Minipublics beyond representation
First posted on Equality by Lot on Oct 8 Now that minipublics are no longer limited to local level “experiments” but are regularly involved in consequential political occasions, constitutional amendments … Continue reading
Citizens’ Initiative Reviews: Democracy via Vicarious Deliberation?
Although there has been much talk (or rather speculation) in deliberative democracy circles on the potential and possible pitfalls of “intensive” citizen deliberation–especially on Equality by Lot–there has been little … Continue reading
The Neo-Athenian Revival
[Appeared April 2 openDemocracy. Ideas first appeared Jan 20, 2014 Truthout.] A recent Economist article “What’s Gone Wrong with Democracy” is chock-full of photographs of discontent from places in revolution—Ukraine, … Continue reading
Redeeming Rousseau: Politdoche & General Will
Recently on Daft Blogger I fell hard on the word “government” and offered a replacement, “politdoche.” This article demonstrates why it fares better as an ideal and how it would … Continue reading
Citizens United and The Nadir of the Single-member-district First-past-the-post System?
Many people have been saying, ever since I’ve been old enough to vote and long before Citizens United, that we make the best of what we have and vote for … Continue reading
Remembering Mubarak: Tahrir, Zuccotti, & Future Democracy
Today marks the two-year anniversary of Hosni Mubarak’s departure. At the end of 2011, Time’s Person of the Year was “The Protester,” and the issue was wrapped in Tahrir Square. … Continue reading
Open Letter to Muslim Brotherhood & Egyptian Opposition: A Way Out: Minimal Elections Maximal Participation
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the MB and NSF (National Salvation Front), Below is a way forward and perhaps an opportunity for Egypt to become a model for new democracy … Continue reading
Defending the People from the Professors, John P. McCormick
Defending the People from the Professors by John P. McCormick. For some years now, while presenting parts of a book on Machiavelli and democratic theory across North America, I’ve been … Continue reading
If Crowds are Wise, Why isn’t Congress?
[Appeared Dec. 20, 2013 on Truthout. Look for comments there: http://bit.ly/1hsp2zr%5D We’ve all heard of the “wisdom of crowds” especially after James Surowiecki’s 2004 best-selling book by that name and … Continue reading
Could a Future Election be a Lottery?
What if politics were not a horse race? Hearing the junkies rattle on, the pundits and talking heads babble, I am struck by the game discourse. Every district, every seat … Continue reading
Fila Sophia 