C4DD is a group of people who like you are frustrated with the way we communicate our wishes when it comes to how our Communal or Common affairs are run or ordered, it used to be unthinkable that we could all have meaningful input in these matters, but now though Social Media we can communicate instantly. We are asking you to join us in our goal, this is doable and there are many good minds and hands out there who can help make this happen. What this looks like at the end of the day will be up to us, we could for example, as we used to, decide we need a bridge on a road that everyone uses, a Majority vote creates the agreement, a Corporation is formed and borrows the money to build the bridge, the bridge is tolled until paid for. This may sound strange to many ears but this is how our infrastructure was built and paid for once upon a time, or you want to know how the Public feels about...well just about anything we can have a referendum on that and in the space of a week the answer will be revealed, not a Politician essentially guessing our wishes based on the majority of people who show up at the door or write a letter, this is a Demockary, not a Democracy. We need to move to Direct Democracy, used successfully in Switzerland, yes since 1847 one of the most successful Countries in the World has been trusting and following the Wisdom of it`s own Citizenry, the people with the most to lose from bad decisions. Remember the people we Elect are Caretakers for us, we are the deciders, the shareholders, the Government are our Trustees. The Time has Come My Friends to embrace this idea. Thank You.
Direct Democracy Swiss Style
The Swiss confederation is made up of 26 cantons. For historical, and geographical, reasons these cantons differ widely. The populations range from 15,000 to 1.2 million. The areas range from 14 sq. miles to 2743 sq. miles. The population densities range from 68 to 13,266 people/sq. mile. There are four language groups recognized in Switzerland.
There were a number of revolts by the peasants throughout the 1700’s. From this emerged the present form of federal democracy in Switzerland. In particular, the ancient process of Landsgemeinden, in which all male members met to elect the government, and to decide important matters, has been carried over into the modern age.
The underlying structure of government is based on the belief that local solutions, tailored to the needs of the population, are more cost-effective, and yet fit better, than the standardized solutions from a faraway central government.
The People are the highest political authority in the Swiss state. This fundamental principle characterizes the entire Swiss political system. Swiss citizens can bring their opinions to bear at federal, cantonal, and communal level. They can vote on a wide variety of issues. They also elect their representatives to the Federal Assembly.
There are two chambers of parliament. A National Council that is elected by the whole population by a process of proportional representation. There are twelve political parties with seats in this parliament; thus decisions are well balanced. Representatives from the Cantons form the second chamber of parliament; known as the Council of States. Each canton has two representatives.
The unique feature is that both chambers of parliament debate the same laws. There must be agreement by both chambers before a law is passed. This provides a strong safeguard for the wishes of very different groups of people.
The chambers of parliament meet for a few weeks four times a year. Many parliamentarians have other jobs. The President has no special powers, and is elected every year.
The business of government is done through the Federal Council. This consists of just seven members, elected by both chambers of parliament. Each canton has its own constitution, and administration, that is shaped to its own particular needs. Here again, direct democracy means that the people, through a referendum, must determine the cantonal budget. Inter-cantonal agreements are common.
The key element in direct democracy is the use of referendums. Only 50,000 electronically counted requests will trigger a referendum
There is a level of government beneath the Canton level. This is the Communal level. Here again the people organize a direct democracy procedure that permits them to address public concerns at a local level; without control from the Canton. There are 2600 commune governments. This is similar to the situation in Ontario before amalgamation.
Politics plays out at these three levels; the Confederation, the Cantons, and the Communes, can each decide autonomously on certain matters. The principle of subsidiarity applies: a higher authority should only perform tasks that cannot be performed by a lower authority.
Citizens for Direct Democracy are working to introduce a similar Direct Democracy model for Canadian politics; at the communal, regional, provincial, and federal levels. The internet, and social media, make this a rather simple logistical transition – although politicians will scream their heads off!
Note:
CoKL is larger than 23 of the 26 Swiss cantons. However, all the 13 pre-existing communal governments have been destroyed. The substantial differences between urban Lindsay, quasi urban Bobcaygeon, and the rural areas, have all been forced into the same strait-jacket.
The Swiss confederation is made up of 26 cantons. For historical, and geographical, reasons these cantons differ widely. The populations range from 15,000 to 1.2 million. The areas range from 14 sq. miles to 2743 sq. miles. The population densities range from 68 to 13,266 people/sq. mile. There are four language groups recognized in Switzerland.
There were a number of revolts by the peasants throughout the 1700’s. From this emerged the present form of federal democracy in Switzerland. In particular, the ancient process of Landsgemeinden, in which all male members met to elect the government, and to decide important matters, has been carried over into the modern age.
The underlying structure of government is based on the belief that local solutions, tailored to the needs of the population, are more cost-effective, and yet fit better, than the standardized solutions from a faraway central government.
The People are the highest political authority in the Swiss state. This fundamental principle characterizes the entire Swiss political system. Swiss citizens can bring their opinions to bear at federal, cantonal, and communal level. They can vote on a wide variety of issues. They also elect their representatives to the Federal Assembly.
There are two chambers of parliament. A National Council that is elected by the whole population by a process of proportional representation. There are twelve political parties with seats in this parliament; thus decisions are well balanced. Representatives from the Cantons form the second chamber of parliament; known as the Council of States. Each canton has two representatives.
The unique feature is that both chambers of parliament debate the same laws. There must be agreement by both chambers before a law is passed. This provides a strong safeguard for the wishes of very different groups of people.
The chambers of parliament meet for a few weeks four times a year. Many parliamentarians have other jobs. The President has no special powers, and is elected every year.
The business of government is done through the Federal Council. This consists of just seven members, elected by both chambers of parliament. Each canton has its own constitution, and administration, that is shaped to its own particular needs. Here again, direct democracy means that the people, through a referendum, must determine the cantonal budget. Inter-cantonal agreements are common.
The key element in direct democracy is the use of referendums. Only 50,000 electronically counted requests will trigger a referendum
There is a level of government beneath the Canton level. This is the Communal level. Here again the people organize a direct democracy procedure that permits them to address public concerns at a local level; without control from the Canton. There are 2600 commune governments. This is similar to the situation in Ontario before amalgamation.
Politics plays out at these three levels; the Confederation, the Cantons, and the Communes, can each decide autonomously on certain matters. The principle of subsidiarity applies: a higher authority should only perform tasks that cannot be performed by a lower authority.
Citizens for Direct Democracy are working to introduce a similar Direct Democracy model for Canadian politics; at the communal, regional, provincial, and federal levels. The internet, and social media, make this a rather simple logistical transition – although politicians will scream their heads off!
Note:
CoKL is larger than 23 of the 26 Swiss cantons. However, all the 13 pre-existing communal governments have been destroyed. The substantial differences between urban Lindsay, quasi urban Bobcaygeon, and the rural areas, have all been forced into the same strait-jacket.
