Dear Jack,
They key, then, is to ask these folks, do they believe in democracy? Yes? Oh jolly good. And do they believe democracy is for everybody, or just a majority? And if they agree to the former, away you go. Mediation works only when the parties to the dispute agree to it. Democracy should work for all democrats. Russians and Georgians claim the adjective. But the idea that a majority can determine the fate of an unwilling minority should be abhorrent. to both. Cheers, Peter Peter Emerson Director, The de Borda Institute 36 Ballysillan Road Belfast BT14 7QQ 028 90 711795 078 377 17979 [email protected] www.deborda.org The Borda count "is the best protection ever devised from the tyranny of the majority." Professor Sir Michael Dummett. _____ From: OSLIST [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jack Martin Leith Sent: 14 August To: [email protected] Subject: Re: A Common Consensus Peter, Thanks for taking the trouble to explain the method in so much detail. I've turned your post into a Word document and filed it under Decision Making Methods for future reference. The challenge is getting people's agreement to use the method. Catch-22! Warm wishes, Jack Jack Martin Leith Now-to-New activist Bristol, United Kingdom Mobile: 07831 840541 (+44 7831 840541) Skype: jackmartinleith email: [email protected] www.jackmartinleith.com * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected]: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1611 - Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:20 AM * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected]: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
