Forum Post: Let the citizens become policy makers

Our system of the people's participation in our govt does not utilize today's advances in technology. It seems obvious that alot of anger in our country today stems from the people feeling powerless and ignored. With the advent of the computer age and internet, the people no longer should be alienated from the process. Instead it's foolish given today's technology not to empower the people and allow them to make much needed change to an ineffective government.

Neither the democrats or republicans will correct America's problems. They have both demonstrated that they are controlled by money and therefore do not represent a true republic form of govt. They cannot fix the problem, they are the problem! Corrupt leaders will never fight to end corruption. If change is ever to occur the voters must force their way into legislating policy making. We The People are the only ones who truely want to restore the power back to the people.

America should probably still remain a republic, but with technology, a new hybrid republic/democracy would be able to facilitate real change. Citizens could vote on federal propositions as some states do today. Their votes could have the veto power on certain legislation(limited basis).If the percentage is high enough to override congress, the people's vote would decide. The people could vote annually, bi annually or quarterly ballots, whichever prevails. Depending on how secure the system can be made to be, voting could be done at kiosks in librarys, post offices, malls, court houses. Possibly? by computer, phone, etc. Of course this system burdens the people, but is far less of a burden than being controlled by a corrupt govt.

• Pros: The People could initiate laws. One example would be a federal proposition to be put on the next ballot ,whether to get money and lobbyist out of politics.

  We cannot wait for those controlling our govt to fix the problem, they are the problem! This will circumvent corrupt barriers. (This will greatly expedite the purging of corruption in D.C.)

  If we have a "do nothing" congress, the people aren't powerless. They can prod things into getting done.

  The voice of the people would be directly heard in a timely manner.

The world is evolving at a rapid pace. Our govt's snail speed only holds back our ability to keep pace. This would expedite legislation.

• Cons: Security risks, hacking, fraud, manipulation.

  Equal access by the poor, handicapped, elderly, etc.

Cost of implementation.

People's lack of sophistication to decide complex legislation.

Corporate owned media controls information and manipulates public judgement.