Now THIS is Democracy

By: Mr. Wilson on August 25, 2005
Be the first to comment!
Democracy is, by design, a bit ugly. What do you expect when you try to let everybody have a say in their government? Its ugliness is one of democracy's most interesting traits. Often the public doesn't want to see the unpleasantries of government at work, but sometimes they really do want to take part and get their hands dirty. When government officials try to prevent citizens from participating, the citizens can get a bit unruly. Case in point: a public meeting in Davis, California, was taken over by citizens when the government officials leading the meeting were a bit too closed-minded about how the public ought to be able to participate:
About 30 minutes into the session, audience members revolted against the format, arguing that residents should be able to speak. [Mayor Ruth] Asmundson abruptly halted the session and directed the panel to leave the City Hall dais. Opponents of the spraying took over the meeting and quickly restored order. They elected as their leader a local woman who had caught the virus.
Good for them! And best of all, "the meeting ended nearly on schedule with a polite round of applause." Those are my kind of citizens. We need more of 'em.

Comments

See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.

No comments yet! Be the first.

Share your thoughts with the community.

Commenting is no longer permitted on this post.