[Gud]

This is not an inherent problem with democracy but with representative democracy. These problems go away when the populace have actual power, in a direct democracy.

And why on earth e we liked i want to be ruled by a machine?

Come on dude

[lillecarl]

A problem I see with direct democracy is that "the common man" doesn't have time to get educated in everything they'd have to vote for.

The swiss model where things can be raised to referendum seems pretty reasonable to me (Swede). I'd love it over here, so we can tell our government (including the party I voted for) to kindly shove it sometimes.

[Gud]

The Swiss model is exactly what I propose. Local decision making, with referendums.

[immibis]

Does it really? you think the average man won't vote for the Everyone Gets A Free House Also Encryption Is Illegal Because Only Criminals Use It bill?

[Gud]

Switzerland has direct democracy and it works great. Your concerns are invalid!

[rpdillon]

This may be the wrong conclusion to draw. Larger populations present different governance challenges than small ones do, since decisions that affect fewer are easier to make. Switzerland has about the same population as NYC.

[Gud]

Yes, I believe these massive superstates(U.S., China, India, E.U.) need to be dismantled into smaller components - move the power closer to the people.

You can still have interstate trade, regulations etc.

[thayne]

Direct democracy has other problems. Perhaps the biggest is it just isn't practical to ask the entire population about every question of policy and law.

[Gud]

Look into Switzerland. They have found a great balance, with three levels of decision making(Gemeinde, Canton and Federal) and where everything is put to vote if a proposal get enough signatures.