Participatory Democracy

By: snolan
Published On: 8/11/2006 12:15:05 PM

The more Jeffrey Feldman I read, the more and more I like what he writes.  He has an excellent article about why the Lamont victory is so important for American democracy.

It's not about the war.  It's not about any referendum on President Bush.  Please don't believe the spin that has been accepted by the main stream media.

It's about participatory politics, the politics of inclusion and participation.  Where every American can get involved and have a say in their government.  Where the candidate is willing to actually listen to the people he or she plans to represent.
Please take the time to really read Jeffrey's article: Lamont and the 3 Ps of Progressive Politics (it's useful knowledge for both progressives and conservatives).  An involved public, a public with a stake in the outcome, is a far more powerful force than any top-down hierarchy.

This why I am so excited by the three upsets in Democratic primary elections this year.  Tester (MT), Webb (VA), and Lamont (CT).  Each represents a grassroots and participatory victory over the official party establishment.  Each has exciting possibilities of their own.  Lowell has done a better analysis of this than me, so check out his diary: Lamont, Tester and Webb.

These are real "underdog" campaigns, so if you like what you see, get involved.  Volunteer, contribute, tell your friends you what you like about the campaigns.  We have a chance to retake control of our country.  The United States has been "by the lobbyists for the corporations and corporate executives" for way too long, let's get back to "by the people, for the people" again.

Democracy only works if you are involved.  If you are eligible to vote, register to vote now!  Find out who is running in your area (politics1.com can help) and volunteer in a local congressional or senate race.  Get your state board of elections to tell  you everything that will be on your ballot well ahead of the election day so you have plenty of time to do a little research and make informed choices.


Comments



Right On! (seveneasypeaces - 8/11/2006 12:27:29 PM)
One of the famous philosophers said that we must take part in politics otherwise we stand the chance of being ruled by our inferiors (not exact quote!).

A former teacher impressed upon us to not go through life without an opinion, to never answer 'no opinion.'

So exciting are these times!!

Scott, if you are wanting to go to SW VA this fall, please let me know where you would be leaving from.  thanks, nancy



Nice paraphrasing! (snolan - 8/11/2006 1:32:43 PM)
I think I will have to look that quote up and steal it (grin).

As far as heading to SWVA - I know where I am leaving from, it's my house near Gilbert's Corner (US 15 and US 50); though I can meet elsewhere if that is convenient.

The question is when? - because I can't make the one event I noted; so we'll have to plan another sometime.



Here it is Plato (seveneasypeaces - 8/11/2006 2:30:26 PM)
"One of the penalities for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." Plato

Here are some extras about church/state!

"The will of the people... is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression  should be our first object." -- Thomas Jefferson, 1801

"Persecution is not an original feature in any religion, but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law."
-- Thomas Paine

"When a religion is good, I conceive it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not take care to support it so that its professors are obliged to call for help of the civil power, 'tis a sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad one." --  Benjamin Franklin

"During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits?  More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both,  superstition, bigotry and persecution." --James Madison

"I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved -- the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced." -- John Adams

"They [the clergy] believe that any portion of power confided to me, will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly: for I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.  But this is all they have to fear from me: and enough too in their opinion." -- Thomas Jefferson

"Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise." -- James Madison

"Its first and most immediate purpose rested on the belief that a union of government and religion tends to destroy government and degrade religion." -- Justice Hugo Black, On the  Establishment Clause of the First Amendment

"Question with boldness even the existence of God; because if there be one, He must approve the homage of Reason rather than that of blindfolded Fear." -- Thomas Jefferson