Democracy
Is Democracy being Reinvented?
As co-producer of a Conference called "Government 2.5" I can't help but continually ask questions like "What is government & democracy anyway?"
It's provocative to think that we may be living in an historic moment; not just technologically; but societally... on how we manage our lives, protect peace, operate daily, and inspire humans to lead productive meaningful lives.
One doesn't have to look far; Wikipedia (accurate or not) to build one’s prospective. Here are a few points on the "History of Democracy"
What are the consistent themes through time?
So, if Democracy is about discussion, debate, having a say, and sharing in the "responsibility" to govern; then how can Social Media be anything but central to how we define Democracy in the future? ...It increases the ease with which citizens can have their say... It is unfiltered... It's real-time... and it's global.
Food for thought.
....Be part of the discussion on December 14th & 15th Gov 2.5
Craig James; November 24, 2009
It's provocative to think that we may be living in an historic moment; not just technologically; but societally... on how we manage our lives, protect peace, operate daily, and inspire humans to lead productive meaningful lives.
One doesn't have to look far; Wikipedia (accurate or not) to build one’s prospective. Here are a few points on the "History of Democracy"
- Democracy is a political system in which all the members of the society have an equal share of formal political power. In modern representative democracy, this formal equality is embodied primarily in the right to vote. The history of democracy - the history of empowering people by giving them a say in their political entities - traces back from its origins in the ancient world to its re-emergence and rise from the 17th century to the present day.
- There is evidence to suggest that democratic forms of government, in a broad sense, may have existed in several areas of the world well before the turn of the 5th century
- Primitive democracy is identified in small communities or villages when the following take place: face-to-face discussion in the village council or a headman whose decisions are supported by village elders or other cooperative modes of government
What are the consistent themes through time?
- Members of society having a share of political power... and being represented
- The right to vote
- Having a "say"
- Rooted in face-to-face discussion & debate
So, if Democracy is about discussion, debate, having a say, and sharing in the "responsibility" to govern; then how can Social Media be anything but central to how we define Democracy in the future? ...It increases the ease with which citizens can have their say... It is unfiltered... It's real-time... and it's global.
Food for thought.
....Be part of the discussion on December 14th & 15th Gov 2.5
Craig James; November 24, 2009