Barbara Lickness said:
What I have been talking about really doesn't deal with just the matter of the total number of delegates. (Although, I admit to contributing to that impression by saying that smaller conventions have merit.) My real point is changing the fundamental nature of conventions from exercises in self-selecting democracy to be republican (again, note the small "r.") What I'm ultimately saying is that the precincts should elect a few representatives to attend conventions rather than having the conventions being composed of virtually anyone who wants to come. The current procedure is not just a democracy (in the worst sense of that word) by one composed of self-selected members as well.The number of delegates allowed to be elected at caucuses is determined by the voter turn-out.
The effect of the self-selecting is seen from the well-known fact that the delegates at conventions for the DFL are substantially more liberal than the rank-and-file DFL member. And for the Republicans, those who go are substantially more conservative (perhaps "reactionary") than Republicans as a whole. The advantage of republicanism (as advocated by James Madison) is that representatives have a responsibility of exercising judgment and not just being a pass-through for the collective will of the electors.
All this is admittedly blue-sky stuff, but it might be something that the DFL, at least, might want to consider by way of reform for its own constitution.
Steve Cross Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
