Quote:
Originally posted by lurkette
What's the centrist point of view on this?
I have to agree with Kadath on this - I have known too many people who were disturbingly ignorant to trust "the people" to make the right decisions when it comes to how to treat other people. How many times on this board do we have to correct someone who thinks that "democracy" means "majority rules"? Do you really think that the population in the 60s would have, on its own, adapted to the demands of blacks if the government had not stepped in with legislation? Doesn't it disturb you that 70-some percent of people think that the 9/11 hijackers were Iraqi, or that about the same percent think we've found WMD in Iraq? I'm personally not really excited about the prospect of having my fellow Americans decide for me what's right and what's not.
Now, is having the government decide that a better solution? Hell if I know. But at least in the area of civil rights it seems to be working.
|
Where do you think legislation (and legislators, and PACs) comes from? The people. If the people don't want it, the legislators who support it will not be in office for much longer. Yes, there are a lot of stupid people out there, but there are also some smart and compassionate people with the resources and intent to make a positive difference. Those who are interested in making a difference (either by voting, boycotting, or putting up lawn signs) will do so and impact the others.
Our government is a particapatory one. Standing by the sidelines and letting others make decisions for you -- be it holier-than-thou rich legislators or "the ignorant masses", is not the intent. In reality, our government is one run by special interest groups and PACs -- groups with financial resources to represent the views of a group of people or a corporation and influence both the masses and the legislators.