A Citizens' Charter
by admin 10:28pm, 7 November 2007
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We are currently in Election mode - where is the means for the electorate to have its voice heard, amid the flood of promises, new money, better tax deals, etc? Would a Citizens’ Charter, articulating the rights and responsibilities of the citizen as participants in the governance of the nation, steer our politicians to a more consensual form of democracy?
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greenade Comment 1
10:43pm, 8 November 2007
7
1 
you are putting a heck of a lot of faith in the masses. i'm not convinced that faith is warranted. mind you.. what is the alternative? the same old same old.. one things for certain, i am sure sick of the current government.
ballotsmith Comment 1.1
5:34pm, 27 November 2007
1
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Greenade hi,
There is an old view (Alcuin) that thinks that the common people can get things right well enough if they have the opportunity to think about it.
The main problem is that the people, who are not stupid, are too bored and discouraged to think about things if no one listens to their point of view. Intelligent engagement increases with involvement, especially in decision-making.
This BTW is the Aboriginals' basic problem.
They need those in authority to listen to (not tell) them.
adam Comment 2
8:55pm, 16 November 2007
3
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I dont think so. I imagineit would only be symbolic- what we need is for people to demand change
greenade Comment 2.1
10:44pm, 21 November 2007
5
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not only for people to demand change, but to demonstrate change in their own lives to support the process of change (for the better!)
ballotsmith Comment 2.1.1
5:38pm, 27 November 2007
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Yes greenade, but the change we need is to think rather deeply about the change that we need - so that we no longer have to demand change!
I wonder if that is what you mean.
salvo Comment 3
8:07am, 22 November 2007
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I dont really understand what a charter could do - does anyone have any suggestions or illustrations?
ballotsmith Comment 3.1
12:55pm, 30 November 2007
0
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Hi salvo,
Magna Carta was a charter - a list of demands to King John that he was not the king pin any more - it was going to be parliament. You can see it with Google!
Another charter was in early 1800s by the 'Chartists'.in England.
Their list included:
1. No land holding for MPs needed.
2. Short term parliaments - one year! (Accountability!)
3. Another - I forget.
4. SECRET BALLOTS FOR ELECTIONS That's how it happened here - first in the world!!!
ballotsmith Comment 4
3:26pm, 23 November 2007
1
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Compulsory ballots in parliament for all decisions can achieve this. Nothing else.
monty123 Comment 4.1
5:27pm, 25 November 2007
1
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Ballotsmith - I get what you are advocating but I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss all other options. What you are trying to do is to totally change the system. There will be resistance to that - we might be able to find improvements that will be more acceptable to people. Having said all that I'm not really clear what the charter would do
ballotsmith Comment 4.1.1
5:51pm, 27 November 2007
2
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Fair enough monty123. After thirty years I guess I am perhaps too impatient.
The problem is plainly that we have over a long period ceded the power of decisions to political parties. We don't like it but have not rectified the situation.
New Democracy is a welcome recognition of the problem and opened the door to examining alternatives. I am sure that the secret ballot in parliament, (complementing the ever so fair and decisive ballot we have just had) is the final step to a real democracy and answer the yearning we all (including the world) have for genuine democratic government with citizen participation and responsibility.
I highly value the opportunity to take part in these so important discussions.
I apologise if I seem impatient and welcome all other contributions.
Have you seen any constructive alternatives?
monty123 Comment 4.1.1.1
8:50am, 28 November 2007
2
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Dont worry about being passionate for one idea - at least you are being positive and we all agree witht eh need for change. I have not seen any proposals that are a 'silver bullet' on the issue like yours is but I do think we could dramatically improve the system with a series of reforms such as better independence for institutions and hte public service, a reformed voting system, increased use of referendums, etc.
ballotsmith Comment 4.1.1.1.1
1:06pm, 30 November 2007
0
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Thanks momty123.
On ballotsin parliament On said: 'it will change the face of politics as we know it'. Another said: 'Pure democracy'.
The people who love party poltics are our PROBLEM - right? They are never going to give in without a fight - a big fight. But we who truly represent all people in spirit and in fact will win if we keep our objective central in mind.
We could tinker around the edges to please this one and that one but we would never hit the target.
It has been said that he who aims at nothing always hits it!
Good luck!