|
| |
|
Lobbies and Special
Interests
We advocate that politicians remain active
participants in the economy and civil life. As a consequence critics may argue
that they are beholden to some special interest group
as an outcome of their private professional life. This is unavoidable as every person has a
background that will mould political views and preferences.
It is exactly this unavoidable aspect of human life that calls for a change in
the political system. Rather than tying politicians in a maze of bureaucratic
regulations we argue that Direct Democracy is the essential safety valve to reduce the impact of conflicts
of interest to an absolute minimum. The power of the referendum - while not perfect - reduces
the danger of special interest groups being able to escape proper democratic oversight.
If involvement in politics again becomes an honour rather than a career path
those active in the civic sphere will find it easier to support themselves as a
private citizen after they have left politics. This will also reduce the
temptation to abuse their status with questionable practices.
Direct Democracy is the only way that citizens really can wield power and
determine their own destiny without being manipulated by a superimposed class of
technocrats, lobbyists and politicians. All decisions have to discussed in
public and are subject to a vote by the citizens
|
| |
|
Decisions you would be able to influence:
By giving the
reader examples of recent policy decisions we highlight the dramatic
impact the introduction of Direct Democracy would have on the
political life of all countries.
All the following decisions where taken without the participation of
the affected citizens. Some - if not most - were highly
controversial and have a negative effect for at least some major
parts of the country's population.
The present system of government
not
only leaves the citizens powerless in the face of a never-ending
tide of legislation, it also inevitably leads to
inefficient use of taxpayer's money and a steady erosion of civil
liberties.
Full list of
decisions the citizens could influence
■
GENERAL
Nuclear Powers impose further sanctions on Iran
Should former politicians be allowed to cash in from books and lecture
tours?
Unequal regional distribution of tax burden
Forum demands that climate tax be redistributed on global basis
■
CLIMATE CHANGE AND POPULATION
Cap-and-Trade of Carbon Permits and ideal vehicle for fraud
Green Energy plan may cost 17 times more than its benefits
■
EUROPE
European Council
members must put interest of the Union above those of their own
countries (Lisbon Treaty, Article 9)
EU prepares
expanded sanctions against Iran
MEP wants tax on carbon-intensive products
EU wants introduction of body scanners on Airports
■
UNITED KINGDOM
Minister
states: British forces will be among the last to come home from
Afghanistan
Wind farms will
increasingly dominate most picturesque landscapes
7.6 billion car trip entries stored by police
■
DEUTSCHLAND
Solar
Subventionen
erreichen 85 Mrd. Euro
Neue Steuer auf USB Medien
Hartz IV Empfaenger zahlen nicht fuer Strom, Gas
■
OESTERREICH
Transparenzkonto: Parteifinanzen ausgenommen
Feinstaubkompetenz fuer Laender und Gemeinden
Mehrwertsteuergrenze manipuliert
|
|