Peace not War - the 1 million demo/democracy
Michael Macpherson-Strut
mm at iniref.org
Wed Nov 25 09:08:53 GMT 2009
With citizen-led direct democracy, half a million voters would have the
RIGHT to demand a law-making referendum. Community activism and
"Raetedemokratie" (workplace), however desirable, will not suffice.
In order to push through reform which would give us this sort of
participative democracy, a campaign will be needed which has convinced
abroad spectrum of the electorate.
Among an impressive collection of recommendations for reform of our
democracy and governance, the Power Inquiry put forward a proposal for
partial direct democracy (Report 2006, Recommendation 24). The proposal
had two stages, a citizens' initiative which if successful must be
debated in Parliament. To reach this stage it was suggested that 400,000
voter-endorsements (signatures) would be required. If Parliament rejects
the proposal, then the proposing group (plus others of like mind) could
push through a demand for plebiscite by collecting a further 400,000
endorsements. Additionally, as in other countries, Parliament would be
able to put forward an alternative proposal and both must be put to the
electorate for decision.
Of course the exact numbers and procedures need to be debated publicly.
This sort of democracy, citizen-led, is unpopular with politicians. In
oder to get elements of direct democracy introduced we need a focussed
campaign. Some campaign tactics for the coming election may be found
here http://www.iniref.org/carta.htm
and more information about direct democracy, initiative, referendum and
recall here http://www.iniref.org/index.enter.html
I&R ~ GB Citizens' Initiative and Referendum
Campaign for direct democracy in Britain
james armstrong wrote:
>
>
> The proposal below is to be discussed at the P not W meeting on
> Wednesday in London.
> My first thoughts are that the case to the Iraq enquiry is, the
> demo is evidence that democracy is not working, and that the invasion
> of Iraq is the disastrous proof.
> Maybe the best way to make the point is to submit written evidence
> and ask also to give evidence to the enquiry in person (employ an
> advocate?) and turn up in numbers on the day as a smaller
> representation of the 1 million demo. Its relevant to the land
> issue - in Iraq, and also in UK as effective democracy is the only
> prospect to bring about change
> to the inequitable land system in UK.
> James
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> Mark,
> Goodwishes for your meeting on Wednesday.
>
> To-day is a very important for our non democracy.
> The official Iraq enquiry has started.
> (dont hold your breath)
> "750,000" (Police),"1 million" (BBC)" 2 million" (anti war
> organisers), on Sunday 16th Feb, 2003 , marched in London and also in
> Glasgow ,and Belfast, against the incipient Iraq invasion.
>
> I am bringing this to the attention of the enquiry , with the point that
> it is relevant evidence that should be consdered. into the legitimacy
> and the democratic credentials of theUK government.
> It is relevant in connection with the later invasion, that for ' the
> biggest ever demonstration in London" (Police statement ) and
> therefore important in a democracy , there was, and is , no
> constitutional arrangement to feed this unprecedented expression of
> the voice of the people.
>
> Offensive overseas war is the extreme defining characteristic of the
> legitimacy of statehood and with no means of representing the
> people's`voice on the Iraq war issue, the legitimacy of constitutional
> government as at present constituted in UK is questioned.
>
>
> Could you find an opportunity to raise this view at the meeting?
> James, Dorchester.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:15:52 +0000
> > From: marknbarrett at googlemail.com <mailto:marknbarrett at googlemail.com>
> > To: campaignforrealdemocracy at lists.aktivix.org
> <mailto:campaignforrealdemocracy at lists.aktivix.org>
> > Subject: [Campaignforrealdemocracy] This Wed Reminder
>
> >
> > Just a quick reminder:
> >
> > This Wednesday 25th November from 6pm
> > Campaign for Real Democracy meeting & presentation
> > 1 Richmond Road
> > Dalston Hackney E8
> >
> > Draft Agenda - pls suggest any other items
> >
> > - Local Reports
> > - Future meetings with PnW / others
> > - Egality Now
> > - Dec 2nd CRD with 21st Century Network
> > - Dec 15th CRD stall at House of Commons event
> > - Proposed Feb meeting with Community Sector Coalition
> > - Report/discuss 2010 direct action election campaign
> > - Leaflet Distribution
> >
> > -------------
> >
> > Wed meeting kindly hosted by Peace not War and Passing Clouds:
> > "Discussions and friendliness from 6pm, Campaign for Real Democracy
> > presentation/meeting at 7:30, "Money as Debt" presentation at 8:30.
> > Great musicians and performers from 9pm. Brandy hot chocolate! Mulled
> > wine (and spiced alcohol-free punch). Delicious vegan food.
> >
> > The Campaign for Real Democracy (CRD) aims at encouraging
> >
> > 1. local democracy cells to form in every neighbourhood
> > 2. consensus based democratic decision making
> > 3. a movement under one banner and a transformed culture
> >
> > Free entry before 9.30pm - £2 after.
> >
> > All proceeds to Solar Aid
> >
> > Please can CRD people and others interested be there to take leaflets
> > for distribution, help out with event (and therefore, team building
> > for future events) and to generally show a face to each other
> >
> > Cheers
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Campaignforrealdemocracy mailing list
> > Campaignforrealdemocracy at lists.aktivix.org
> <mailto:Campaignforrealdemocracy at lists.aktivix.org>
> > https://lists.aktivix.org/mailman/listinfo/campaignforrealdemocracy
> <https://lists.aktivix.org/mailman/listinfo/campaignforrealdemocracy>
>
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>
>
> --
> "We hear men speaking for us of new laws strong and sweet /Yet is
> there no man speaketh as we speak in the street.”
>
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