[bostik]

I keep saying that what we are currently living through is a surprisingly accurate reflection of how democracy began. In the city state of Athens, all free men had the vote. The definition of "free man" just happened to exclude approximately 97% of the population.

Our governments have since figured out that you can merrily hand out the privilege, as long you remain in control of what is allowed to be put on the vote in the first place. I'm not alone with my view, btw. Lessig has made the same point in his "Country of Lesters" talk.[0,1]

0: https://www.politicallawbriefing.com/2013/04/a-lester-whats-... (overview, writeup)

1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw2z9lV3W1g (recorded talk)