[Winona Online Democracy] Dwayne,
Your definitions are useful. In the future it would be productive and time-saving for people to define terms such as "democracy" when they use them, since many of the terms have different meanings, depending on context and the user. Incidentally, as I'm sure you know, the concept of "empire" may mean in the loosest sense an extensive territory under single domination or control. But within this definition there are numerous variations, dependent on the writers'own interpretations. Your definition of Athens as a "pure" democracy somehow collides with your statement that the percentage of "eligible voters" is much more important than the number of "registered voters." Athens was indeed a direct democracy during the Periclean era, but it excluded slaves (some of whom held important positions in the city-state) and women completely. Only free adult males could vote. By using eligible voters as a criterion by which to judge participation now (and I agree it is important), you clearly do not mean that eligibility is useful even if many people are not eligible? And should you use the term "pure" democracy for a society in which so few were eligible? In effect, Athens had a limited registration as a base. But should all eligible voters vote? Non-voting may be attributed to various causes. But a main one may be explained by the concept (from economics and political science) of "rational ignorance." It applies to people who choose not to vote because they feel they cannot give time or effort to the study of political issues or candidates' histories without sacrificing their personal lives in some way, whether in their work, their leisure, or their personal relationships. To such people, not voting may be the most rational course of action. This action may seem heretical and inexcusable to policy wonks and party activists and those who preach good citizenship. Yet it does characterize many voters, and when you consider how many people simply vote because it is their "duty" but who know hardly anything of the issues or personalities involved (note the consequences in the Minnesota example give by John Finn in his earlier message), the action of the "rational" non-voter must be respected. Of course, a large number of such non-voters would endanger democracy, but a large number of uninformed voters may endanger it even more. Roy Nasstrom ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dwayne Voegeli" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 11:14 PM Subject: [Winona] Numbers and Democracy --> Was --> Your Vote Matters > [Winona Online Democracy] > > Duane (Peterson), > > Maybe this is a case of using different definitions. > .......................... _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
