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| James Madison | |  |
James Madison, Jr. (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836) was an American statesman and political theorist, the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817). He is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” for being instrumental in the drafting of the United States Constitution and as the key champion and author of the United States Bill of Rights. | Photo: John Vanderlyn |
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People are taught that we are a democracy, but most of us fail to realize the difference between a Democratic Republic and Direct Democracy, where the people actually vote on the laws, not Congress. Under a Democratic Republic, we are represented by Congress, who in theory possess more "knowledge" and who are "better suited" to make important choices than a mass of voters, especially due to the masses' lack of knowledge and gullibility. I can't say I totally disagree, which brought me to a conclusion about our current form of government.
The system is performing as designed. The framers of our Constitution, for the most part were Federalists, and they would be pleasantly surprised that their great experiment, is an enormous success. The opulent minority, rule over the majority. Those wealthy and of privilege generally occupy positions of influence and power, much more than the "common" individual (the majority). Aristocracy reigns supreme, and states have less power than the federal government, removing the people's will that much further from relevance. Perhaps the minority in control makes mistakes every now and again, but America is still a thriving state.
Look around the world, the dollar after being exposed for the cronie-filled, worthless fiat it really is, rebounded, and is making a return to prominence in the world markets. Our military is as strong as ever, if not stronge
| Who then stops the Representatives from oppressing the minority or even the majority? | | |
r than at any point in our history. The majority of our population lives in relative comfort and peace, and is educated. Prices, while not consistently stable, are still a far cry from communist bread lines or anything similar, due in large part to the collectivist use of our tax revenues to subsidize industries – our Republic is actually very successful.
I think most people would agree with that statement, but would Direct Democracy really be that horrible, and what would that say about you and me?
I think most people do the right thing, I doubt if we had Direct Democracy the majority of voters would decide to commit horrible atrocities against those voting in the minority, or those not voting at all; but the possibility would exist, and therefore Direct Democracy, in theory, becomes too risky to partake in. But has a Democratic Republic been any better at not oppressing the minority?
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 | | Arnold Schwarzenegger |
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger, born July 30, 1947, is an Austrian and American bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011, began weight training at the age of 15 years old, won Mr. Universe at age 20 and went on to win the Mr. Olympia contest seven times. | Photo: Archives |
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I think slavery was a pretty horrible atrocity committed by our Republic against minorities. Coercive taxation for unwanted wars and civilian surveillance by our Republic is pretty oppressive against those anti-war and anti-taxation. Our Republic has the ability to put a citizen into
prison indefinitely without a trail, that seems rather oppressive. A Democratic Republic becomes vulnerable when all branches of government have been hijacked by out-side-powers, who then stops the Representatives from oppressing the minority or even the majority?
In a way, that may be the genius of Direct Democracy, once the people are collectively oppressing a minority group, it's obvious and evident. Unlike the murky workings of a Democratic Republic, where minority groups are underrepresented, and left to deal with the ramifications of a massive federal government that ignores them. Minority groups vote for A and B, but get back U, W, and Z.
The legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington, subjugating the federal government's authority, should be inspiration enough to show anyone the power of the people, and our collective voice when we choose to wield it. Perhaps Direct Democracy will give our Republic pause to reconsider how broken our system has become.
 was an American statesman and political theorist, the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817). He is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” for being instrumental in the drafting of the United States Constitution and as the key champion and author of the United States Bill of Rights. "Pin It")
