Major parties choking democracy, grass-roots efforts

[crud76]

Perhaps the most striking facet of American electoral democracy's looming demise is that the patient's likely mourners are far outnumbered by the unknowing, the uncaring and even the elated.

One imagines the outcries: "Democracy isn't dying! Republicans and Democrats are campaigning, debating and advertising! Pundits endlessly sift those parties' fortunes! Why, democracy is thriving!"

To which the aware may reply, "Thank you for making our argument." A system that enshrines two fundamentally similar "opponents," while barring its doors to citizens' independent and third-party electoral efforts is at best a sort of artificial "Stepford Democracy," and at worst, a dying one. <snip>

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070607/OPINION01/706070361/1035/OPINION

[glowing]

1. That's why it must start at the local level. the big wigs didn't get

there over night.. they all played politics at the minor level... had more people questioned their loyalties and their local practices, they may not have made it further. Most people vote, sadly, by name recognition or party recognition. The national party will elevate and fund those who tote the line. Its up to us to pay attention at the beginning of their reign.

Grass roots needs to start at the local level and move on up from there. Local pressure does institute changes that work for people. I've seen it work. Most people though focus on one issue and then go back to sleep. We need to watch them all the time.

[bemildred]

3. Yep. Top-down democracy isn't. nt

[Double T]

2. I think 'WE' need NEW Democrats for a NEW democracy.......

the old democrats and old democracy is no longer about the citizen voters.