bombarded with the same old crap from the same old parties. They pull our heartstrings with "moral" issues and do their best to buy votes while catering to the people who pay for their existence. This is one tiresome shtick.
The apathy we experience comes from the idea that things cannot be changed and that we are forever stuck with a two- or three-party system put in place by those with the biggest budget. It is time for a change in how we present this whole "democracy" thing, and to come to the realization that it is (and always will be) about negotiation and compromise. No single person or party is making this thing work. Little parties become big parties and big parties become small parties and sometimes there is no party at all.
How about we take some time out of our constantly entertaining world and consider how we can make this system work a little better and change a few things to get the wheels turning. Sixty percent of the people could govern our country if the quality of thought comes from real debate and a position that what is good for society is good for the individual. We will always have to deal with greed, laziness, self-interest and all those other great qualities that make up much of our political motivation, but then the alternatives to our democratic way do not seem that good to most.
I vote for this…
1. You must be licensed to vote (take a test and everything).
2. No corporate or individual donations.
3. Make the "great debate" a real life media spectacular.
4. Equal media for all (paid for by me and you through our taxes).
In the meantime, maybe we should read the platforms and vote from our conscience.
Then again, maybe Socrates was right – perhaps we are too dumb and self-interested for democracy.
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