Forum Post: Resolute courage
Posted 10 years ago on July 30, 2014, 3:53 p.m. EST by Just1of99
(2)
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"If an American is to amount to anything he must rely upon himself, and not upon the State; he must take pride in his own work, instead of sitting idle to envy the luck of others. He must face life with resolute courage, win victory if he can, and accept defeat if he must, without seeking to place on his fellow man a responsibility which is not theirs." -- Theodore Roosevelt
Freedom is found not in blaming society but in taking responsibly for ourselves and then reaching out to serve our brothers and sisters in need.
Certainly, but we ARE the society and the govenment structure is the one WE elected. Too many are looking outside of themselves and not taking the responsibility to BE the change that they want to see in the world.
To be free is to be able to act on your decisions. To act on your decisions requires that you be free. Freedom looks tough. Equality is to be able to act in all ways others can act. Looks possible. The equalizer can only be directly voting on the laws we live under. Each voice shouted and unheeded, each vote counted. Actual Democracy is needed and possible.
Referendums could serve as an entry point for direct democracy
Status around the US
http://www.iandrinstitute.org/statewide_i%26r.htm
Not referendums. The people must become the actual legislature, see http://www.assosactualdemocracy.com
Interesting, I like this bit:
"Constitutional Amendment mandating that the people must vote on any bill " (from your link)
Agreed: "the people MUST vote", Direct, indirect, whatever.
"MUST vote" is the key
I'm not so sure. It's what they must vote ON that is the issue. Unless they are responsible for voting on all the laws they live under then someone else is responsible for making them the laws, a 'law maker': a person who is corruptible and all too human: so he can be bought buy love, money, fame, etc. and do what he wants "for the good of the people".
And, if people know their votes will count, will be effective, will be as equally powerful as the next guys, they will vote.
You're not so sure if you agree with your links statement that All people must vote?
Why? Who do you think should be excluded?
As far as "what they must vote ON" I believe you & your link say ALL bills.
No?
I agree we should all vote on all bills that affect us.
What I'm not sure about is not well stated, sorry. I'm not sure 'Direct, indirect, whatever' indicated that the website correctly communicated its message. But your agreement that we should vote on all bills proves me to have misread. Be well...
It's not either/or.
You can do good work and still uncover the faults of society.
Nothing stops you from improving yourself and wanting to also improve society at the same time.
This idea that we shouldn't criticize governmental structures is a bit naive no?