Well said, delphi125; this is the model towards which we should work - constant involvement on the local level. The effective large structure forms in a networked fashion, mycellium-like. Communication is the key, and as long as corporate interests how sway over the media, the process of true participatory democracy will be slow to progress. Education at the earliest stages is the initial way to go - the Internet is the tool for that education (freedom of choice, data, structure, syntax, etc.), as are things that youngsters enjoy (game programmers, are you listening?). This is a generational question which must be addressed if democracy is to evolve.
I agree that, while well-intentioned, the government cannot solve all our problems. I have had one of these "kazoos" installed in my car, and it is a pain in the ass. It did, however, keep me from driving with even a small amount of alcohol (0.030%) in my bloodstream.
The real problem is the approach. Instead of the "lock-'em-up" enforcement (which doesn't work on drugs, ether) stand, take the $$$$ we're throwing away and direct it towards treating the 10 - 15% of the drivers who need treatment for their disease - they're the ones who are the repeat offenders responsible for most of the DWI's anyway. Then we're all safer, and the disease is dealt with constructively. But, then again, that may be too mature for an obviously juvenile society.
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Well said, delphi125; this is the model towards which we should work - constant involvement on the local level. The effective large structure forms in a networked fashion, mycellium-like.
Communication is the key, and as long as corporate interests how sway over the media, the process of true participatory democracy will be slow to progress.
Education at the earliest stages is the initial way to go - the Internet is the tool for that education (freedom of choice, data, structure, syntax, etc.), as are things that youngsters enjoy (game programmers, are you listening?).
This is a generational question which must be addressed if democracy is to evolve.
I agree that, while well-intentioned, the government cannot solve all our problems. I have had one of these "kazoos" installed in my car, and it is a pain in the ass. It did, however, keep me from driving with even a small amount of alcohol (0.030%) in my bloodstream. The real problem is the approach. Instead of the "lock-'em-up" enforcement (which doesn't work on drugs, ether) stand, take the $$$$ we're throwing away and direct it towards treating the 10 - 15% of the drivers who need treatment for their disease - they're the ones who are the repeat offenders responsible for most of the DWI's anyway. Then we're all safer, and the disease is dealt with constructively. But, then again, that may be too mature for an obviously juvenile society.