RE: Citizen initiatives and accountability

[Joan Johnson <joan@altair.com>]

Ellen brings up some good points. Initiatives and referendums, while bringing up good points about current situations, are sometimes opposing views. Since initiatives aren't linked together in a meaningful way, if both pass then the courts get involved and another quagmire begins.

Recalls aren't always the best route either. Just because an elected offical has an opposing view to mine does not imply he/she is doing a "poor" job and should be gone. Where would we be without opposing views? How do we find legislative balance without differing opinions? 

A continuing concern is the general uninformed nature of "average citizen". If lobbying is reduced in a severe way, then the citizen must step up to fill the void. In failing that, another form of influence will develop and it may be harder to deal with than lobbyists.

I do not know what to do to encourage people to poke their heads up out of their personal concerns long enough to take a reading on what's going on in their government. They are quick to complain about taxes and unwilling it seems to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work. 

Has government grown in complexity beyond the average person's ability to understand it? Do the wheels of democracy move so slowly that citizens, in this day of rapid change elsewhere, lose focus?

I have found via this forum just how much energy it takes to stay informed. And this is just one effort. Tax reform issues are concurrently being examined. How do I or any other working people manage to distill what's going on in both areas to be informed enough to help the elected officials move to a position that works best for us all?

Joan