This is not democracy

By definition, we are not functioning as a democracy when, across party lines, 2 out of 3 citizens don't think elected officials care what they think, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press

While partisanship is a factor, the current negative trends exist across party lines -- frustration with government and elected officials is growing among Democrats, Republicans and independents alike.

If anyone sees this study cited in their local paper they should write a letter to the editor asking why they are not writing about this obvious complete break down of our democracy.

Working on a post

The relatively limited curriculum in our schools for "applied democracy;" understanding the actual process and how to participate in the day-to-day practice, begins to explain why we are so relatively clueless about how to use democracy in this country. It also raises questions, i.e., who wouldn't think it was in the best interests of the country for every citizen to understand just how much power they had, or the responsibility to oversee congress and set the political agenda?

I'll have more on understanding why we aren't better informed on how to participate in the process and practice of democracy in my next few posts. And if you have your own point of view you can always share it with us in the comment section. It's like democracy, we want everyone to participate.

See you soon

Talk clock time

Listen to Chris Dodd in tonight's debate to hear a politician who understands democracy is for protecting the interests of the citizens, not the government or corporations.

Democracy is a process citizens need to engage in, not a belief system that is part of our ethos!

Blog posts officially start Tuesday

Democracy Daily will be a hybrid social networking blog (New bloggers will continue to join a growing base of regular bloggers) dedicated to re-defining Democracy. Posts will officially begin Tuesday so please stop back then to join in the conversation, offer a post, get involved. Readers will be able to offer posts either through comments or email.

In the meantime "What is Democracy?" Please scroll to the bottom and take a series of very short, quick polls to get a read on how we all, individually, interpret Democracy. Thanks.