U1D1

Peer and subject-matter-expert discussion about your topic, and the way that you want to pursue your project, can provide invaluable assistance in refining your focus.

Present your topic, and explain why you chose it. In preparing your presentation, answer the following questions:

My topic involves developing and implementing a plan to establish a direct democracy, which is the electorate voting directly on legislative issues in along with their elected representatives. For the purposes of this study this process would occur in the United States of America (it already exists in some countries such as Switzerland), on a local, state, and federal level.

1a. Why is this topic of interest to you?

With the upcoming presidential election, I think this topic is of interest to everyone. But this idea extends beyond the big elections and into day to day legislation.

1b. What experiences and knowledge do you currently have about this topic?

I have been reading and researching into this topic since last year.

1c. What specifically are you interested in studying about this topic?

I am interested in delving into all areas of this topic including historical research, education, and practical and technical procedures, as well as the political and sociological aspects, involved in bringing such a concept into reality. Specifically, in this and the other Capella courses, I am interested in studying how a curriculum, to be used in educational and other public institutions, might be developed � and I plan to help develop one -- to realize such a plan. The implementation of such a plan would utilize skills and knowledge learned during the Capella coursework including aspects involving societal change, developing action plans, research methodology, futuring tools, historical research, philosophy, learning theory (cognition and behaviorism), program evaluation, and using computer technology, through interface design, graphics software, and instructional media tools, to facilitate the implementation of the concept.

1d. How will studying this topic benefit you, your profession, or your workplace?

I think this concept will be of benefit to everyone, everywhere because, it will help, after 2500 years of misuse, realize the concept of democracy using new technology.

RESPONSES to my Posting:

from Howard Jacobs:

Hello, Richard, from ED815 I know that the concept of direct democracy is your passion. This course will allow you to take the theory and develop a concrete application. It is good to see you again. --- Howard Jacobs

from Darryl Maye:

Excerpt: a plan to establish a direct democracy, which is the electorate voting directly on legislative issues along with their elected representatives.

A good and interesting topic, direct democracy is. It had been viewed as free elections whereby the populist numbers determine the outcome; contrastingly, partisan democracy has been viewed as decisions of political affiliation. But, direct democracy appears to be the proper path for an informed citizenry. Darryl Maye

I agree but I also think we live in an ADD culture where the only information absorbed/believed is that of the 20 or 15 second sound bite! Howard (responding to Darryl and me)

from Alisa Hunt:

Hi Richard, Direct Democracy is something I've never heard of, but certianly sounds like an interesting idea, especially in the internet age we live in.

My concern would be that we do need an informed citizenry to do this. Too many people have not bothered to find out about the issues and might think it's cool to vote without informed decisons. It would be a shame to see the system made a mockery of.

I'd be very interested in seeing the results of your work. Alisa Hunt

U1D1 response to Howard, Darryl, and Alicia:

Direct democracy is about the citizens helping to decide the methods by which they are governed rather than electing representatives who can, after they are elected, vote any way they choose.

Concerning my idea, it should be kept in mind that all voting in a direct democracy would be done by qualified voters.

All registered voters would be able to vote in initiatives, referendums, and general elections. The public would be informed of the issues through printed and electronic media.

Legislative voting on a continuous basis would require certified voters drawn from the pool of registered voters. Certified voters would be unelected members of the public assembly who would vote along with the elected officials but in a separate legislative section or house. Certification would be attained through a training and educational program similar to a master's program in graduate school, in fact, the training could become a master's program within colleges and universities. These legislative voting licenses could be revoked or suspended in proven cases of felony, fraud, or abuse.

Specialized issues (medicine, etc.) would be voted on by professionals within a particular field.

Security precautions for Internet voting would include encryption techniques similar to those used in online banking transactions and would use secure forms of personal identification. Laws would be enacted so that any fraudulent misuse of the system would involve severe punishment.

To say that direct democracy should not implemented because of potential problems is like saying someone should not ride in a car since there is a possibility of an accident occurring. If there is truly validity to the concept of democracy then the concept of direct democracy will become reality at some point even if it is not within our lifetimes. Perhaps we can all make it happen soon enough so that we can experience it too.

Reply from Alisa:

Hi Richard, I understand what you are saying, however now I have another concern. You mentioned certification might be like a masters program in a school.

Will we end up with a very class based voting? Those who can afford the time and money to get certified?

I'm not advocating not doing something because there are problems. I'm only thinking about various issues that might need to be addressed to make it work. Nice job ---- Alisa

My reply:

The reason for certification is to supply the training and skills involved in creating legislation in the same way a teacher is licensed to teach, a pilot to fly, or a doctor to practice medicine. But remember, the major public issues contained within the initiatives, referendums, recalls, and general elections could be voted on by all of the registered voters. And speaking of being class based, I think the Congress now is very class based and exclusive.

It is always a good idea to hear of what can possibly go wrong with a system or potential problems so that most of the bugs of a system can be worked out prior to its implementation. Please let me hear of any others that you think of along the way during this course. Thank you for your comments --- Richard Bloodworth

from Alisa:

Hi Richard, I guess you have just peaked my interest on this so....

I agree, the congress today is definately class based. That is one of the reasons I liked the sound of this idea. I thought maybe it could take away some of that. But with the certification thing, (which totally makes sense), it could keep and perhaps even more separate the classes. Unless of course the certification for voting this way could be made to be free?? --- Alisa

from Howard:

Richard, you wrote, ".Specialized issues (medicine, etc.) would be voted on by professionals within a particular field." So would only teachers vote on education; police officers votes on issues of law enforcement..?

I do recognize I am, perhaps, carrying the argument to the extreme but I do see some dangers in this part of the plan. Of course, the "founding fathers" restricted voting to land owners... Howard

My Response:

I probably should not have clouded the waters by mentioning specialized issues because they would really be external to the system I am describing. For example, organizations like the AMA (American Medical Association) would have their own democratic system where they would vote on issues affecting their profession and their profession's relationship to society such as whether or not to use a particular procedure or drug, etc. Thank you for your comment --- Richard

From Katherine:

I whole-heartedly agree that our system of government is flawed. Direct Democracy would solve some of these problems, but will certainly generate others. As responsible people, we are obligated to consider the consequences of such a change (intended or otherwise), and make adjustments to our plan to minimize these consequences.

Consider these legitimate concerns:

1. Most of the advances in the area of civil liberties have been initially unpopular, at least with the areas of the country being asked to change. If we move to a system of popular vote, how will we insure that the majority doesn't abuse the minority?

2. If we make education a requirement for voting, how will we ensure that the poor have equal access?

3. If we don't make education a requirement for voting, how will we ensure that voters are not being manipulated by those who can afford the most advertising?

I would love to see a change in our system, but I'm not willing to trade the devil I know for the devil I don't. For me to sign on, I need to believe that the result will be better than what I have now. Otherwise, it's not worth the effort.

I wish you good luck with your project. The system we have isn't working for most Americans, so I would love to see you succeed in developing a better form of government. --- Katherine

My response to Katherine:

Here is a reply for each of your 3 points you mentioned:

1. Democracy has always been about majority rule. That is partly what unions (such as trade unions) are about. And as we know that there is strength in numbers, minorities can band together. A coalition of minorities can make a majority. ---- �In unity there is strength� from Aesop's Fables, The Bundle of Sticks .

2. All registered voters would vote in general elections, initiatives, recalls, and referendums. The legislative training can be given to poor people who qualify (who will spend the time and effort to study) through grants and scholarships.

3. Lobbyists might end up advertising the way Coca-Cola does on national television but they would be for more topical and time-based issues. Also, both sides could present their stories. We would just have to wait and see how that aspect would play out. That would also just be for the major issues.

Comment to Katherine:

Here is an additional thought concerning democracy and financial issues: my topic involves the concept of democracy and a free market system can be considered a type of democracy where people vote on particular products or services with their dollars and cents -- or whatever currency their country uses. Thank you for your comments --- Richard

From Geri:

Richard: Although I have never studied Political Science, I am a voting American who is quite disillusioned by the current voting process. The closest that I have come to the voting process was to be a clerk who ran several polls during elections in my county.

As a Florida resident, I am disgusted by the political tactics that have been quite visible since the 2000 Presidential election. For example, as an Independent, I cast my vote for Al Gore. So I know that at least one person in my county cast a vote for him. However, our past Supervisor of Elections for our county (Volusia) sent in the final tally of a NEGATIVE NUMBER of votes (in the thousands) for Al Gore. I'm sure you have read about the other ways in which Florida handled - or should I say mishandled - that election. How can we trust a voting system that is so easily manipulated?

In the hopes of a brighter future where the votes of each citizen count, I wish you the best in your endeavors to improve our system of voting in the U.S.A. --- Geri

My response to Geri:

Thank you. I am doing what I can about it.

�Every nation has a right to govern itself internally under what forms it pleases, and to change these forms at its own will.� �Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Pinckney, 1792.

�Silence is the virtue of fools� -- Francis Bacon. Thank you for your comments --- Richard

U1D1 comment to Alicia

I think your idea is an important issue to address since self esteem is what gives all of us motivation and a sense of purpose and importance. I think it would be a good idea to include Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs (physiological needs, safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization) in your discussion of the topic. Richard

U1D1 Comment to Katherine Stevens topic about financial literacy:

Much of the financial literacy that you refer to seems to involve negotiation skills with the consumer's desire for a low price and the seller's interest in a higher price. But with the retail system, on the large scale, as it is in the USA, bargaining on a personal basis is usually not feasible � though people can choose to buy or not buy a particular product or service -- but in other personal transactions and deals people can use their bargaining skills.

Have you heard of the book �Get a Financial Life�. I recommend it: it's very good and filled with useful and practical advice. I can look up the author and publisher when I get to my house later if you would like. --- Richard

Here's the book info: Kobliner, Beth. (2000). Get a Financial Life: personal finance in your twenties and thirties. New York: Fireside.

Comment to Katherine:

My topic involves the concept of democracy and a free market system can be considered a type of democracy where people vote with their dollars and cents -- or whatever currency their country uses. --- Richard

U1D2

When would you  like to present your outline?  You may select unit 4, 6, or 7. Keep in mind that while selecting a later time may be appealing, it may not provide time to incorporate the feedback you receive before taking the next step. What help do you need to get started?

If it is only the outline, I'll say week 4 unless something happens -- such as an earthquake in Athens, GA, for example. ;^). --- Richard