Friday, July 04, 2003

Digital Democracy

Most Americans have become disenfranchised with the current status of
our government. We feel as though we can not truly get what we want,
instead most vote for the lesser of two evils. This type of system is
as outdated as a 1954 IBM. (in actuality it became outdated for new
grassroot ideas starting in the 1890's with the coming of ballot
access laws)

America needs a new democracy, one that truly REPRESENTS each person
as much as possible. This system would have to be digital. I dub it a
"Digital Democracy." In a digital democracy we would split up the
votes for each senator and house representative based on their popular
vote. The "winner" would still go to the capitol and present bills,
but he/she would only have the percentage of popular vote they took at
the election. The others who did not win but at least received 5% of
the vote would be able to vote online on a secure server.

A digital democracy would succeed in bringing more people to the
polls. In 2002 54% of Americans voted, which I consider dismal.Mainly
3rd world countries have participation that low. Some say that the 46%
do not vote because they are content with the current way things are
being run. I disagree completely. All those I know who do not vote
feel that the entire system is a sham made only to help those already
in charge (aka the only 2 parties in American minds).

A digital democracy would allow people to feel they are at least being
represented. How much more empowered would many feel to know that
their vote actually counted? Imagine the Green Party and Libertarians
taking 5% of the house and senate EACH? That would change American
politics forever. A vote for a third party would no longer be called a
"wasted vote."

The only races I feel that a "winner takes all" should be token races
such as President, Governor, and local boards. The 2 parties will
continue to win these until they are forced to change or leave by
those who begin to vote.

How can such a system be implemented? It must be brought into the
public conscience. Either by media such as the internet or through the
third parties.

I believe that the candidates that want this idea implemented on
either a local or national level must take the "Digital Democracy
Challenge." The "Digital Democracy Challenge" is that you will
present and vote for a bill allowing this type of democracy to exist.
Any opponents must also be asked whether they will take the Challenge.
These candidates should be supported by a non-partisan Digital
Democracy network or organization.

Our nation has and is changing as a society and moving into the
post-industrial era. Let's have our democracy move to the 21st century
as well.

It will take a long term effort to undertake a task of this
proportion.
Anyone interested in making Digital Democracy a reality in America
contact me.