For Democrats: Is Direct Democracy the Solution?

[Foucaulf]

Maybe this is worth discussing, but think about the optics of it all. Proposing more referenda sounds even more craven than that ridiculous "cancel the midterms" op-ed in the NYT this Monday.

More seriously, having more referenda makes it even harder to eliminate a policy with negative consequences. A newly elected legislature, the ideal of which I think should be supreme, is bound from striking down the law because they'll be opposing "the voice of the people," whatever that means.

And let's think about the real problem: voters know Republican candidates have opposed policies they would like to see, but have faith in Republican elected officials not going against popular sentiment or just flat out don't know. They're willing to put more faith in folksy R congresspeople than Democrats, embodied as they are as lawyers and liberals. If we stop running around like headless chicken we can fix the optics.

[politicus]

Maybe this is worth discussing, but think about the optics of it all. Proposing more referenda sounds even more craven than that ridiculous "cancel the midterms" op-ed in the NYT this Monday.

Why do you think that is ridiculous? Same term for President, Senators and Reps is just common sense. Electing a new parliament every second year is one of the oddest and most counterproductive elements in the US constitution.

[krazen1211]

50% of the nation is soon to be governed by a Republican governor and legislature.

Ain't Democracy grand?

And Pennsylvania will no longer be one of them!

That's a shame for sure. Still, there are plenty of other states that have good fortune.


I propose that states like Nebraska and Nevada engage in proper redistricting.

[krazen1211]

50% of the nation is soon to be governed by a Republican governor and legislature.

Ain't Democracy grand?

And Pennsylvania will no longer be one of them!

That's a shame for sure. Still, there are plenty of other states that have good fortune.


I propose that states like Nebraska and Nevada engage in proper redistricting.

Looks like Nevada is setting up rules to perform proper redistricting! The losers are squealing.

[Morning in Atlas]

50% of the nation is soon to be governed by a Republican governor and legislature.

Ain't Democracy grand?

And Pennsylvania will no longer be one of them!

That's a shame for sure. Still, there are plenty of other states that have good fortune.


I propose that states like Nebraska and Nevada engage in proper redistricting.

To be honest I don't think Nebraska will need it - Lee Terry was just a terrible candidate, and if Hillary wins Ashford should be out by 2018. Plus, the GOP's pushing to go back to a WTA system.