The US is no longer a model of democracy. We're now #28. Of course, Jan 6 was a lowlight, but it doesn't take a coup to kill off a democracy. This book analyzes why the US is no longer a bastion of democracy and what we can do to reinvigorate it.
Tag: Democracy
Ironically, this Hungarian shows us all how to improve our democracies
Tessza Udvarhelyi reminds us what democracy is. It’s not just voting or having a Constitution. It’s having a voice in what happens. It’s not Kumbaya consensus; it’s conflict and struggle to get what you need to improve your community. Screenprint of video Learn how she went from a thorn in the side of the Mayor’s… Continue reading Ironically, this Hungarian shows us all how to improve our democracies
What if government were entirely online
Tired of the bickering in Congress and government bureaucracy? Here’s an idea that Estonia has pulled off: making government an online service. Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels.com One of their principles is that you should never have to enter the same information twice. Aahhhh. Imagine that. Not having to enter your name, date of… Continue reading What if government were entirely online
Ecuador votes to keep oil in the ground
This is the first time the people, not governments, have restricted fossil fuel extraction through a democratic process. The referendum applies to both new and existing oil and gas extraction.
AI could enhance democracy, if we tell it to
Some are wondering how AI could help our society rather than tear it down. One example is Polis, which can facilitate policy discussions between stakeholders.
Book Review: The Great Experiment
Just in time for the election, regardless of what happens to the House and Senate, here's a book review that may put some of our rifts into perspective. The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure, by Yascha Mounk. Mounk’s premise is that virtually all modern democracies have begun an… Continue reading Book Review: The Great Experiment
What if we abolished political parties and did this instead?
We could use citizen councils to enhance our democracy, even if political parties remained.
Watch this Ukraine documentary for context
To put what’s happening now in Ukraine, watch Breaking Point (available on Kanopy with your library card). The documentary traces the events from Russia’s last invasion to their democratic revolution. It makes what’s happening now even more tragic. I don’t remember hearing much about this in US media at the time. It reveals the grit… Continue reading Watch this Ukraine documentary for context
Darcy Hitchcock 