Free Capitalist Network - Community Archive
Mises Community Archive
An online community for fans of Austrian economics and libertarianism, featuring forums, user blogs, and more.

Online democracy

rated by 0 users
This post has 4 Replies | 3 Followers

Not Ranked
Posts 1
Points 65
PredatorOC Posted: Mon, Nov 19 2007 2:57 PM

Just a thought I wanted to throw out for scrutiny.

I'm not a fan of the state and especially the current system of representation in most western nations. But a hybrid rerpesentatitive/direct online democracy seems interesting as a mental exercise. Online voting isn't anything new, but what about the ability to attach your vote to someone elses? Those who don't have the time or the interest to follow the governmental process, can find someone who most resembles their beliefs and set their voting to automatically mimic that persons voting pattern. And can remove the link just as easily or override the link in cases of special interest to the person.

  • | Post Points: 65
Not Ranked
Male
Posts 76
Points 1,110

Yes lets make it all electronic so that they won't even have to waste their time making fake voting ballots filled with pre-checked papers.

  • | Post Points: 5
Not Ranked
Posts 63
Points 800
Junker replied on Mon, Nov 19 2007 4:07 PM

In general, the problem seems to be found in democratic decision-making as a system. That consideration tends to obviate fixes to democratic process. You might search on "Hoppe" and "democracy" for related writings. That will get you Hoppe's book, Democracy- the God that Failed, and related essays.

If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—forever.
Top 25 Contributor
Posts 4,532
Points 84,495
Stranger replied on Mon, Nov 19 2007 6:47 PM

This is exactly the idea behind legislative representation.

Electoral reform is impossible anyway. If the people who determine the electoral process are the same people who are elected by it, the winners will always rig the system in their own favour. No outsider will ever push reform that isn't specifically in the interests of the ruling class.

There is no electoral reform without revolution.

  • | Post Points: 5
Top 100 Contributor
Posts 862
Points 15,105

PredatorOC:
Those who don't have the time or the interest to follow the governmental process, can find someone who most resembles their beliefs and set their voting to automatically mimic that persons voting pattern. And can remove the link just as easily or override the link in cases of special interest to the person.

Other than the online voting (which I wouldn't be surprised to see in the near future) you have just described political parties -- voting the ticket.

There are also plenty of $special_interest guides to voting where they are more than happy to tell you how to cast your vote for the 'greater good'.

  • | Post Points: 5
Page 1 of 1 (5 items) | RSS