While the way we elect representatives to government is
important, what those who represent us do is also
important . Party politics and the place of party discipline has
meant that members of the legislature are representatives of the
government to the people rather than representing the people to the
government. We should see members reflecting the
people's wishes rather than the government party.
During the Treatry referendum, an Aboriginal member of the
government said that she had to support her team and her leader.
This was a situation where democracy failed to serve her
constituents. As you experience the Citizens' Assembly, this is a
model that we should have for the legistlature. We use random
selection for jury trials. Could it be used for government or used
for an upper chamber that has a veto over the lower house?
Democratic debate reflecting the wishes of the people vs. the game
of politics needs to take place in the legislature and not the
caucus role. We need more wisdom vs. spin doctoring. We are in
desperate need of democracy by the people for the people
rather than party whips making sure everybody supports
the leader and shows up for votes. The term "democratic
deficit" begins to address my concerns but it needs to go further
than Paul Martin is suggesting. Will politics rule or good
government?
I wish you well in your deliberations.
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