ACTIVISTS

Those of you who are politically active must seriously question whether you should follow or support any political organization or “movement”. This is because the majority of them are run by political party status quo operatives wanting to maintain the personal power of political party politicians. No current political party wants citizens to use polling that would clearly reveal that their politicians are not representing the interests or needs of their constituents.

Our current political organizations maintain the status quo concept of electing politicians that make all of our political decisions for us, as if we still live in the 18th century.  However, there are also those run by well-intentioned people who are simply unaware of the benefits of a direct democracy. Many support incumbents who have never involved their constituents in their voting decisions over several terms of office. In addition, the challengers to these incumbents do not differ from them in their desire to maintain their personal political power over their constituents. In contrast, a direct democracy candidate offers a platform that uses our 21st century technologies to give voters a clear and powerful voice in government decision-making.

Unfortunately, activists, community organizers and advocacy organizations that are passionate and involved in addressing political issues, continue to be involved in activities that are not very productive. For example, protest marches, rallies, signing petitions, or contacting their representatives. These activities sometimes create incremental changes for activists, but they can take years of effort to achieve them, only to have future administrations ignore or repeal them. A direct democracy presents a different way to achieve activist’s goals.

While political groups focus on an ideological issue, specific law, or government policy, it would be useful for them to spend some time teaching their members how to have political power after elections.  After all, what activists end up protesting against, or advocating for, are either problems created by laws, or laws that are being ignored by politicians currently in power.

Therefore, if you are a member of any political organization, just bring up a few simple questions to ask its leaders and your fellow members. For example, “Why do you support politicians that do not want us directly involved in the decisions that they make for us to follow and obey?” You can find more questions in the Critical Questions tab. You may have to repeat questions like this, because it will be confusing for people who have never heard of them before. The reactions of people in a group you support will quickly reveal if you should continue to support it. It also gives you an opportunity to introduce the direct democracy idea of constituent polling.

If you are involved in one of these organizations, consider how you might influence your fellow members to support a direct democracy candidate, and maybe even run for office yourself! Actually, our US Constitution makes it possible for millions of our citizens, as well as non-citizens, to be qualified to run for office. Check out the website’s FAQ tab under the question “Who can run for office” to learn more.