21 October 2013

Unhealthy Concentration of Power

The urgent need for direct democracy is illustrated by the enormous concentration of power in the hands of individuals. While the fig-leaf of 'democratic' election seems to give Obama, Cameron, Hollande and Merkel the appearance of legitimacy it can be said that the constitutional superstructure in all these countries leaves a lot to be desired and gives way too much leeway to elected officials. Politicians should never have 'Power' per se as the ultimate say should always be with the Citizens by way of the availability of (binding) citizen's initiatives and referendums.

19 October 2013

How to manage the State's Finances

The farce surrounding the Federal Government Shutdown in the United States has been a lesson in how not to manage the State's finances. Optional and mandatory voting in a referendum about all tax and spending legislation would make any decision regarding fiscal measures more rational. Politicians would still be in charge of most law drafting but they would be more careful with their actions - and often unkept promises - if they knew that they would have to defend their measures in a detailed debate that would precede any referendum.