With any luck, the libertarians will have more of a voice as we move along. Maybe move us along to the Swiss model of governance (great article below). I'm sure we'll hear from those who benefit from the entrenched, status quo (TPTB) as to why such a system or philosophy will not work well over here. Strangely enough, it seems to achieve all of the loft goals and values that those who envision a modern, utopian state model here in the U.S. wish to achieve.
Perhaps what they say they want and what they TRULY want are two different things, but that may be the cynic in me speaking.
Take a look at the Swiss article and see if you don't think that they may have things right over there. It's a real eye-opener.
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An Animated Introduction to the
Philosophy of Liberty
http://isil.org/resources/introduction.swf
Even if you're a confirmed libertarian, you'll enjoy this simple yet attractive and intelligent introduction to libertarian ideas. Tell your non-libertarian friends about it! It is currently available in 20 languages. To view. . .
THE SWISS CANTONAL SYSTEM
– A Model Democracy –
by Frances Kendall
http://isil.org/resources/lit/swiss-canton-system.html
In this, the first of the "ISIL Solutions" series, we examine the "Swiss model" of government – a highly-decentralized system which Swiss economist Robert Nef more accurately describes as an "ongoing experiment" than a "model."
The concepts of devolution of power, local autonomy, and participatory democracy have produced the world's most peaceful and prosperous country. Of course, Switzerland, with its compulsory military service, state controlled monetary system, railroad and telephone services, and taxation, is not a pure libertarian society – but for those interested in reining in out-of-control governments in other parts of the world, there are large parts of the Swiss cantonal system that are worthy of emulation.
The word "democracy" is derived from the Greek words for people (demos) and power (kratos). Inherent in the concept is the idea that ordinary people should keep control of the decisions that effect their lives. In an ideal democracy, the power of those who govern is limited by safeguards that ensure that citizens can prevent their elected leaders from abusing their powers.
The key to Swiss success is not to be found in natural resources (which are in extremely short supply); nor does it lie in the temperament of its 6.4 million people, who are essentially no different from the Germans, Italians and French in the remainder of Europe. It lies rather in Switzerland's political institutions, which ensure that ordinary citizens are involved in political decision-making, and that no one interest group is able to benefit unduly at the expense of another.
– Advantages Of Decentralization –
Embraces Diversity. One important reason for this de-centralization of power in Switzerland is that, unlike most European countries, Switzerland is made up of several different major ethnic groups – Germans, French, Italians, and Rhaeto-Romansch. Over the centuries, whenever conflicts have arisen between these language groups, and between Catholics and Protestants, the Swiss have resolved the conflict by allowing each of the warring groups to govern themselves. Thus single cantons have divided into half-cantons, new cantons have been formed and border communes have opted to leave one canton to join another. In this way the Swiss have developed a system which permits people of different languages, cultures, religions and traditions to live together in peace and harmony. This makes the Swiss system particularly well suited to ethnically-divided countries.
Maximizes Competition Among Policies. Because so many decisions are made at the local level, the Swiss are closely involved with the laws and regulations which affect their lives – and because each canton is different, they are also able to see for themselves which policies work best. For example, one canton might have high taxes and expensive welfare programs, while another might opt for low taxes and private charity. Each Swiss citizen can then decide which policy suits him best and "vote with his feet" by moving to the canton which he finds the most attractive. The result is that good policies tend to drive out bad.
– Advantages Of Decentralization –
Embraces Diversity. One important reason for this de-centralization of power in Switzerland is that, unlike most European countries, Switzerland is made up of several different major ethnic groups – Germans, French, Italians, and Rhaeto-Romansch. Over the centuries, whenever conflicts have arisen between these language groups, and between Catholics and Protestants, the Swiss have resolved the conflict by allowing each of the warring groups to govern themselves. Thus single cantons have divided into half-cantons, new cantons have been formed and border communes have opted to leave one canton to join another. In this way the Swiss have developed a system which permits people of different languages, cultures, religions and traditions to live together in peace and harmony. This makes the Swiss system particularly well suited to ethnically-divided countries.
Maximizes Competition Among Policies. Because so many decisions are made at the local level, the Swiss are closely involved with the laws and regulations which affect their lives – and because each canton is different, they are also able to see for themselves which policies work best. For example, one canton might have high taxes and expensive welfare programs, while another might opt for low taxes and private charity. Each Swiss citizen can then decide which policy suits him best and "vote with his feet" by moving to the canton which he finds the most attractive. The result is that good policies tend to drive out bad.
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Emancipation Proclamation Redux | Don't Tread On Me:
“Government has NOT grown monstrous by taking our rights, but has grown monstrous by assuming our responsibilities. The politicians didn’t say, ‘Vote for me, I will take away your rights.’ They said, ‘Vote for me, I will take away your responsibilities. I will raise and teach your kids. I will save for your retirement. I will be charitable on your behalf.’ Personal responsibility is being liable, accountable, to the consequences of our actions. Consequences teach us. Wisdom and virtue reward us. Recklessness and vice punish us. At gain, we are moral. At peril, we are immoral. Democracy allowed the majority to cheat the natural law of ’cause and effect’, by giving our personal responsibilities to the government, disconnecting our actions from their consequences. Government responsibility has taken from the productive to reward bad behavior and laziness, which over time has made us passive, weak, dependent, and finally obedient because we think we have NO choice.” – Michael Cloud, Massachusetts Libertarian Activist"----
Quote of the Day | Don't Tread On Me:
“The danger to America is not Barack Obama, but a citizenry capable of entrusting an inexperienced man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America . Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president.” -Anonymous"
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