(June 24, 2016 at 11:17 am)pocaracas Wrote:(June 24, 2016 at 11:13 am)Kingpin Wrote: I wouldn't say I'm optimistic but I would prefer difficult decisions be left to the hands of the electorate and we educate ourselves. Honestly neither (Referendum with fear campaigning, elected representative decision) is appealing but at least with a referendum vote we can blame ourselves. To quote Shakespeare, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
That sounds good, on paper...
But are you sure you want important decisions in the hands of the average person?
Do you know how efficient advertising is on the average person?
Whichever side pours more money in a campaign tends to win.
Personally I'd welcome severe restrictions on freedom of speech where political speech is concerned. I'd have a hard time articulating exactly what they should look like but I picture something like what the Women's League of Voters contributes. Or perhaps require that every flyer or media add be fact checked and bear the results, so that everyone knows immediately what is a lie.
So you might not want to elect me emperor of the world. Once I've capped your speech I'm definitely coming for you guns.